Hitting the Mute Button

Hitting the Mute Button

Scripture Reading: Psalm 27:1-14

“Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.”         (Ps. 27:14 NLT)

Life is jam-packed with busyness. People rushing out of subways, trains, street cars, buses, and hotels to get somewhere ahead of everyone else is maddening. The rush hour traffic in large cities like New York, Chicago, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Los Angeles and San Francisco is enough to try any man’s patience.

     One time while visiting Buckingham Palace in London waiting for the “changing of the guard,” my wife and I were literally shoved aside so that another couple could get their noses up to the iron fence. We also found that you take your life in your hands when riding up and down the escalators to and from the subway (the tube). People were running up the steps and you’d better stay or the right side or get run over. Everyone was in a hurry!

     The same thing held true in biblical times. Lot couldn’t wait to get away from Abraham for the green pastures of Sodom. David was in a hurry to get away from King Saul who sought his life. Elijah ran as fast as he could to get away from Jezebel. The Israelites hurried to get across the Red Sea before the Egyptian army caught up with them. Moses acted too hastily in striking the rock instead of waiting upon the Lord.

     Do you remember the movie, “Jingle all the Way?” Howard was racing to get to his son’s karate exhibition when he got stuck in traffic. He looked and saw the right side open and decided to take it. He thought he had outsmarted everyone except that it was an illegal move and a motorcycle cop pulled him over and gave him a ticket. As a result, he missed his son’s karate exhibition.

     Everyone today seems to have their plate so full of activities and busyness that they don’t have time to relax. Allowing ourselves to get caught up in this speed and noise driven culture hinders our ability and desire to spend time with the Lord. What can we do to offset this busyness?   Slow down and take time to listen to God.  Hit the mute button on your remote, close your eyes, and reflect on the grace and goodness of the Lord.

     Two million people walked silently around Jericho once a day for six days. On the seventh day they made seven trips. Don’t you wonder what went through their minds on those silent trips? They had plenty of time to contemplate, pray, and meditate on God. I, too, have found that my day goes smoother when I take time to start my day with Jesus.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to push the mute button and take time to get together with you.