Technology is a wonderful thing, isn’t it? If you’re like me you have several pieces of technology that let you make phone calls, send emails, keep up with your friends on various social networks, watch an endless array of videos of all kinds and see what hundreds of your friends are doing at any moment. Needless to say, it is easy to find ourselves addicted to being overinformed and overstimulated. I love technology and have to confess, at times, I spend way too much time with it.
Our culture dictates a fast paced life. We spend our days running from meeting to meeting, appointments, rehearsals, songwriting, scheduling people, working with pastors, and then add family responsibilities to that! We can easily find ourselves scheduled morning til night almost every day. We have been given the great privilege of leading people. As leaders, it is very important that we position ourselves, on purpose, in a place where we can hear from God. Whether it is a song list choice, or a personnell issue, we need his direction.
I have become very fond of Eugene Petersen’s Message paraphrase of the Bible. Psalm 46:10 (MSG) brings the context right where we live . . . “step out of the traffic, and take a long, loving look at Me, your High God”.
Step out of the traffic! Just the thought of it makes me both nervous and excited. There is a certain comfort zone that we create by being heavily scheduled. Sometimes we just don’t know what to do when the noise of the world goes away and we are left to contemplate. But that’s just where He wants us to be. Still. Quiet. Listening. One of my mentors in the ministry taught me a valuable concept . . .”sometimes the very best answer to a very important request is NO!” Solitude requires discipline. But it is worth it!
Social networking has a buzzword phrase on which that premise seems to be built . . . “what are you doing right now?” The important thing is to ask the Father that question; often, and then take time and wait for His answer.
Step Out Of The Traffic.