“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 (DBY)
Down on the corner and out in the street, everywhere we look there is no retreat. In any setting, one of three people talks on a cell phone. On the highways, one of every five talks on a cell phone. We have been trapped by the belief that we are somehow better off if we are always connected. What irks me the most is phone conversations during a meal. There was a time when it was considered impolite to disturb people while they were eating. Busy people need some quiet respite away from the jostle and flurry of fast-lane lives. Lunch and dinner have been invaded by the cell phone monsters.
One old couple (Jon was 30, Kay was 29) finally surrendered to friendly complaints and got a cell phone. They took it with them on their vacation into the Rockies, made sure it was on then forgot about it. While they were hiking on the second day, Kay decided to surprise her sister with a call. To her great delight, there was no tower coverage. They couldn’t have called out even in an emergency. Kay promptly turned the phone off and told Jon. With a serious face, Jon put his hand to his ear and said, “Can you hear me now?” They burst into laughter and looked out over the peaceful handiwork of the Creator.
Perhaps one reason many people rejoice in the peace and quiet of nature is that God knows how to enjoy the silence. Perhaps, we actually learn more from God in the silence. Is it possible that we may even hear his voice in the stillness of a peaceful soul? God is quietly whispering, “Can you hear me now?” And the world is missing him because of other connections.
No matter where we are, we have the assurance that a connection with God is never broken. We can always hear him and he can always hear us. Will we calm down and know him?
Dear Father, thank you for your grace and mercy. Thank you for the calm assurance of your presence. Enable me to reduce the rush hours of my life and calmly communicate with you. Empower me to glorify and exalt you in my life and ministry. This I pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN
Let us praise God for his constant connection and live in the calmness of his presence,
Pastor Smith