How often do you find yourself trying to do one task only to get distracted by something else? You might find yourself in one room asking, “Why did I come in here?” How often have you tried to do a task only to find yourself unwittingly on your phone, almost compulsively checking an app or instinctively distracting yourself from a previous train of thought?
Over the past three years, I have studied for a Master of Arts in Counseling. This has given me some really unique perspectives on things I previously saw through a different lens. Certainly, one could pathologize these behaviors. Distraction, focus, and attention might all be words a professional counselor would use to help diagnose and describe behaviors and symptoms related to compulsion, inattention, and forgetfulness.
While reading this morning, I had the thought, “What if our flesh just wants stimulation?” We are stimulated by so many things: substances such as sugar or caffeine, input such as apps on our phones, videos from the internet, streaming services, conversations with other people, checking an inbox or a shipping status, or perhaps even reading a blog. The flesh craves stimulation. We almost crave noise. Becoming used to a busy, noisy world makes us crave even more noise and stimulation.
“So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.” (Galatians 5:16)
We struggle so much to allow the Holy Spirit to guide us, and instead we are carried along by our sinful desires (James 1:14). But why is it so much easier to do what the flesh wants than what the Spirit wants? I wonder if it is because the flesh desires and craves stimulation of all kinds. In our busy, technologically advanced world, stimulation is easier to get than ever before. Alcohol and addictive drugs are more accessible than they have ever been. On-demand foods of all sorts can be delivered piping hot right to our doorsteps. Technology means that all kinds of content, videos, games, apps, and advertisements are at our fingertips, vying for our attention like never before.
The Psalmist encourages us to “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). To slow down, stop, and be present in this moment. It’s hard to do in our modern age. To be still. To let each thought or feeling come and go and simply be present in the here and now. To be present in the presence of the Most High for this moment—not worrying about an upcoming task or clinging to a previous moment. To be present with God Almighty in the here and now.
The prophet Elijah has a showdown with the prophets of Baal. Then he is on the run from the queen who wants him dead. In the middle of a season of doubt, depression, and perhaps even burnout, God allows Elijah to sleep before He even speaks to him. When God does show up, He makes an important distinction about where He can be found. “Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the LORD told him. And as Elijah stood there, the LORD passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12 And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. (1 Kings 19:11-13)
May we slow down enough that our souls do not give in to the flesh’s desire for stimulation and for more of what is addictive. May we slow down long enough to hear God’s still, small voice that comes in a gentle whisper. May our hearts be in tune with the Holy Spirit so that we may keep in step with Him.