When we think of the pace of life, we are pressured into
thinking that we are moving too slowly in this fast paced world. I happen to believe
we move too fast, or to put it more accurately: we mismanage our time more
often than we are willing to admit. In this techno-crazed world we have every
time-saving device you could ever imagine, yet no one ever has any time. Take a
moment to think about that…if you have time that is.
We feel as if we are being robbed of time as if there is
never enough. Within our hearts we might be saying, “So many responsibilities,
and so little time.” Let us be reminded, there are still only 24 hours in a
day. Since the beginning of time this has been the case. Many don’t have enough
time to even read a few paragraphs such as these. They may hurriedly skim through
and not retain a word saying, “I am so busy!”
It is incredible to think of how we
hide behind the phrase, “I am so busy!” Busy doing what? The traffic on social
media has skyrocketed even negatively affecting productivity in workplaces
during normal business hours. We are so busy with technology; we can’t even put
the gadgets down long enough to safely drive from point A to point B, have a
meal, or to genuinely communicate with our spouse and kids…and most important
of all, our Heavenly Father.
A few years ago I visited Obion County, Tennessee where my
ancestors settled in the 1800’s. I can see a benefit of living in that time
period without the technology of our day with all of its distractions. Stories
are told of how that generation rose early in the morning to accomplish their
tasks for the day and went to bed not long after sundown to rest as a result of
the satisfaction of completing their work. We learn they had a steady pace, a
rhythm. They rested; a necessity that is so uncommon today. They didn’t have
Facebook; they had actual Face-Time. They didn’t text family members in the
same room; they had this innovative idea of talking to one another using eye
contact immersed with a heart of love. They didn’t sit at the dinner table
checking their phone every few seconds; they enjoyed a home-cooked meal, one
savory bite at a time, and had family conversations that brought nourishment to
the soul. My point isn’t to say that technology is a bad thing; it can be used
for good. However, it leads me to another age old phrase, “All in moderation.” To
put it another way, refrain from overdoing it. Take healthy breaks from
devices. Wipe the dust off a book or some sporting equipment that may be used
out in the yard. Don’t allow gadgets to be a substitute for real life and
authentic relationships, especially with the Lord.
God established life to be steady and fulfilling. You might
be asking, “Why then is my life so unstable and out of control?” First, we
humans made a mess of things with our sin. The first place to start is a
genuine relationship with Jesus Christ. If you haven’t yet invited Him to be
the Master of your life, the One who captain’s your ship through every storm; I
invite you, in fact, implore you to invite Him into your life right now! You
can get on your knees and pray a simple yet powerful prayer from your heart,
“Lord Jesus, I confess that I am a sinner. I believe You are God’s only Son who
died on the cross for my sins and arose on the third day. I receive your
forgiveness. You wash away every stain of my sin with your precious blood. Jesus, come into
my heart. I surrender my life to You completely. Lord, thank you for loving me
so much! Amen” This is the first step in a new direction. God will direct your
heart to a Bible-teaching church where His truth is taught and where His people
will surround you with love and grace. Now, through the Holy Spirit, you will
be able to understand and be equipped to apply His Word to your life.
We have the assurance that the answer to every question can
be found in the Bible. Psalm 46:10a says, “Be still and know that I am God.”
The first two words give us so much insight, “Be still.” What does this mean in
our lives today? The NASB says, “Cease striving.” In other words, TRUST GOD!
When we’re tempted to worry and fear, we must determine to believe God and rely
on Him with every fiber of our being! When we hear the whispers of the enemy
that fill us with anxiety, we must silence them with the Word of God. 2
Corinthians 10:5 says, “We are destroying speculations and every
lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to
the obedience of Christ.” This is the authority we have in Christ!
I urge you to take some quality
time today to “Be Still” in the presence of the Lord. He will meet you there,
calm your fears, silence all the noise, and fill your heart with His peace that
passes understanding!
Thank you for taking time as a
reader. I welcome your input as we grow in our relationship with Jesus
together. If this has encouraged your heart, and I pray it does, please invite
a friend to visit that they too will be encouraged. Many blessings!
