Treasure in the Clouds
I’ve seen a number of articles recently talking about cloud computing. Though I knew it really wasn’t computers in the clouds, I decided to understand a bit more about it. Basically, it operates like the internet. Instead of retaining software or data on your computer, it resides in a remote server or data center and is accessible anywhere an internet connection is available.
Wikipedia says that “Typical cloud computing providers deliver commonbusiness applications online that are accessed from another Web service or software like a Web browser, while the software and data are stored on servers.” Individuals can store and access their personal data “in the cloud” or some type of remote server; and businesses are moving their data to cloud computing companies who will store their data, maintain the technology infrastructure, and ensure the security of it.
For most individuals and businesses, their most valuable asset is their data or information. Think of it; most of our material possessions are replaceable, and if they cost a lot, they’re also insured. Your house and its contents, your vehicle, and your expensive jewelry are (or should be) insured. Your company’s buildings, equipment, and inventory are insured. Thus, if they are damaged or destroyed, the insurance company will give you the money to replace it.
The only thing that cannot be replaced if it is lost is your data or information. So accounts receivable or payable records, information about customers, financial accounts, marketing strategies, legal records, engineering drawings, manufacturing processes, etc. must all be stored safely to ensure it will never be lost. This is the intelligence or brains of your life and your business, and a valuable treasure. And who among us hasn’t at least once had a moment when an important document we were working on was somehow electronically lost, never to be found by any expert technician; and we didn’t have another copy!!! In fact, you’re even receiving this newsletter via a cloud computing service. So aside from the people in our lives, what we value and treasure most is generally not tangible and must be safeguarded.
My most important treasure is the promises that God has given specifically to me about my life and future. I’ve written them down, read and reread them, meditated and prayed on them. This is the product of who He uniquely created me to be, and its irreplaceable. That’s what gives me purpose and direction. My heart is caught up in Him, and His promises for me. I store my treasure of promises in His clouds, His place of safekeeping that ensures that not one word that He has spoken will be forgotten, lost , nor will fail to come to pass. I want the most important information I own to reside with the One who I know will keep it securely, yet provide access to it whenever I need it. We should give our thoughts, hopes and dreams to God. Rejoice at God’s word as one who finds great treasure in the clouds. (Psalm 119:62)