I recently saw a print ad of a young child staring longingly at his parents. Both were busy looking at their phones. The caption read something to the effect of “I wish I were their phone, then maybe they would hold me.” Ouch.
In today’s society, more than ever I’ve become increasingly convinced that our increasing availability to technology and information is not necessarily better. Just more. More time consuming. More demanding. More busy.
That’s the last thing we need is busier.
~~~
Her words stung, even as the tear caught in my throat.
“I wish the busyness of our lives didn’t keep us apart…”
Really?
Busy, yes, but I was still here waiting. The busyness of her life just continued to escalate over the years with no sign of things slowing down or turning back. Still I waited. The relationship, the friendship, was important enough to me to wait.
Yet her words read to me more like an excuse. We all have the same number of hours in a day, in a week, in a month. And we make time for those things that are a priority. Perhaps our relationship was more of a priority to me than it was to her. And still I waited. I would be there when she was ready.
~~~
At the beginning of every year our church does a 21-day period of prayer and fasting to start our year with an intentional focus on God, bringing Him a sacrifice of the first of our year. Some, many in fact, will fast food. As a family, we all practice the experience together, but we each decide on our sacrifice individually after praying about what the Lord would have us fast. Our children have chosen to fast electronics before, or sweets, or junk food. For my husband and I, we pray for the Lord’s direction.
As I sat before the Lord wondering what He would have me fast, I sensed Him say, “What I want is your best, your first offering.”
That’s what I always want, is to give Him my best. So I was stunned as I sensed His words to my heart. “Yes, Lord. I have my quiet time with you. I give over and above my tithe. I attend church. I volunteer my time…”
I wasn’t so much trying to convince anyone as much as I was searching the rolodex of my mind, almost afraid of what I’d find. What was He referring to? What had I missed? Where had I disappointed?
“What I want is you. To spend time with you. To be your priority first thing…”
I sat still, first my eyes closed searching the not-so-distant recesses of my mind. And then as I opened my eyes, there in front of me were the competing distractions for my best, my first offering.
My cell phone which doubled as my alarm clock, one of my morning devotionals in my email, and yes…the notifications of the day’s to-do’s, the social media alerts, the texts that had come in overnight, the pending emails, and the list goes on. How many times had just one of those caught my eye and I was distracted for 5, 10, 20 minutes or more from the One I longed to give my life to?
My laptop computer rested on the ottoman where I sat each morning. It charged overnight, ready to travel safely in the briefcase to the office for another day of reports and correspondence and social media updates. How often was I tempted to open it up just to add one thing “so I didn’t forget”?
The basket of laundry rested at my feet, as I was too tired the night before to help it find its normal resting place. It called to me and though on this particular morning I kept my resolve to remain in my quiet place, I was not always so steadfast.
The list could go on.
You see, the enemy of God’s kingdom delights in tempting us to veer from the mark. A little bit off center is still wrong. And if he can’t tempt us, he’ll distract us.
As much as I longed to give the Lord my first, my best, each day, as I sat there in silence assessing, I had to admit I frequently allowed distractions and busyness to supplant my best of intentions.
Too often my Mary heart was overridden by my Martha ways.
And in that still quiet moment I heard those words again, only this time they were even more personal. “I wish the busyness of your life didn’t keep us apart…”
Busy, yes…it seemed I was always busy. And yet, He was always waiting, wanting to spend uninterrupted time with me.
We all have the same number of hours in the day, and we make time for what we prioritize.
He never sleeps nor slumbers. He is always waiting for me. There is no better time spent than time in His presence, and better yet, the first time of my day.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33 ESV).
What distracts you from spending time in His presence? How do you combat this?
Because of Him,
#HopePrevails
(If you have a question you’d like Dr. B to answer, contact her here now. Your name and identity will be kept confidential.)
A short brief about Hope Prevails.
Hope Prevails
Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey through Depression
Dr. Michelle Bengtson
Speaking from personal and professional experience, a neuropsychologist unpacks what depression is, shows how it affects us spiritually, and offers hope for living the abundant life.
Neuropsychologist Offers Hope to Those Struggling with Depression
-By 2020, depression will be our greatest epidemic worldwide
- An estimated 350 million people worldwide suffer from some form of depression
- As with the bestselling My Stroke of Insight, the author experienced the same condition she treats
- Helpful features include personal stories, biblical truths, prayers, and music recommendations
In Hope Prevails, Dr. Bengtson writes with deep compassion and empathy, blending her extensive training and faith, to offer readers a hope that is grounded in God’s love and grace. She helps readers understand what depression is, how it affects them spiritually, and what, by God’s grace, it cannot do. The result is a treatment plan that addresses the whole person—not just chemical imbalances in the brain.
For those who struggle with depression and those that want to help them, Hope Prevails offers real hope for the future.
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I am so thankful that God is never too busy to listen to us, hear us and hold us. He loves so much.
You are so right Melissa! And because He is never too busy for me, shouldn’t I offer Him the same? He listens, hears, holds, and loves lavishly. I want to offer Him the same sacrifice, first thing! He deserves that much and more. Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
Oh me too Melissa! What a comfort that is on many levels! Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
So good to see you at Kristin’s TWW today, Dr!!!
Thanks friend! #HopePrevails!
I use my phone all of the time for so many things, but I have found freedom (and relief, I suppose) in turning off the social media notifications. I love social media, but I’ve found it’s better for me to choose to open the app than be lured in with the notifications. I also have had busyness on my mind this week as multiple people have had to cancel/change/reject plans because they’re just too busy. It’s irritating because we’re all busy in our own ways, but I want people to choose to make time for relationships. Anyway, your words resonated with me today. Thanks for linking up at #ThreeWordWednesday.
Hi, Michelle! This is a wonderful article. Technology was supposed to make our lives easier, but I feel like it complicates it. Our children see us on smart phones, and in turn get on iPads or other devices. I like how you talked about fasting at your church and about finding a balance.
I agree with you that while technology was designed to make our lives easier, it often complicates it. It certainly makes prioritization difficult. And if we aren’t careful, it can set up addictive behaviors. So glad He can help us strike that balance. Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
“Too often my Mary heart was overridden by my Martha ways.” This is too often me! Such a great post.
Julie,
I suspect if others were honest, they could relate too. We aren’t alone…that’s why God gave us such examples in the Bible, so that we could have others to relate to. Be blessed! Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
My dad keeps telling me, “I know you’re really busy…” I keep telling him, “Busy is relative.” I don’t want to waist my time. It’s important to use it wisely. But I don’t want people to think I’m too busy for them when they need me. Great post!
I’ve been feeling really convicted recently about my phone. I’ve been experimenting with putting it in “power saving” mode during large chunks of the day, which means I can essentially only use it as a phone, to text and talk. It’s been really liberating. I appreciate the honesty in your post and feel like it goes right along with what I’ve been learning. Thanks for sharing!
Leslie,
I’m glad He spoke to you through this. We’re in this journey together. The good, the bad, and the messy. It helps to have others we are accountable to. Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
Great post! Happy to be your neighbor this morning! It really does come down to priorities… But that’s a hard sell for much of the world. I’m guilty of choosing the wrong thing first, all too often.
Liz,
You aren’t alone in that. I’ve been there too often. But my heart is to change and I believe He will honor that and help me. His desire is to be our first love, so that is an answer He’d love to answer! Blessings! Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
Wonderful post, Michelle. It is so true that distraction is our biggest enemy. And it works very effectively. Thank you for pointing us to its subtleties. Blessings!
Always a blessing to have you visit, Joanne! Distraction is an enemy when it takes our eyes off the only One who really matters! Because of Him, #HopePrevails
Yes, this hits close to home. I get easily sidetracked and distracted. In the back of my mind, I think “Technology is going to kill us.” And the consequences for some may be eternal! Yet I know I’ll check my phone multiple times today….may we take your post and let it linger on our hearts. Thank you for sharing!
Carrie,
Can you remember how busy we all felt prior to technology taking over our lives? I wonder how much more we might actually get done without the “conveniences” of our most recent technology surge! Just a thought. Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
Oh, Michelle, your words are convicting to me. I let myself get distracted so easily when I need to be spending more time with God. And the distractions aren’t bad things, but I need to balance the time better. Blessings to you!
Gayl,
I can assure you, you aren’t alone in this. He just longs for us to make Him our priority. Your heart is there, now to get our minds to follow! But He will help us! Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
This right here: “A little bit off focus is still wrong.”
I’ve experienced this firsthand many times, and most recently over the past couple of weeks. I’ve gotten just a little bit off focus, and I’ve paid the price in my attitude, my passion, my strength. Thankfully, God has been pulling me back on track over the past couple of days, and this post has encouraged me to press on.
Thank you for stopping by, Jennifer! I’m glad you were encouraged to press on. Keep your eyes on Him! Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
Jennifer,
Aren’t you thankful that He pursues us and pulls us back on track? That’s always His heart, to keep us close. He never leaves us or abandons us, even when we fall off-track! Because of Him, #HopePrevails!