Drowned Out

We are drowning in a deluge of data. At least I know I am! You probably are, too.

Remember when “media” was just a TV or radio and you turned it on or off? Today media has multiplied into smartphones, MP3 and portable DVD players, interactive video games and laptop computers.

In many homes and offices media is always on. You can’t get away from it. Even gas pumps and elevators have video monitors. “Watch! Listen!” they seem to say.

To say we’re struggling in a torrent of technology is no exaggeration. Every day brings a flood of facts and information.

The result? We’re incapable of being “fully in the moment.” Our thinking is thwarted and our capacity to discern is diminished. Information overload undermines our ability to focus.

So much daily data is overwhelming. The average American is bombarded with 5,000 media messages per day. Plus our gadgets allow us to multi-task anywhere, anyplace at anytime.

This nonstop interactivity is one of the most significant changes in the human environment. While we’ve convinced ourselves we’re good at multi-tasking, research shows that to be a modern myth.

A recent New York Times article reports that juggling e-mail, phone calls and other incoming information changes how we think and behave. It creates an addictive excitement.

This constant input also has an unintended consequence: We no longer listen for God’s voice. He’s been drowned out by all the noise of our media.

“Now hold on just a minute! How does modern technology keep us from hearing God?”

It’s true our media brims with Bibles, sermons, teaching and religious programs. But it’s too easy for us to be distracted with our new toys and the habits that go with them.

One techno-savvy student described his problem this way. He said, “a little voice would be saying, ‘Look up’ at the computer, and I’d look up.” And while he intended to read for only a few minutes, he ended up searching his favorite web sites and then checking Facebook.

So how does all this affect us spiritually? The bursts of information are so distracting that we fail to take time to look for meaning in life. We have a lot of data but no discernment.

God says, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Many times throughout scripture God calls for our undivided attention. Why? Because he loves us.

Like any relationship, a relationship with God takes an investment of time and attention.

God has done his part. He sent his son, Jesus, to reveal to us what God is like. He gave us the Bible so we might meet him in its pages and learn of his love and forgiveness.

But God knew we’d be distracted. So he gave us the solution. He said, “Be still and know that I am God.” In other words, don’t let the noise of modern life drown God out. Be still.

When was the last time you made yourself stand still or sit still? You’ve probably wanted to slow down but you never found the time.

Try it. It may be difficult and awkward. It may even be uncomfortable. But turn off the media and get alone with God. Read your Bible. The Psalms, maybe. The Gospel of John.

You might hear God’s quiet voice and finally start a relationship of faith with him. Do it daily and you’ll find that, instead of stressed, you’re refreshed. It’s a great way to start the day.

Tomorrow is a new beginning. Slow down. Be still. Tune in to God and find rest.

Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!