"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the
earth!" Psalm 46:10 (ESV).
Being still is not easy; in fact, it is more difficult than ever before. Can you relate? We have become technology gluttons, bombarded with a cacophony of smart phones, computers, tablets, i-pads, radios, and TVs. From sun-up to sun-down, the sights and sounds never stop. As we move through our day, we must take some time to unplug—literally—from the world.
Some people stay plugged-in to run from reality. As long as their minds are filled with these noisy distractions, they don't have to think about or evaluate their decisions in life, their relationships with others, or their relationship with the
Creator (or lack thereof) .
For others, staying plugged-in is a habit; they can't think, work, or play without background sounds. Many
even need the noise to lull them to sleep.
On a recent bicycle ride, I came up behind a speed walker wearing earplugs. The pathway was narrow. To let her know I was coming I called out, "Good morning!" No reply. I called out again, a bit louder, "Good morning! Can you hear me?" No reply. "Hello, behind you!" I called out again as my bike inched closer. Again, nothing. Slowing down to maneuver safely around her, I tried again, "Hello, good morning." She never looked up or acknowledged I was there.
I imagine that God calls out to us above the clamor saying, "Hello, can you hear me now?" When there's a steady stream of noise in our lives and we're always "plugged-in," we are allowing the world to mould our minds and determine our thoughts, which makes cultivating a deeper relationship with God more difficult. The Holy Spirit can certainly penetrate the constant
din—and one way or another if he wants to get your attention he will get through. However, by allowing stillness in our
lives—to think about God, and permitting our souls to marinate in his Word as we work and
play—God will speak to us in new ways; and we will hear him—maybe for the first time!
"Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these
things" Philippians 4:8-9 (ESV).
Prayer
Dear God, Help me to unplug from the noise and distractions in my life—to be
still—so that I can hear you, obey you, and use my talents to serve you more effectively. Amen.
Copyright 2012 / 2019 Sarah A. Keith
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