POST 15: Unplugging to Notice God
POST 15
Unplugging to Notice God
I (Brad) will start this one with a confession.
I am really easily distracted. My brain randomly jumps from one thing to the next, and scrolling on my phone amps that up big-time. Sometimes I leave my phone in another room on purpose so I can focus—or just take a break.
Maybe you can relate. So today we’re going to do something a little different. First, find somewhere you can be quiet and still for a little while. Turn off your devices and begin to settle down. Close your eyes and take a deep breath.
Think of all the distractions in your life—the things that cause you anxiety, fear, or stress. Imagine these things written on wet sand at the beach.
Now imagine the ocean tide sweeping in and completely erasing the words, leaving behind a smooth surface.
Sit in a moment of silence, letting the waves wash over your distractions when they try to take over. Take a couple of deep breaths. Invite God’s Holy Spirit to be with you in that silence.
Being Still in a Distracted World
Unplugging from distractions can be tough. Most of us push pretty hard through our days, and we fill the empty spaces with our screens—to catch up, stay connected, play games, and sometimes just because we’re used to looking down when we have a free minute. All this leaves us overwhelmed with life’s distractions, even when we don’t realize we’re overwhelmed.
That’s why we need to stop and breathe every now and then. Because sometimes it takes being still to settle down—and sometimes that’s what it takes to notice God.
Now that you’ve taken a minute to get quiet, you’re going to read Scripture as a way to notice God using a pattern that involves four steps: Read, meditate, pray, and contemplate. We’ll walk through them together.
The first step is to read the passage. As you read, take note of any words or phrases that stick out to you. Read slowly, maybe even reading it through a few times.
Next, meditate on the word or phrase you noticed most. Focus in on it for a few minutes. Make a list or draw some images of other things that are similar to this word or phrase. Why do you think this grabbed your attention?
Then pray. Invite God to speak to you about your own life in light of this passage—about who you are and what’s going on with you. Talk to God about what’s on your heart and mind right now.
Finally, contemplate. Just sit with your thoughts. Don’t rush out of this moment. Take a few more slow breaths.
Ready? Let’s give it a try.
READING GOD’S WORD
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble with its tumult. . . .
“Be still, and know that I am God!
I am exalted among the nations,
I am exalted in the earth.”
the God of Jacob is our refuge. (Psalm 46:1–3, 10–11 NRSV)
REFLECT AND RESPOND
Journaling Questions
What is easy and what is hard about putting distractions aside for a little while?
What are the quietest parts of your day? What do you tend to do when you have a quiet moment to yourself?
When and where do you notice God most in your life? Through quiet? Scripture? Prayer? Being outside? Being with people? Singing? Consider what helps you best connect with God’s Spirit.
Pray This Prayer
God, I go through my days so distracted. There’s so much noise all around me—and inside me. Teach me to practice quiet, to practice stillness, and to find ways to unplug from all the distractions in order to notice you more. As I do, show me more about who I truly am. In Jesus’ name, amen.
SOMETHING TO TRY
Sometime this week, repeat this pattern: read, meditate, pray, and contemplate with this passage or another one (maybe read all of Psalm 46 or pick another psalm—there are 150 of them!).
Consider something you could “unplug” from for a while to create space to notice God. This doesn’t need to be something that literally plugs in (like a computer or phone, although those are options). It could be any of life’s distractions. Take a moment to think this over and write something you want to unplug from and how often or how long you want to unplug from it.
THE TAKEAWAY
When you make yourself still, there’s more room to notice God.