[This was originally published on July 28th in my home church’s monthly newsletter. Although I am the author of the article, because of copyright laws, it must be acknowledged that it has been previously published and is available online by visiting the Gospel Light Baptist Church website.]
It seems that as modern society continues to advance in technology time becomes even more precious than what it was. As a historian by training and trade, I often chuckle when I research the development of consumer culture within the United States. Things like vacuum cleaners, garbage disposals, electric washing machines, and dish washers were marketed under the guise of being time savers for the busy housewife. By the late 1920s and through the hardships of the Great Depression, magazines, newspapers, and even radio serials advertised the latest technological marvels designed to increase productivity.
Progress has not stopped. To increase productivity further and in the pursuit of more leisure time, we now have high speed internet, computer controlled appliances, frozen dinners, robotic self-aware vacuum and mopping floor robots, and smart phones that actually have more computing power than the Apollo 11 command and lunar excursion modules that piloted man to and from the surface of the moon and back safely to Earth. Instead of technology increasing our leisure time, as we were promised, we often find ourselves having to make supper one of our many “planned” events of the busy day. No longer do families find it natural to fellowship and pray around the family dining table. In many cases, no longer is conversation heard within the walls of the family house, but the clicking of computer keyboards, the “bing” of a new text message, or even Facebook status. In an age where everyone is “plugged in,” we are more disconnected from our family, our friends, and unfortunately, our Lord.
With all the demands of modern society, it is easy to sacrifice something or some things in order to accomplish what we deem is important. For some, this means skipping out on their child’s or spouse’s important events while for others, it means making a conscious effort to place God on the back burner. Others will neglect both in their pursuit for one more promotion, one more pay raise, or one more dollar. Statistics show that this age that we live in has more cases of mental illness, depression, suicide, and feelings of hopelessness and despair our nation has ever seen.
There are times when we need to do nothing but sit back, wait, and listen. Too many times when faced with a choice, we jump instead of taking the time to ask God what he would have us to do. David wrote, I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope (Psalms 130:5). He did not write that I will wait for five minutes, he wrote that he would completely wait—body and soul. He made the decision to take no action—or to make no plan—until he heard from God. David also understood that his waiting would not be in vain, For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God (Psalms 38:15). David had the faith to believe that God would hear his prayer and would answer if he would simply wait.
