Today’s Bread ~ Unplugging

Today’s Bread is a re-post from October, 2010

1 Kings 19:11-13 – “Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the LORD told him.  And as Elijah stood there, the LORD passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain.  It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the LORD was not in the wind.  After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake.  And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire.  And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper.  When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.  And a voice said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

I work in a noisy environment.  At any given time, I have music or commercials playing, the TV possibly going, my co-hosts watching something on-line, and the three of us trying to have a conversation.  The other day my boss walked in.  We muted the TV, turned down the radio monitors, and listened to what he had to say. 

I’m the one that runs the board – I’m the button pusher that makes sure the songs play and the commercials start.  That means I’m the time-keeper, too.  It’s my job to let the guys know when it’s time to move on to the next thing.

As my boss was telling us about an upcoming promotion, I paid as close attention as I could.  Too close – the song ran out, and we were left scrambling for our headphones. 

Shortly after Caitlyn really began to hold a conversation, I decided that unless we were singing silly songs, the radio had to go.  We’ve had some incredible talks in the car; about Jesus, heaven, mean kids, you name it.  I wouldn’t really be able to do that unless I can give my kids my undivided attention.

Recent studies show that we are not the multi-taskers we think we are.  The brain cannot physically do two things at once – we can’t give two things our attention at the same time.  Instead, we switch back and forth, take longer than we would if we were to concentrate on just one thing, and are less effective at both.

My poor husband.  Mike always seems to roll in right when the kids have hit their tired, hungry threshold.  He’ll try to tell me about his day, but with two kids screaming and fighting, there’s no chance.

Have you ever stopped to think how noisy our lives are?

Most of us come home from work or picking up our children, turn on the computer, turn on the television, text on our phone, and play referee.  We no longer leave work at the office.  Clients or co-workers can reach us anywhere, anytime.  Most of us (myself included) sleep with our cell phones next to our beds.  I really believe that much of our stress comes from always being “on,” always being “plugged in.”  How in the world can we expect to hear the gentle voice of Jesus?

God is with us all the time.  I believe that He speaks to us, guiding us toward the right path, helping us make the right decisions.  But unless we stop down, turn off the noise, and just listen, we’ll miss it, just like I missed my cue at work.

I believe that the Lord speaks to us in many different ways.  The bible, pastors, friends, music, nature, even children.  Sometimes through a loud, earth shaking event, but more often in silence.  He wants us to stop down, and come to Him in fear and reverence.  “Be still and know that I am God.  I will be exalted in the Heavens; I will be exalted on the earth (Psalm 46:10 – NKJV).” 

Earlier this week, I was driving in to work, when I got a direct command.  “Listen,” said the Lord.  I turned off the radio, and tried to empty my mind as much as I could.  The wave of love that swept over me almost swept me away.  My skin tingled, and I was covered in goose-bumps.  And in not so many words, the Lord spoke to my soul, telling me that everything would be alright.  He told me that He knew of my struggles, and that His grace would see me through.  He commanded me to release my burdens to Him, and trust Him.  His Presence is truly all we need.  He filled me.  In that very moment, He simply filled me.

How can you unplug today?  Can you find a moment to sneak away, empty yourself of self, and be filled by the One who gave His Son for you?  He has so much to tell you, so much He wants to do through you.  Something He has shown me recently is this: we will never grasp His love for us.  It simply isn’t possible.  The lump of gray matter between our ears is not capable of it.  He gave His Son for you, and His Son gave His life.  He wants you to meditate on that.  There is nothing He can’t fix.   His grace is greater than our sin.  All we need to do is find Him in the quiet…and be filled.

Dear Heavenly Father, we ask you to help us clear our schedules for You today.  You are the Creator of all there is.  Help us to seek You.  Convict us to turn off our phones, our computers, our TV’s, and simply sit and bask in the glow of Your love.  Speak to us, God.  Let Your will for our lives be known.  Bless us with strength and courage to face the day.  Build a hedge of protection around us, and shield us from the enemy’s darts.  We love you so very much God, and we ask these things in the precious, holy name of Your Son.  Amen.