In this country we are constantly preocuppied. Whether it be family, school, or social gatherings, every individual in the U.S. is constantly processing, planning, and focusing on what they are going to do next. This generation is constantly, and totally consumed by all things social media. I often wonder if it is possible for everyone to stop using social media for just one day. Is it possible that everyone could just sit in silence, in "the realm of the unplugged," for a single minute? Why is it impossible for us to unplug? Why can't we unplug our ears from the trash music that the world sells as a treasure? Why can't we unplug our mind from the constant wondering and searching that comes from social media? Why can't we unplug our hearts from relationships that demean us and pour lies into our innermost being. I can tell you why. We DESPISE silence. Jefferson Bethke said it better than most in his novel, Jesus > Religion.
We Refuse to turn off our computers, turn off our phones, log off Facebook, and just sit in silence, because in those moments we might actually have to face up to who we really are. We fear silence like it's an invisible monster, gnawing at us, ripping us open, and showing us our dissatisfaction. Silence is terrifying.
- JEFFERSON BETHKE
This passage speaks so much truth that it is impossible to ignore. Our nation is terrified of silence. From sunrise to sunset we occupy the world of social media, why? Why do we fear silence so much that we choose to ignore by whatever means possible? I believe that we fear silence because in it we find our true dissatisfaction. Think about it, have you ever sat and pondered life in the wee hours of the morning? I know that I have, and more often than not I find that I am dissatisfied or not at rest with my actions or myself.
Satisfaction is a strange creature. We search for satisfaction in everything, and in this generation we find satisfaction through the process of instant gratification. This gratification generation finds satisfaction that comes as quickly as it goes. So many people are searching for this quick high. It comes in so many forms, it isn't just drugs or porn, it is also possessions. So often we search for the newest thing and devise a scheme that will let us get it before anyone else. I recently found a website where you can buy something and it will be at your house IN THE SAME DAY. What we often forget is that, most often, the things that are best for us take a while to ship or download. In fact, the Bible speaks on the importance of silence and waiting several different times throughout Psalms and Isaiah.
PSALMS 46:10 |MSG|
"Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything."
ISAIAH 30:15 |NIV|
"In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your stength, but you would have none if it."
PSALMS 62:5 |MSG|
God, the one and only - I'll wait as long as he says. Everything I hope for comes from him, so why not?
So the obvious question to ask next is, "How can I embrace silence and waiting?" The most prominent answer I have found is trust. You have to trust that Jesus is going to fulfill his plans and until then you need to rest in silence. In the peace and quiet is when we are able to hear the voice of God most clearly, but in order to get to a place of quietness you need to remove distractions. Take the phone and turn it off, then throw it across the room (maybe not literally, it's up to you). You also need to ask Jesus to quiet your soul and speak to you in the stillness.
MEDITATION
STOP THE NOISE - CARISA TURNER
It's easy to forget what this life is all about
At times the world's so loud, that I know it's blocked you out
But if I can be still, just for a moment
If I can be still, I will find you
Stop the noise
Oh everyone, stop the noise outside
I just want to hear the One who's calling me
Stop the noise
Oh everyone, stop the noise outside
And let me listen to the only voice I need
I've run on empty too many times to count
And even when I try to hear you, I can't seem to figure it out
But if I can be still, just for a moment
If I can be still, I will find you
Stop the noise
Oh everyone, stop the noise outside
And let me listen to the One who's calling me
Stop the noise
Oh everyone, stop the noise outside
And let me listen to the only voice I need
Just let it be
Just let it be
Just let it be
Quiet please
Stop the noise
Oh everyone, stop the noise outside
And let me listen to the One who's calling me
Stop the noise
Oh everyone, stop the noise outside
And let me listen to the only voice I need
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