Unplug

Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him.

Psalm 62:5 (NLT)

We are a plugged-in society. Whether at a restaurant, the local park, work, school, or home, we are generally plugged-in to some device, visually or audibly. This is especially true of younger generations, but us old folks aren’t too far behind. We have our cell phones, which are really just small computers now, with us at all times from the moment we wake up until we go to bed. We have televisions running whenever someone is home. We have laptops, desktops, and whatever gets invented today. We have stereo systems in our cars that stream our favorite music wherever we go. We have tablets, Ipods, MP3 players, and a million other little devices. We are surrounded by things that command our attention and add to the noise in our lives.

If we want to listen to something, watch a program, play a game, chat with a friend, buy something, compose our latest novel, order take out, or many other things in life, we need only reach for our nearest device. We have been conditioned to expect things quickly, when we want them. This is why people are always anxious for the latest, fastest technology. You can surf the web faster, Facetime clearer, run bigger, and better apps. Speed is the key. If a company can build a device that runs faster, they probably will have good sales.

Unfortunately, we expect the same thing in our relationship with God. We ask, He delivers. Oh, and He needs to do it quickly. We don’t have time to wait. We have a lot of app time ahead. However, this type of attitude is prideful. Since when does God serve us?

We have this crazy lyric from King David in one of his psalms that spells out how our relationship with God is supposed to work. “Let all that I am wait quietly before God.” Let me put this in 21^st century terms. “Unplug from the world. Hang out with God. Be present in His life and let Him be present in yours. No plans. No agenda. Just spend time together.” When it is time to act, God will act – always for your good. But, it is in His timing. God isn’t just about speed (though He did create the universe in six days). He’s more interested in a real, deep, meaningful relationship with each one of us.

So, here’s your challenge for today, and every day. Unplug and hang out with God. Spend good, quality time with Him, even if it’s in silence. Be present in His presence.