God Shouldn't Be a Facebook Friend (Aug 8)

We all probably have a set of “really close” friends and a bunch of “not as close” friends. We have the people that we hang out with all of the time and we have the people that we see somewhat often and still enjoy being around. And we probably also have the folks that we lost touch with and always figure we'll catch up some day. For years people have used letters, the telephone, and more recently email and online chat to keep in touch with people that they don't see too often (possibly they live too far away or such). Today, it seems that many people have turned to “social networking” sites such as Facebook to keep in touch with friends and family or reconnect with people with whom they've lost touch. I don't use Facebook much, but I have found it to be a handy way to keep tabs on family in Michigan and talk occasionally to some friends that I don't see too much. It's also a handy way to share photos and such. But it also brings into light a whole new category of friend: the Facebook friend. These are people that you know, but you hardly ever talk to them. They are in your list and you see all of the things that they write and the pictures that they share. You have a good idea of what cool things they're up to, etc., but you don't really ever talk. They're not any kind of companion and you don't really share much of anything, except an occasional stream of facts and tidbits from their life. It's weird. I suppose it's better than no contact at all, but it seems kind of detached or something. It's a weird kind of phenomenon I guess.

Something that God has been speaking to my heart lately is the need to be close to Him. He wants me to spend more time talking to Him in prayer, reading and studying His word, and worshiping and praising Him. I was walking along and talking to Him the other day, expressing my desire to know Him more and not be too detached and I thought about that new concept of “friend”. I don't want God to be that kind of friend to me. I want Him to be a close friend, one that is always nearby, one that I can always talk to, one that knows my heart (and I know His), and one that is forever and ever. You might have a friend like that and also a friend that is more of an acquaintance that you hear from every now and then, so you probably know what I'm talking about.

So, don't just read/hear a few things about God from time to time and ignore Him most of the time. Don't be disconnected and separate. Spend time with God and let your friendship, fellowship, and relationship be real.

Psalm 145:18

The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.

Psalm 16:8

I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.

Psalm 89:15

Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! They walk, O Lord, in the light of Your countenance.

Revelation 21:3

And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.

James 4:8

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Micah 4:5

For all people walk each in the name of his god, but we will walk in the name of the Lord our God Forever and ever.