The Seeking Of Undisturbed Stillness
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin Articles
In February 1946, the world’s first general-purpose electronic computer was introduced at the University of Pennsylvania. The Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC) filled a 30-by-50-foot room, weighed 50 tons, and used enough electricity every second to power a typical home for a week. Today, a pocket calculator contains more computing power than ENIAC did.
A decade ago, one observer noted that computers and other hi-tech gadgets have “snuck up on us and we don’t realize it.” He went on to speak of how wonderful it is to go where there are no computers, phones, televisions, or radios, or by simply going to the beach and listening to the waves.
Undisturbed stillness has become more elusive and therefore more necessary than ever to seek. Through the Psalmist, God said:
“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalm 46:10).
A respite from activity allows us to focus our thoughts on the majesty of God (Psalm 104:1). A quiet place helps us to listen to Him (Mark 1:35). Away from voice-mail and e-mail, we turn from our busy daily schedule to His eternal plan.
In our fast-paced world, we need to be still and acknowledge that God is in charge (Psalm 83:18; Daniel 4:17; Daniel 4:25; Daniel 4:32; Daniel 5:21). Let us follow the suggestion of W.D. Longstaff, who wrote the sacred hymn, “Take Time To Be Holy.”
Take time to be holy,
The world rushes on;
Spend much time in secret
With Jesus alone. —G.C. Stebbins