The Lost Art of Silence
When was the last time you sat in complete silence for more than eight seconds? Awake, I mean.
Or when have you blinked more than twice before reaching for your phone? Recent studies indicate we check our phones every 3-5 minutes or 200-350 times a day(depending on the studies you read). 1, 2
Other studies have shown that the average American worker is only productive for about 2 hours and 53 minutes in an 8-hour workday.3 Much of the remaining time is spent on social media and watching YouTube videos.
So, if Americans can’t focus when we’re paid to, how do you think we handle our downtime?
No better. We spend over three hours a day watching television.
The math shows that we spend up to eight hours daily on off-target, unfocused, and unproductive lollygagging—and I didn’t mention gaming.
Modern first-world humans have a focus crisis.
What We’re Missing in the Noise
We must be constantly stimulated and entertained, distracted from deep thoughts that lead to meaningful work and transformative insights.
Imagine if Christians could collectively fend off attacks on their attention spans to engage in these activities for several uninterrupted minutes:
- Meditating on God’s goodness
- Asking God questions and listening for answers
- Praying for others
- Reading the Word
- Reflecting on the Word
If we could be still and quiet, forcefully eliminate all distractions, focus on God, and then act on what we hear, learn, and discern by the power of the Holy Spirit, we could turn the world upside down. Or rather, right side up. Instead, screens are the devil’s most deceptive, insidious, yet effective weapon against us.
When God Spoke During Lunch
I remember once taking a lunch break on my back patio. As I closed my eyes, I said, “Here I am, Lord. Is there anything you want to tell me?”
I fought back distracting thoughts about my morning to focus on God until I received His message. It wasn’t a voice but rather a thought bubble flashing across my mind.
“Finish your post-licensing course.”
At the time, I had passed my state’s real estate exam but still had to take 90 hours of post-licensing courses, which I was procrastinating on to the point that it was entirely out of my mind.
No longer. I responded to this word from God and attacked the course. This example isn’t earth-shaking and didn’t change the world; however, it shows how God wants to be part of our ordinary. We often call out to Him in a crisis, but doesn’t it irk you when your kids only call when they need something?
This Next Sentence Should Blow Our Minds
God wants a relationship with us.
The Everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth, who does great things beyond our understanding, who made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them, who gives life to everything, wants to hang out with us.
With me? Are you kidding me? But it’s true. And you, too.
If you need help quietening, retraining, and focusing your mind on God, start by memorizing Scriptures. Psalm 23 is a good beginning if you want more peace in your life.
Now, put your phone down and be quiet.
Notes:
Onword and Upwords by Dennis Brady 
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