It’s early summer. During an evening walk in the woods, I discover small strawberries along the edge of the path. I love the intensely sweet taste of these berries. But today the taste doesn’t seem as intense as usual. Oops, it occurs to me that I had snacked on some gummy strawberries shortly before taking this walk. In contrast to the extreme, artificial sweetness, the real strawberries in the woods suddenly seem boring. It’s a shame that I’m not able to really enjoy the little berries as a result.

Is it possible that we also encounter a similar effect in other areas of our lives? We love Netflix sitcoms and dive into fictional families’ lives and friendships, while we become increasingly lonely and incapable of relationships. We have accounts on various social media platforms, but it’s difficult for us to build true friendships. That which we actually desire–genuine closeness and connection–is robbed from us through our excessive consumption of “artificially satisfying substitutions.”

We long for true real relationships and true love. God is the inventor of life–of real life. He is a God who wants to have a relationship with you. In him you will find your home, and your lonely or hurt heart can experience relief and become whole.

What’s keeping you back from a genuine relationship with God and the people around you?

Applicable Bible text: Romans 8:14-17