Day 81: Be Still

Shhh... be quiet. Turn off the television, the radio (do people still use those?), the media player on your computer. Shut down YouTube and Twitter and Facebook and Myspace. Turn off any electronic device(s) in your pocket or purse (or at least put it/them on silent). Step off the grid for a minute. Tune out the world. Just be silent and still.

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
~Psalm 46:10 (KJV)

As a society, we have become hopelessly dependent on our electronic devices--cell phones, iPhones, iPads, computers, and laptops. Heaven forbid if we go a day without checking our email or an hour without checking our favorite social networking site(s). People would rather text like there's no tomorrow instead of sitting with someone to have a real conversation. I would even prefer a phone call over a text or an email. You can't convey emotion in writing (particularly a "txt") like you can verbally. And it is so much faster and easier to pick up the phone you already have in your hand and call someone. I honestly could go on for hours about this topic, but I won't... I'll rile myself up too much if I do. The point that I'm trying to make is that the more means of quick and easy communication we have access to, the less likely we are to use the most important ones. With all the instantaneous methods of "talking" we have along with automated call centers and self-serve checkouts and such, we are losing touch with each other. Why drive to go see someone when you can just email, text, IM, "friend," "tweet," or "poke" him/her? Yes, it's convenient to do those, and I even use a few of the aforementioned methods, but only when there isn't another way to communicated with a person.

I also think that this lack of contact has diminished not only our communication with each other, but our communication with God. People don't want to shut everything off for five minutes for fear of missing the latest juicy tabloid or another update on a friend's relationship. I don't want to be accused of being a hypocrite, since I obviously had to sit in front of my computer for almost an hour considering what to write, but (in my opinion) at least it's not some form of cheesy, degrading, improper daytime drama. God tells us to "be still" in order to know that He is God. "Be still" may mean you need to calm down and not let stress or anxiety get the better of you; but it doesn't mean that God is saying, "Be still while you text the person sitting next to you and maybe you'll think about me for a split second." No, certainly not. Be still. Stay calm. Open your ears, your eyes, and your heart to God so that He can tell you what He wants you to do. Trust in His plan. It's okay to use technology to communicate with people, but don't let it rule or life and/or jeopardize your relationship with God. Moderation is key.

Lord, thank You for this day. Thank You for my family, friends, and pets; I ask that You please watch over them, bless them, and keep them safe, strong, happy, and healthy. Please bless the defenders of Your name and this country with strength and courage, and I ask that You bring them home safely. Please also watch over their family members and friends and bless them with peace and serenity in times of separation and/or loss. Please guide those who are in greatest need of Your guidance. Please work through Your children to help those who are less fortunate or who lack strength (whether it's physical, emotional, or spiritual). If it is Your will, Lord, please work through me so that I may help spread Your love and Your word. Please cleanse me of my sins and please continue to guide me down Your path. Lord, I love You with all of my heart and soul and I always will. You are my one and only Lord and Savior, and You always will be. Thank You, Lord, for all that I have and for who I am. In Jesus' name, Amen.


Love and God Bless,
M.C.