Psalm 46:10 – Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! (ESV)

Being still is not easy; in fact, it is more difficult now than ever before. We have become technology gluttons, bombarded with a cacophony of smart phones, computers, tablets, iPads, radio, and television. 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 (or lack thereof) with the Creator.

For others, staying plugged-in is a habit; they can't think, work, or play without background sounds. Many need such 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 that 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 manoeuvre safely around her, I tried again, "Hello! Good morning." She never looked up or acknowledged that I was there.

I imagine that God calls out to us above the clamour 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 our attention, He will get through. However, by allowing stillness in our lives — to think about God and permit 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!

Philippians 4:8-9 – Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things. (NIV)

Prayer: Dear God, help us to unplug from the noise and distractions in our lives — to be still — so that we can hear You, obey You, and use our talents to serve You more effectively. Amen.

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About the author:

Sarah Keith <sarah@sundayschoolnetwork.com>
West Palm Beach, Florida, USA
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