Our Father, Google
11:03 PM
While scrolling through Pinterest recently, I came across an article, "How to Store Your Food." I found myself laughing at the ridiculousness of such a piece, when suddenly I stopped. While asking myself why someone would read this, I suddenly realized, I learned lessons like that from my mother and not the media. Where once when you had a question, or were in need of some practical advice, you would turn to your parents or even grand parents, the now instantaneous response is to pull out your phone and do a Google search. From how to cook an egg ,to getting a date, Google has become the source of all knowledge.
Some searches are merely entertaining. It's truly amazing what you can find on the internet. Other questions are a bit more alarming. Strangely enough, Google invites the anonymity necessary for complete and total honesty. It's a confessional, a burial place for all our darker thoughts, only here there is no need for 20 "Hail Marys" and a lifetime of penance. Google is more discreet than any friend and always there for us 24/7. Google never fails. Google can even predict what we're going to say before we say it. Google finishes our sentences.
And yet, when I close my laptop and turn off my phone, Google isn't there anymore. And although it's super helpful when facing practical problems like what to do when I drop my phone in water, or how to plan my next vacation, Google doesn't have the answers to my heart's dilemmas. When I'm having a really rough day and I'm wondering if I'll ever find the right guy or get married in time to have kids, Google can't predict that. When one of the people who means the most to me dies suddenly, there is no internet search that can answer the world's most succinct and painful question, "why?"
We've all stumbled onto message boards and chat rooms for people struggling with similar issues, but although they offer comfort and understanding and maybe even some good ideas about how to deal with a situation, they often leave you feeling cold and more alone than before. Because, in reality, Google doesn't know you. People on the internet don't really know you even if you open up to them in ways you don't to those directly in your life.
I see only one solution for our heart's cry to be understood, known, loved, and accepted. I believe there is only one person to run to with the problems good old Google can't handle for us, God. Jesus promised when He left, it would be better for us because He would send His Holy Spirit. He is, in essence, God's Google. I don't mean that in a blasphemous way. He is what we're really looking for when we face a tough problem. He is the voice directing you, leading you, guiding you, and comforting you. He's the one who's there when no one else is, when you are faced with a situation you can't handle and problems that overwhelm you. He's the Comforter, the Helper, the kindhearted advocate. He isn't just soft. No, He's not afraid to give you a straight answer and to convict you when it's necessary. He's also the wisest counselor you'll ever get. The wonderful thing is, He doesn't just lead, He opens doors no man can shut. Heck, He opens doors nobody knew existed in the first place! And, He's accessible. For some unbelievable reason, the God of the universe, who is oh so aware of every aspect of your life, good bad and ugly, is also nuts about you.
It is said that at the beginning of time when all was right with the world, that God used to walk with his creation in a beautiful garden in the cool of the day. I think He rather enjoyed those walks and I wonder if He doesn't miss them quite a lot. When you come back to Him and follow Him and ask Him to fill you with His Holy Spirit, you both win. He gets your heart to love and to walk with you the rest of your life. And you, finally get to understand what it means to be loved. Every time you need Him, He will be there for you. It's a promise. "He will never leave or forsake you." So, the next time you find yourself asking Google "What should I do with my life?" or "What type of mate is right for me?" turn instead to the one with the ultimate perspective and enjoy a walk with Him in the cool of the day. He won't just answer your questions, He'll change your life.
Rachel
Some searches are merely entertaining. It's truly amazing what you can find on the internet. Other questions are a bit more alarming. Strangely enough, Google invites the anonymity necessary for complete and total honesty. It's a confessional, a burial place for all our darker thoughts, only here there is no need for 20 "Hail Marys" and a lifetime of penance. Google is more discreet than any friend and always there for us 24/7. Google never fails. Google can even predict what we're going to say before we say it. Google finishes our sentences.
And yet, when I close my laptop and turn off my phone, Google isn't there anymore. And although it's super helpful when facing practical problems like what to do when I drop my phone in water, or how to plan my next vacation, Google doesn't have the answers to my heart's dilemmas. When I'm having a really rough day and I'm wondering if I'll ever find the right guy or get married in time to have kids, Google can't predict that. When one of the people who means the most to me dies suddenly, there is no internet search that can answer the world's most succinct and painful question, "why?"
We've all stumbled onto message boards and chat rooms for people struggling with similar issues, but although they offer comfort and understanding and maybe even some good ideas about how to deal with a situation, they often leave you feeling cold and more alone than before. Because, in reality, Google doesn't know you. People on the internet don't really know you even if you open up to them in ways you don't to those directly in your life.
I see only one solution for our heart's cry to be understood, known, loved, and accepted. I believe there is only one person to run to with the problems good old Google can't handle for us, God. Jesus promised when He left, it would be better for us because He would send His Holy Spirit. He is, in essence, God's Google. I don't mean that in a blasphemous way. He is what we're really looking for when we face a tough problem. He is the voice directing you, leading you, guiding you, and comforting you. He's the one who's there when no one else is, when you are faced with a situation you can't handle and problems that overwhelm you. He's the Comforter, the Helper, the kindhearted advocate. He isn't just soft. No, He's not afraid to give you a straight answer and to convict you when it's necessary. He's also the wisest counselor you'll ever get. The wonderful thing is, He doesn't just lead, He opens doors no man can shut. Heck, He opens doors nobody knew existed in the first place! And, He's accessible. For some unbelievable reason, the God of the universe, who is oh so aware of every aspect of your life, good bad and ugly, is also nuts about you.
It is said that at the beginning of time when all was right with the world, that God used to walk with his creation in a beautiful garden in the cool of the day. I think He rather enjoyed those walks and I wonder if He doesn't miss them quite a lot. When you come back to Him and follow Him and ask Him to fill you with His Holy Spirit, you both win. He gets your heart to love and to walk with you the rest of your life. And you, finally get to understand what it means to be loved. Every time you need Him, He will be there for you. It's a promise. "He will never leave or forsake you." So, the next time you find yourself asking Google "What should I do with my life?" or "What type of mate is right for me?" turn instead to the one with the ultimate perspective and enjoy a walk with Him in the cool of the day. He won't just answer your questions, He'll change your life.
Rachel
images via pinterest
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