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The Barna Group (a research firm specializing in religious issues) recently released a major study of how our culture has changed in just the last 10 years.
Part of the report focused on technology. Among the many goals of technology, it is undeniable that at least in part, the idea is for our technological advances to make life easier and to connect us to each other. There should be less stress and stronger relationships.
Ten years ago there were no “smart phones” to speak of, no Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, not even Wikipedia.
However, today we are, generally speaking, much more stressed out. For example, 10 years ago the most popular answer to the innocent question, “How are you?” used to be “Good.” Today’s most popular answer: “Busy.” Most everyone feels stressed out! Additionally, 10 years ago, only one out of every 10 people surveyed classified themselves as lonely. Today, that number has jumped to three out of every 10 people. We appear to be busier and more stressed out than we have even been. Let us be reminded: “Be still, and know that I am God” (Ps. 46:10).
We appear to be more lonely than we have ever been before. Let us be reminded: “The Lord of hosts is with us” (Ps. 46:11).
Maybe today, when someone asks us, “How are you?” we can say, “Good, because I know that God is with me and He satisfies the longing of my soul!”
“For He satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul He fills with good things” (Ps. 107:9).
“He fulfills the desire of those who fear Him; He I also hears their cry and saves them.” (Ps. 145:19)
Bart Warren
S. Green St. church of Christ
Glasgow, KY