Be Still and Know

31 Mar Be Still and Know

Read Psalm 46(NLT)
Thought for the Day: “Be still!”

A few years ago, I participated in a Tech Shabbat. Also known as a “Day of Unplugging”, I first learned about this over a decade ago. Essentially, a Tech Shabbat is a modern play on the Biblical notion of the Sabbath and is a 24+ hour period without any screens. I first tried this on Thanksgiving Day 2018 and was shocked at how peaceful I felt three hours in. Rather than waiting in nervous anticipation of a phone buzzing in my pocket, I felt an unexpected sense of stillness. Then, after a full twelve hours, I had completely forgotten that I even owned a smartphone. It was amazing!

Despite having no smartphones in the Ancient World, the Psalmist found himself bombarded with stress and distractions. Looking around, he realized that “The nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble!” BUT – the Psalmist had learned the importance of rest as proclaimed in God’s words: “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” Let’s not miss the power of these two words: “Be still.” God is greater than whatever upsets us.

Sometimes, when life makes no sense, we need to take a break by powering down our smartphones. How much happier would we be if we periodically set aside screen-free time to simply be still? Rather than even starting with full Days of Unplugging, let’s set aside an hour a day for the next week to power off our screens, pray, and take time to be still!

In Christ,
Pastor David (and Stan)