“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted. A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up. A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance. A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing. A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away. A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.” Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
There is so much hustle and bustle in our lives, I am not certain how so many people get by without taking time out to be alone. It is not simply taking time out to relax that I am referring to; it is taking the time to renew and re-energize yourself so that you can hear that "still small voice" of God we are always talking about. For most of us, this means actually turning off our cell phones or mobile devices. Yes, I know, just the thought of it almost sent some of you into cardiac arrest! But trust me, you will be fine. If they really need you, they will call back another time.
It also means turning off the television and detoxifying from the remote control. And yes, it also means actually turning off the computer! —I understand, I use my computer for everything from spreadsheets to graphic design, music, and news; but even so, there comes a time when it has to be turned off.
Recently, I listened as a talk show host asked her audience, “How many of you take your Blackberry/ i-Phones to the bathroom? " Several people raised their hands. She laughingly reprimanded the audience by looking at the others who did not reply by saying, “—And the rest are not telling the truth!” Then she asked, how many still pick it up after 11 pm, 12 am, 1 am, etc. Several audience members raised their hands. What we don’t understand, is that these devices literally become our idols.
Turning off all your distractions will allow you to simply be, giving yourself time to think, pray, and receive the rejuvenation you need. This will ultimately allow you to become a vessel equipped for receiving incoming transmissions from God. How can you be a vessel for receiving incoming transmissions from God, when you are always plugged into all those electronic devises that preoccupy your mind?
To everything there is a time. —Today, just turn it off. —Well, at least for an hour. L.
Study Reference: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
From: " Turning It All Off. " In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: mon soutien etudiant
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