There was a recent article in our newspaper entitled "Alexa, make me happy". While it was definitely written a bit tongue-in-cheek, can you believe there are people all over the world talking to electronic gadgets to satisfy their wants/needs? Maybe it's entertainment, maybe it's information but maybe it's something much deeper than that. The article states that retailers are actually trying to convince us that if we buy their product, they will "...fulfill us and thereby make us happy". That's called consumerism and it's a dangerous thing to depend on.
Hebrews 4:16 says: "Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." God is just waiting for us to come to Him to meet our needs...not try to meet them with status, ambition, family or material things. I often forget Isaiah 30:18 that "...the LORD longs to be gracious to you". Do you see the word "grace" in that? In our pillow today, a paraphrase of Numbers 6:24, reminds us that blessings come from a gracious God...not some electronic gadget!
The Bible is full of references to prayer or, in simple terms, talking to God. We don't have to have flowery, long speeches to Him, just a word that shows we believe in Him to meet our needs. When He gives us a need He fills it! And, He starts by giving us His Holy Spirit to lead and guide us into truth. Don, my sweet husband, wrote a blog yesterday and he said:
"When my prayers become empty and powerless, I should be warned. In my heart, my loyalties have shifted back to self". Ouch...the reason we don't have is because we don't go to the Lord and ask for things "...according to His will" (1 John 5:14). When we are focused on self, we will not be seeking the things of the Lord. Trust me...I battle daily keeping myself at the bottom of my "to do" list, not the top!
Daily, the love of the Lord and His compassions never fail...they are "...new every morning". (Lamentations 3:23). Make time every day to talk to your God before you talk to your gadgets! You might be amazed at the power He brings into your life.
For further study: Proverbs 15:8, Ecc. 2:26, Isaiah 58:9, Jeremiah 33:3, John 16:13, 2 Cor. 12:9, Phil. 4:6-7, Titus 2:11-12, James 5:13-16.
Be blessed in your understanding of God's word,
Holly
