Missing the Message
“You have 2 missed calls, 173 unread emails, 6 unread texts and 8 events to update to your calendar.” This is what the home screen of my phone would say to me if it had a voice. Could it be worse? Yes. Can it look a little overwhelming? Yep. Sadly it’s been worse. It drives my husband crazy. He rarely has those glaring little red reminders on his phone so when he sees them on mine he tries to hide his eye-rolls, but I know they’re there.
In my defense, I do know what some of those unread messages are. I choose to keep them there as a reminder that I need to deal with them later. Sometimes it just takes a while. Other times I delete them too quickly, only to realize that I needed that information. The reality of both approaches is that I create more stress for myself. Apparently avoidance and haste aren’t great productivity strategies.
It makes me ask myself, why do I let that happen? Is it that I’m too busy? Too confident? Too distracted? Or is it all of the above?
Maybe there’s a better question though. Maybe I should be asking myself what else I’m ignoring. Or more specifically, who am I ignoring? Because if I’m being honest, the same thing can happen in my relationship with God.
I try to operate in a mindset where I think I’m keeping God as my priority. I start my day with prayer and some Jesus, but sometimes when I leave that time with Him, I also leave Him in that cozy corner of my room as I get on with my day. Emphasis on ‘my’ day.
Other times I think I’m giving it all to God, only to realize somewhere along the way I took it back. Or worse, I don’t look to Him at all. I take matters into my own hands from the beginning without acknowledging God.
Sometimes I pray for peace, clarity, direction. I even start out by telling God how much I need Him. But then I let the busyness of my day take over and I rush past the very wisdom, nudges, or people He sends to help or advise me.
It reminded me of the story of the sailor whose ship sinks and he asks God to save him. As he’s trying to keep his head above the waves, he turns down any help offered and drowns. In heaven, he asks God where He was and why He didn’t save him. God tells him that He sent two ships, but the sailor didn’t take the help.
I might not be drowning in the ocean, but I can feel like I’m struggling to keep my head above water. When I finally slow down long enough to notice, I realize I can be just like that sailor. I ignore God, too, and I tend to realize that the stress I’m carrying isn’t necessary.
Do you ever feel like that? If we were sitting together right now I would tell us both that before we start gasping for air, we need to take a breath.
Isaiah 48:18 says, "If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea!"
God isn’t angry here or saying, “I told you so.” He’s not condemning either. It’s almost a grieving; it’s a longing for an ongoing connection. He’s speaking to His people after they’ve repeatedly ignored Him. And not because they didn’t know better, but because they chose their way over Him.
This is me. I could easily be on the receiving end of this conversation with God!
I don’t want to miss out on that kind of peace because I’m distracted or too busy keeping track of little red notifications and my own agenda to notice what God is saying. I’m sure you don’t want to miss out either!
So maybe today isn’t about doing more - it’s about paying attention. Before keeping track of emails, texts, voicemails, and our to-do lists. Before reacting to the situations we’re facing. Before taking things back into our own hands. What if we paused and asked God, “What are You saying here?”
I trust He’ll respond. He loves us. We don’t have to tread water alone. His hand is already extended and waiting for us to reach out and grab hold.
So I would challenge you, just like I’m challenging my own self, not to wonder if God is faithful, but instead ask whether or not we’re listening. I believe in God’s faithfulness and grace - even when I drift into distraction and let my agenda take over. I’m so thankful for that. And I’m thankful that we’re in this together - you, me and Jesus.
