Access

We live in a world shaped and determined by security, authority, and access.  In the old days, trust filled the center and edges of your life.  As a child I enjoyed playing somewhere in the neighborhood for hours without my parents knowing exactly where I was.  I rode my bicycle by myself to the bus stop for school.  Life was free.  Everything was possible.  If we were careful in making sure we didn’t talk to strangers, the boundaries were limitless.  Family was just that, family.  Friends were always safe.  God was part of family and friends.
 
Today I don’t look at life in the same way.  People earn trust; I would never assume, much less give it automatically.  Access is limited; granted on a need to have basis.  Conversations are guarded.  One should never assume the benefits of being in relationship exist.  These rules apply to everyone, including God.
 
Sadly, this is not new.  In a crisis, even the chosen ones didn’t think they could talk to God.  Even a king had to send messengers to a prophet.  Their words revealed the depth of the void; “Hezekiah says, ‘This is a black day.  We're in crisis.  We're like pregnant women without even the strength to have a baby!  Do you think your God heard what the Rabshekah said, sent by his master the king of Assyria to mock the living God?  And do you think your God will do anything about it?  Pray for us, Isaiah.  Pray for those of us left here holding the fort!’”  (Isaiah 37.3, 4) 
 
I understand we need to be more careful.  Many believe the world is increasingly dangerous.  This assumption may or may not be true.  Regardless I find myself grappling with an uncertainty.  God is not my enemy.  God can be trusted.  God does not exploit.  God is all about unconditional love.  God is not dependent on my actions, decisions, or choices.  God is passionately interested in helping me achieve the maximum life has to offer.  God does not require an intermediary.  God is accessible to each and everyone.