Spending time with the United Women in Faith of the Harbor District recently, we spent a lot of time focusing on our ability to communicate with God in this noisy world that often seems to be completely distracted by technology. For me, as both a speaker and presenter for the weekend retreat, I made a commitment to go without tech as much as possible. It was not easy!
Each session began with a personal Signal Check-In … aka a large piece of chart paper divided into three equal columns:
1. Searching for Signal – I haven’t talked to God in so long I can’t remember when….
2. Moderate Signal – I talk to God some, but it’s hard to slow down and quiet the noise.
3. Full Signal – The lines of communication between God and me are strong and steady!
The scripture we opened the weekend with was 1 Kings 19:11-12 MSG Then he was told, “Go, stand on the mountain at attention before God. God will pass by.” A hurricane wind ripped through the mountains and shattered the rocks before God, but God wasn’t to be found in the wind; after the wind and earthquake, but God wasn’t in the earthquake; and after the earthquake fire, but God wasn’t in the fire; and after the fire, a gentle and quiet whisper.
We probably all feel like Elijah at times if we are honest. We think the world is corrupt and that everyone has turned away from God except us, and we feel alone. We can’t hear the voice of God over the evening news. We can’t hear his voice over the sound of bombs and missiles dropping live on every device we own. We can’t hear his voice over the sounds of all of us, whether it’s a voicemail, a video, a text in all caps, or just straight-up yelling at each other in the morning drive-thru lines. This world and the people in it are very loud right now. Technology amplifies the noise.
This scripture urges us to be still and listen for God’s quiet voice. Is it even possible to communicate with God on a regular basis when technology makes it so that the world is constantly demanding our focus? YES, it is possible! We are not alone in this kindom work and we can be intentional about checking in with each other as we move through Lent.
Make time to be present together, with the natural world all around us, and our creator. Make a covenant to check your signal and stay connected to God. Help others who might be too distracted to silence the noise…to reconnect. You can take a hike in the woods together, go watch the sunset on the beach, pray together in the park, or just sit together on the front porch. Tech off…Signal STRONG.
Kim
Sound District Lay Leader