HERE IN THE WORLD IS GOD?
40 Days of Devotions for Today's World
These devotions face our 21st century world squarely by taking us on a journey of four questions: Where in the world is God? Where is God in my world? Where am I in God's world? Where is God in his world? Throughout these devotions, current issues in a high-tech world meet the scrutiny of a Scripture passage which draws us to the God of our salvation through Jesus Christ. Welcome to the journey!
--Where Is God In My World?--
DEVOTION 20: Text Messaging
So teach us to count our days that we may gain a wise heart. PSALM 90:12
In this hectic world where time seems so limited, we welcome new technology like text messaging. How convenient to send a brief message and get a timely answer back in a grocery store, stadium or car. But could our convenient world of texting ignore others who are right next to us? Does it show disrespect at a school graduation or family gathering? Could text messaging even become addictive as a substitute for God or for prayer? We look to the text of Scripture for answers.
While the concept of text messaging is far-removed from the mind of the Psalmist, his words speak to the underlying concept of time management. Asking God to "teach us to count our days" is something we need to do when we may find ourselves sending out countless texts a day. Our time is precious and should be treasured and used to "gain a wise heart." Part of "gaining a wise heart" means taking a real interest in people, really listening and really communicating in a productive way. Can this be done through text messaging? Perhaps. But as humans in the world, we need help from God. So we echo the words of the Psalmist, who asks of the Lord at the end of Psalm 90: "Let the favor of the Lord be upon us, and prosper for us the work of our hands."
Lord, enter my world with your love that I may send messages of love to others. AMEN.
From WHERE IN THE WORLD IS GOD: 40 Days of Devotions for Today's World, by Stephen J. Carter, copyright, Creative Communications for the Parish. www.creativecommunications.com