God & Google.
I was thinking this morning about how much it would change our lives for the better if we treated our relationship with God the way we treat our relationship with Google. Stay with me in this.
Think about how frequently we turn to Google for help. Not sure how to get somewhere? Google it. Need a recipe for dinner? Google it. Not sure how to fix something at home? Google it. Want to know how many times is too many times to watch Star Wars in one lifetime…that one’s a trick because we all know you can’t actually watch Star Wars too many times. My point is, think about how often we turn to Google for help in our hour of need. I’m not saying you should pray when you need directions rather than Googling them. But I hope you get my point.
Think about what would happen if we turned our attention to God as often as we turn our attention to Google.
That’s essentially what David models in Psalm 63:6-8. He says,
“When I think of you as I lie on my bed, I meditate on you during the night watches because you are my helper; I will rejoice in the shadow of your wings. I follow close to you; your right hand holds on to me.”
Notice, he acknowledges God as his helper, his refuge, and his stabilizing support. Furthermore, I want you to specifically notice how the reality of who God is provoked three responses from David…the same three response God’s character should provoke in us…
Meditation.
David says, “When I think of you as I lie on my bed, I meditate on you during the night watch BECAUSE you are my helper…” Hebrew word “meditate” means “to reflect deeply.” When was the last time you sat and reflected deeply on who God is? Most of us are absorbed in coronavirus news and memes right now…we’re reflecting deeply on those things. Imagine the impact it would have on your mind to shift that attention and energy to the character and nature of God.
Rejoicing.
David says, “I will rejoice in the shadow of your wings.” David pictures the shielding, protective nature of God’s care as a mother bird would use a wing to protect babies. This is again turning worry to worship. Rather than live in the current of constant concern, we can rejoice that we have a refuge in the midst of conditions outside our control.
Following.
David ends v8 saying, “I follow close to you; your right hand holds on to me.” My kids never stick closer to me than when we’re in a situation that causes them anxiety. Holding my hand when we walk through a large crowd, for instance, brings them the peace of my presence. They know I won’t let go and that as long as they’re with me, they’re safe. Friends, to an infinitely greater degree, that’s exactly what we have in God.
So here’s my encouragement to you today: We’re now being bombarded with all sorts of advice of how to make it through this season. Even this blog is yet another voice attempting to help you order your inner life in a way that helps you survive and thrive in the season. The liability we face, is allowing ourselves to be overwhelmed with advice we don’t implement.
Ideas that aren’t implemented provide no practical value.
So even if we only choose one of these three responses today, that’s so much better than doing nothing with what David has shown us.
So maybe you need to reflect deeply on who God is today, picking one attribute like the fact that He is your helper, and thinking deeply about what that implies. Maybe you need to rejoice in who He is, making a list of all the ways God is good. Maybe you need to follow Him more closely, by setting reminders to stop a few times today and re-center your heart on God’s presence with you.
Think about what would happen if we turned our attention to God as often as we turn our attention to Google. It would change everything for us. So let’s choose a way to actively turn our attention to God today.
Let’s pray…
Father, you are our helper, our refuge, and our stabilizing support. Help us turn our attention to you. Help us reflect deeply on who you are. Help us rejoice in your protection. Help us follow you closely and find your right hand stabilizing our hearts. We love you and need you. Amen.