“The grass withers, the flower fades;
but the word of our God will stand for ever.” Isaiah 40:8
Can you believe that it is already the second month of the New Year? Now that 2021 is in full swing, it feels as if the world is continually changing. Sometimes this is a good thing, such as when the change of the seasons brings us the welcome warmth of spring. Other times, changes can be stressful and sad.
I appreciate the digital age because the wonders of modern technology have proved invaluable for people with disabilities. Using my iPad, I can enlarge the text on Bible commentaries and listen to audio recordings of my favorite theologians; however, now that the entire world has gone digital, I must confess that I get so tired of looking at screens all day.
I was complaining to a dear friend about this recently, and he suggested that I try using a typewriter to work on my sermons or to write my next book. “I think you’ll really like it,” he said. “With a typewriter, you can let your thoughts and ideas flow. Writing on a computer is just making dots on the screen.”
I managed to find a blue Smith Corona typewriter from around 1970. At first, I experienced a significant learning curve. I couldn’t figure out how to feed paper into the machine and I kept jamming it. But after one evening with my little typewriter, fell in love.
The clacking of the keys lulled me into a sense of rhythm as I worked on the first draft of my sermon about Jonah and the Whale. No notifications buzzed through from my email while I was trying to concentrate. Instead, the typewriter’s bell made a satisfying ding each time I reached the end of a line. Soon, I had piled up several pages next to me.
The past has a lot of wisdom, and there is a great deal to be said for an analog life. Unplugging and stepping away from the constant bustle of society can help us to connect to God. For some people, this might look like taking a walk in nature to connect with the Holy Spirit. For others, it might be writing down their prayers by hand in a prayer journal.
It’s a lot to think about as 2021 stretches out before us. How can we maintain our human connection to God and to one another in a digital world?
For my part, I will continue to do my best to preserve the old ways by combining them with the best of the digital world. I will keep using my little typewriter, but after the first draft, I will scan the pages into my computer using an app on my iPhone. Then I will enlarge and edit the text in Microsoft Word.
The Word of God is ancient, steadfast, and unchanging. As Christians, we are faced with a very unique challenge: How can we help the modern world to understand the wisdom of our ancient heritage of faith? How can we harness modern technology to spread the word of God, without letting it dominate our lives? The Word of God is always constant, and the Fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom.
With God, all things are possible. United as a church family, we can continue to share God’s unchanging love with an ever changing world. I’m excited to be on this journey with you.
God Bless,
–Rev. Rebecca
This post is part of the series, “His Encouragement: Thursday Thoughts to Strengthen Your Soul.”
Now, it’s your turn! What Scripture verse is inspiring you this week? Let me know in the comments below! I’m excited to join with a group of blogging friends in order to offer you a weekly devotional which will be posted every Thursday.
Please be sure to check out the other great bloggers involved in the His Encouragement weekly series!
Trisha @ Joy of Reading
Nicole @ Christian Fiction Girl
Jacquelyn @ A Heavenly Home
Jessica @ A Baker’s Perspective
Becca @ The Becca Files
Jenny @ Author Jenny Lynn
Gina @ Stories By Gina
Andi @ Radiant Light
Leslie @ Words of Hope
Claudia @ By Claudia Moser
Rev. Rebecca Writes 
This past week I was feeling sad about having Nystagmus, the verse about being made perfectly in his image came to my mind.
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