We’ve all seen this recent cultural trend:

“Your father is going in for heart surgery? Sending good thoughts!”

“Important job interview? Sending positive vibes!”

“Serious diagnosis? Sending healing energy!”

As a Christian, I can’t help but note the incongruity of these sentiments in place of an offer for prayer in response to troubling news.

I don’t mean to disparage words of kindness. When someone conveys such expressions to me, I am genuinely grateful for the show of concern, but at the same time I’m baffled by the implication.

You’re going to “send” me a positive thought? How does that work exactly? Do you have the power to emit something from your brain that can alleviate my suffering?

And are you really going to devote time to intense meditation on my misfortune? Are you going to close yourself into a room and concentrate until your brain expels something that will have a tangible impact on my circumstances?

I don’t think most people really believe that. I think it’s just something to say when they don’t know what else to say. I think it’s a way of saying, “I feel bad for you, and I really hope everything works out ok.” And I appreciate those words of compassion.

However, I’m glad I still have people in my life who offer to pray for me during painful circumstances, because I believe in a God who hears those prayers and responds with great power and compassion.

When did we become a society that scoffs at the idea of a miracle-working God, but then freely ascribes miraculous powers to ourselves?

As for me, I possess no such power. If you’re in the midst of a devastating trauma, there is nothing I can send forth from my brain that will help you. The best I can do is to offer to pray to a God who truly does have the power to come to your aid.

The fact that I am able to do that is really quite miraculous. I can communicate with the very Creator of the universe and He listens and responds to my plea. The God of unsurpassed power, wisdom, love, compassion, mercy and kindness is willing to hear to my prayer for you, and is able to help you in your time of need.

I know this because He has helped me countless times. He looks upon me and my problems with great compassion and concern. He loves me as His very own child. He watches over me as the apple of His eye. He is enthralled with me. He delights in me.

When someone messes with me, He takes it personally and vows to take vengeance on my behalf. He keeps track of my sorrows and records them in His book.

He supernaturally removes obstacles from my path, but leaves the ones that will make me better and stronger.  And He alone has the wisdom to know the difference.

He binds up my wounds, heals my heartaches, comforts me, guides me, defends me, protects me, and loves me like no other ever could.

If you can “send” me something from your mind that compares with that, I’m intrigued and would love to know more about it. But if not, and if you’re interested, I’d be happy to tell you more about Him.