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Listen while you read: "Jesus Loves Even Me"1 (Lyrics) |
The world-wide, ever-increasing pace of life in general — encouraged by the onset of technical advances which allow for immediate access and interaction with others through a simple phone device — is drastically changing our lives.
Social media extend and multiply that access, allowing us to be recognized personally around the world. Although some of it can be helpful, most of it is surface recognition that has little depth or meaning, especially when it interrupts a real social get-together, such as a business meeting, a meal, or a family gathering.
But lately, I've noticed an increase in comments from people looking for respite from the faster pace of life, all of them wishing that it would slow down. However, we are unwittingly caught up in it. Texting is so much faster and cheaper than phoning. Let's confirm that pickup time now … oh, and what are you wearing? See how well it works? No voice contact required.
No matter how young and/or technically capable we are, we can process only so much information in depth at one time.
Back in the last century, when our teenagers were studying, they frequently tried to convince us, their parents, that they were perfectly capable of doing their homework while tuned in to their favourite radio station. Thankfully, we eventually won out. Studies have shown that the human brain is better able to absorb, understand, and memorize information in peaceful surroundings. Taking information in is one thing; learning it is something else.
So, too, when our bodies and minds are quiet, we are better able to narrow the spiritual space between ourselves and God. He has told us, "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10 NIV), and He will do the rest.
Luke 5:16 – But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. (NIV)
Mark 6:31b – [Jesus] said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." (NIV)
In light of this, let us all make an extra effort to find our own personal quiet place daily, to get away from the fast pace of life for some respite, and share some quiet time with God. If we use this time also to simply listen, He will take it from there.
Prayer: Dear Father Lord, we so badly need Your peace, yet we are increasingly filling every waking moment with information that we think is important, and sharing it technologically around the world with increasing speed. We ask You to show each one of us how to slow down and share more precious time alone with You. Thank You for hearing our prayers for a closer walk with You. Amen.
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A needed word Deana.
Thank you Deanna. So necessary and requires real commitment.
And may the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you also, this day and always. Thanks for sharing. Blessings.
Amen! Best day I’ve had in a while is when my cell phone broke.
Blessings.
Excellent devotional Deana, and so timely. Even in retirement we are controlled by these devices and it is difficult to be still.
Thank you.
A wonderful devotion, Deana! We do need to shut out all the technological “noise” around us so we can better hear the voice of Our Heavenly Father.
Do keep writing!
Hi Deana,
We all need some quiet time every once in a while and as I have aged I notice I need it more, more time to study the word, write and research. Thank you for your good words today.
Hi Deana
The details aren’t material. Your devotional today spoke volumes into my life today. Praise the Lord Jesus for ministry such as this. God bless you.
Thank you, Deana, for that devotional today.
I didn’t have internet or an iPhone when I was growing up. Now I find I must limit my time or I could be “caught up” in it as well. How easy it is to read emails and check Facebook and then not have time for devotions.
God deserves our time more than the Internet does – except of course for devotions such as this.
Blessings,
(ON)
Dear Deana,
Your devotional really spoke to me. As I am going on 86 years of age, I am often overwhelmed with all the technology I am supposed to understand. I have walked with the Lord all my life since I was blessed with a devoted Christian mother and I thank God daily for her. I know more than ever before how important it is to have a quiet time with God at the beginning of my day.
Thank you so much for this beautiful beginning 9-11-16.
(B.C.)
I agree with your fundamental thesis; the changing of our times, the response of people, your clarity in presenting the scripture (Psalms 46:10, Luke 5:16 & Mark 6:31b). You made one statement that I cannot agree with (this isn’t intended to be taken seriously).
You said that texting is faster and cheaper.
My landline is 100{8395b6ce96fcf25a14d80edc3b65c36a8995b6c1ba5f8c16ac11d8adaa79f35b} free with no long distance fee 24 hours per day, 7 days per week anywhere in the USA. No long distance charges on my cell phone within the USA. My real point is texting. There is no time save there for me. My grandchildren laugh at my dreadful slowness and multitude of errors. For them it is almost as fast as using the computer keyboard. Because I no longer have any use of one hand it slows me down.
Thanks for the devotional.
Thank you Deana for a great reminder to leave “margins” in our life.
God bless you.