October 3, 2014
Be Still, My Screens
Arlene Pellicane
Today’s Truth
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, NIV).
Friend to Friend
What does it mean to be still?
Being still means to abstain from motion, to utter no sound, to be subdued, muted, calm, tranquil, and quiet. It’s being free from noise or turbulence.
Doesn’t that sound nice…but a bit foreign or outdated in our noisy, busy world?
Yet when we are still and at rest with our Lord, we can hear His voice through the Bible or the prompting of the Holy Spirit. But much of our time is not really spent in stillness. It’s awfully hard to be still while scrolling through messages, watching TV in the background, and googling a recipe for tonight’s dinner. It doesn’t matter if you’re a stay home mom or an ad executive. The temptation to constantly use screens is all around you. Smart phones and tablets are portable, right by your side throughout the day. The screen world is enticing because it promises something new with every interaction.
Beep. Someone messaged you.
Of course, you immediately check your phone because you want to know if it’s urgent or important. Usually it’s neither, but you have been trained to respond at a moment’s notice. If we are not careful, this rush of responding to blinking lights and buzzing gadgets can be addicting.
Are we listening to the voices coming out of our smart phones and computers more than we are listening to God’s voice?
Have we traded stillness and silence for the constant hum of online living?
If you are living with anxiety, stress or fear, perhaps it is time to still your screens. Unplug the modem. Limit your time on social media. Turn the television off. Instead, be still before the Godwho calms the storm so its waves are still (Psalm 107:29). Only He can calm the turbulence in your heart.
Screens often distract us from putting our focus on Christ. Think about the environment of your home. Is it a place where you can be quiet before the Lord to think about His goodness? Or is each room permeated by pixels, chimes, and ringtones?
Maybe it’s time to still your screens.
And in those pockets of quiet, you make space for God to reveal Himself to you. You make space to join the chorus of praise described in Revelation 15:3, They sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying: Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints!
When you are still, you realize anew that He is God. Make it your aim to be still in an overly wired, 24/7, always-on world. Tune out from technology on a regular basis to tune in to His still, small voice.
Let’s Pray
Heavenly Father, give me wisdom regarding my screen time. Help me to make the most of my moments. Show me areas where I need to make changes. I need to tune into Your voice. I want to be still and know that You are God.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
Evaluate how dependent you are on your screens – your phone, social networks, computer, tablet, or television. Would you feel lost if you didn’t have your phone and connection to the Internet for one day? Ask the Lord to help you put screens in their proper place in your life.
Read Psalm 46 aloud. Throughout the day, repeat in your mind, Be still, and know that I am God.
More from the Girlfriends
Is technology bringing your family and friends closer together or driving you farther apart? In today’s digital age of entertainment and constant communication, it’s strangely possible to neglect your most vital relationships.
Today’s devotion is from Arlene Pellicane, co-author of Growing Up Social: Raising Relational Kids in a Screen Driven World (written with Dr. Gary Chapman). Growing Up Social will show you how to raise emotionally and spiritually healthy kids in the this age of smart phones and video games. Visit www.ArlenePellicane.com for more resources including a quiz: Does Your Child Have Too Much Screen Time?
Seeking God?
Click here to find out more about
how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Girlfriends in God
P.O. Box 1311
Huntersville, NC 28070
info@girlfriendsingod.com
www.girlfriendsingod.com
.jpg)