My new home came equipped with a Ring doorbell. I don’t know who thought of that invention, but it is truly remarkable. Of course, it didn’t come without its complications. For you to get the intended use out of this device, it has to be connected to your wifi signal in your home, and then also to a device with audio/video capability (cellphone, tablet, laptop/desktop computer).

The instructions that come with the doorbell are pretty straightforward and lead you through the steps to install. The doorbell was already physically in place and connected to electricity. The only thing left to do was to connect to the wifi and to my preferred device. Here’s where the hiccup came. I went through the steps to complete the installation, and in the end it would not recognize or connect to the wifi. The doorbell still worked, you could press the button and the bell would ring notifying you someone was at the door. The a/v portion didn’t work and so its most desired properties were not available. The ability to see who was at your door remotely, to speak to them and have them speak back to you, were not functioning. What a bummer.

Sounds trivial, I know. The functions however, provide a sense of security and peace of mind. Being able to see who is at your door before you physically get up and go to answer can be a big deal. If a delivery person is dropping off a package, you can simply wait to go retrieve it when its convenient. If someone is at the door and you happen to be occupied and cannot go to open the door, you can let them know you’ll be with them momentarily. Another added feature is the device has a proximity range that triggers the camera and so you can see if someone is passing by your residence, maybe even engaging in some activity you need to be aware of. These are nice features and provide a sense of peace of mind.

One of the other features of the Ring doorbell is, I get alerts when any unsavory activity takes place in the neighborhood and even extending out a ways from where I reside. I get alerts about robberies, burglaries, even violent actions that have taken place. It makes me aware of what’s happening so I can take precautions to stay safe.

Many of us are extremely safety conscious these days. We are concerned for our personal safety, and the safety of those we love. Some of us take it to extremes such as installing intricate alarm systems, lots of perimeter and interior cameras. We become hyper vigilant about our surroundings. All of this serves to heighten our awareness of what is happening around us.

Have we gone a little overboard? Are we placing our trust in our own ability to secure ourselves? Its prudent to take the steps needed to be safe, but is there a point of overkill? At what point do we simply say, God knows my needs and God will be with me?

We don’t want to be so concerned with our techno gadgets that we miss the opportunity to lean and depend on God, and in doing so being acutely aware of how much of our life truly does depend on who created us.

In Psalm 139:2-3 the Psalmist says, “You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways.” Do you hear what the Psalmist is trying to convey? God knows everything about us, everything that is going on around us, and is present with us at all times. Sure, we do the things that are prudent when it comes to safety and security, but ultimately, God is present and that’s where our real sense of security should lie.

In Psalm 121:2-4 we’re told, “My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” Its great to have devices that can assist us when it comes to feeling safe, but knowing the One who made me is watching over me, is better than any Ring video or notification. Knowing God cares where I place every footstep, and is vigilant over me day and night is what really lets me sleep soundly and awake with a sense of peace.

My prayer for you today; May you recognize God’s presence in and around you at all times. May God’s presence and God’s watching over you give you the freedom to live the abundant life God intends for you.

Love and Peace,

Pastor Tom