Can digital information get more in your face than it does right now? I’m afraid so, and even more, which boggles the imagination. Will all this ‘progress’ be for the best? To improve our lives? Some will. Usually does. But an unforeseen, dire consequence can rear its ugly head. And will. And does.

More than ever, we’ll need to be vigilant with what we, as Christians, allow into our minds and hearts. Bombarded with digital memes (whatever that is!) requires us to be gatekeepers and bouncers, restraining and tossing out what detracts from our worship and love of our Lord Jesus.

Hear what Psalm 85: 8 says–‘Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints; but let them not turn back to folly.’ Here’s the hard part for me– to concentrate on what the Lord God says. To really hang onto His Word, listening intently to our Lord. This involves more than hearing. It’s a commitment to follow, to obey what He says. Am I a good listener? To God in His Word, the Bible? Not just me. How about you?

After all, look what comes our way– His peace, God’s ‘shalom’, as this verse promises. ‘…he will speak peace to his people, to his saints’ (v.8). There’s more– His encouragement and hope along with good news–‘Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other…Yes, the Lord will give what is good…’ (vs.10,12).

But, unfortunately, not for everyone. The psalmist makes an exclusive claim–‘…to his people, to his saints…’ Peace comes from our Lord to those who trust Him. Those who want more than a surface religion. Much more than a facade that looks good on the outside, but lacks a dedicated personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Here comes another warning–‘…but let them not turn back to folly’ (v.8). This refers to believers. Stay far away from stupid stuff! From nasty voices screaming at us to be #1 again at all costs, no matter who we hurt. Those modern Sirens with alluring voices beckon us to crash on the rocks of some ungodly shoreline. To allow what is sinful in our culture to once again find a home in our hearts and churches–‘…but let them not turn back to folly’ (v.8).

‘Folly’ in Old Testament Hebrew means something moronic, pea-brained while becoming a dim-witted dunderhead. It’s way too easy to return to our old ‘normal’ rather than move ahead with our Lord. So, get out of old Dead Head City as quickly as you can. Don’t look back as salty Lot’s wife did.

But here’s the rub. How to do that? Without becoming a hermit, locked safe and secure in some isolated cave. As in frittering away time, never getting back what we’ve allowed to slip through our fingers. Lazy. A slothful sluggard loosely holding onto the Savior. A fairweather follower of Jesus. Time and weather permitting. Can I borrow your TV Guide?

I know which decision I’d like to make. But knowing myself, I’d better lean in on God’s mercy and forgiveness to make up for all the squandered time regurgitating bitter thoughts and rehashing old wounds with worry replacing faith and trust way too often. The world crashes in through our back door without a godly lock in sight. Oy, veh! Enough is enough, already!

How about it? Time to get off your duff and get moving for Jesus? To get into God’s Word more often than not? You’ll have much to gain. Some needed peace. And hope. And clearer thinking while being less muddleheaded. Focusing more on all the good that comes directly from our God than the muck and slime that comes from you know where.

Now that’s heading in the right direction. For a change. Toward Jesus.

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for the bright future you have stored up for me. Amen.