“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.” (Psalm 46:10-11 KJV)
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 40, Kay was 39) 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 connecting with us through Jesus Christ, our Savior. Enable us to recognize your presence. Empower us to calmly communicate with you and exalt you in our lives. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be courageous today and connect with Christ,