The Daily Devotional
Thursday, December 14, 2023
Finding Stillness in a Speeding World
Thursday, December 14, 2023
Finding Stillness in a Speeding World
But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content.
Psalm 131:2 (NIV)
Adam placed his phone aside, feeling overwhelmed by the relentless flow of images, ideas, and alerts from its screen. But soon, he found himself drawn back, powering it on once more. Why this compulsion?
Nicholas Carr, in his book The Shallows, explores how the Internet has reshaped our engagement with tranquility. He notes, “What the Net seems to be doing is chipping away my capacity for concentration and contemplation. My mind, whether online or not, now expects to absorb information as the Net does: in a rapid, particle-like stream. I used to immerse myself in a sea of words like a scuba diver. Now, I skim the surface akin to a Jet Ski rider.”
In our modern age, where the rapid currents of the Internet and social media incessantly pull at our attention, we often find ourselves mentally skimming the surface of life, much like a jet ski racing over the ocean waves. In this relentless pursuit of the new and the now, we risk losing the depth and richness that comes from stillness and contemplation.
In Psalm 131:2, David offers a potent remedy for life's rapid pace, presenting an image of tranquility and contentment through the metaphor of a weaned child resting peacefully in its mother's embrace, highlighting the importance of finding serenity amid chaos. He declares, "I have calmed and quieted myself," emphasizing the necessity of personal responsibility and the intentional choice to seek stillness, a decision that might need constant reaffirmation. This practice, pursued over time, allows us to truly appreciate God's profound goodness, finding rest and satisfaction akin to a child, secure in the understanding that true hope and fulfillment arise not from the ephemeral distractions of smartphones or social media, but from a deeper, spiritual wellspring.
David's journey was not one of easy calm. He faced battles, betrayal, and the burdens of leadership. Yet, he found a way to calm and quiet his soul. This was not a passive act but an active choice—a deliberate stepping away from turmoil and into a space of peace.
Likewise, in our hyper-connected world, the choice to disconnect, to be still, is both radical and necessary. It's not about shunning technology but about finding balance. Like a diver who chooses to go deep beneath the surface, we too can choose to delve into the depths of our souls, our faith, and our relationships, rather than skimming the surface in a never-ending chase for the next digital distraction.
This Psalm reminds us that contentment doesn't come from external sources—it's a state of heart and mind. It's about being present in the moment, appreciating the here and now, rather than being pulled in a thousand different directions by the pings of our devices.
To embody this Psalm in our daily lives, we might start with small acts: turning off notifications for a while, engaging in quiet meditation, reading a book without distractions, or simply sitting in silence, allowing ourselves to be still. These moments of calm in a speeding world are not just breaks from the chaos; they are where we can reconnect with our true selves and with God.
In embracing the stillness, we find a deeper connection to life, to others, and to God. Just like the weaned child in its mother's arms, we can find contentment and peace—not in the ceaseless flow of information and entertainment, but in the quiet depths of our being, where true satisfaction resides.
Nicholas Carr, in his book The Shallows, explores how the Internet has reshaped our engagement with tranquility. He notes, “What the Net seems to be doing is chipping away my capacity for concentration and contemplation. My mind, whether online or not, now expects to absorb information as the Net does: in a rapid, particle-like stream. I used to immerse myself in a sea of words like a scuba diver. Now, I skim the surface akin to a Jet Ski rider.”
In our modern age, where the rapid currents of the Internet and social media incessantly pull at our attention, we often find ourselves mentally skimming the surface of life, much like a jet ski racing over the ocean waves. In this relentless pursuit of the new and the now, we risk losing the depth and richness that comes from stillness and contemplation.
In Psalm 131:2, David offers a potent remedy for life's rapid pace, presenting an image of tranquility and contentment through the metaphor of a weaned child resting peacefully in its mother's embrace, highlighting the importance of finding serenity amid chaos. He declares, "I have calmed and quieted myself," emphasizing the necessity of personal responsibility and the intentional choice to seek stillness, a decision that might need constant reaffirmation. This practice, pursued over time, allows us to truly appreciate God's profound goodness, finding rest and satisfaction akin to a child, secure in the understanding that true hope and fulfillment arise not from the ephemeral distractions of smartphones or social media, but from a deeper, spiritual wellspring.
David's journey was not one of easy calm. He faced battles, betrayal, and the burdens of leadership. Yet, he found a way to calm and quiet his soul. This was not a passive act but an active choice—a deliberate stepping away from turmoil and into a space of peace.
Likewise, in our hyper-connected world, the choice to disconnect, to be still, is both radical and necessary. It's not about shunning technology but about finding balance. Like a diver who chooses to go deep beneath the surface, we too can choose to delve into the depths of our souls, our faith, and our relationships, rather than skimming the surface in a never-ending chase for the next digital distraction.
This Psalm reminds us that contentment doesn't come from external sources—it's a state of heart and mind. It's about being present in the moment, appreciating the here and now, rather than being pulled in a thousand different directions by the pings of our devices.
To embody this Psalm in our daily lives, we might start with small acts: turning off notifications for a while, engaging in quiet meditation, reading a book without distractions, or simply sitting in silence, allowing ourselves to be still. These moments of calm in a speeding world are not just breaks from the chaos; they are where we can reconnect with our true selves and with God.
In embracing the stillness, we find a deeper connection to life, to others, and to God. Just like the weaned child in its mother's arms, we can find contentment and peace—not in the ceaseless flow of information and entertainment, but in the quiet depths of our being, where true satisfaction resides.
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