A recent Science News research study discovered that people would rather be electrocuted than sit quietly for up to 15 minutes listening to their own thoughts. “The human mind wants to engage with the world, even, it appears, if that involves pain,” says psychologist Timothy Wilson of the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. Thoughts are hard to control and steering them in pleasant directions may be particularly difficult,” said Wilson and his colleagues. Wilson goes on to say that only humans have the ability to focus on internal thought but it appears people will do anything to keep from being alone with those thoughts.
Speaking of solitude: How long has it been since you spent time meditating, praying, and pondering God’s Word?
This research points directly to what I believe is the reason we can’t seem to put our cell phone down, turn off the TV, or shut off the computer screen. Without even knowing it, we are allowing technology to fill our thoughts with meaningless distractions, (voting for Dancing with the Stars or The Voice, checking our FaceBook or Twitter feeds, or wallowing in the latest video game). The constant stream of noise coming from technology is stealing our unique identities and is keeping God’s perfect plan for us lost and on the shelf.
But it’s only in the quiet that we hear the voice of God and that scares our culture to death. James 4:8 says, “Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.”
God asks us to do one thing – spend time with Him. Why? Because it matters to our spiritual health which impacts our personal and career choices, attitudes, and paths. Are you engaged and focused on His thoughts regularly? Or are you afraid of your thoughts and that God might actually speak to you about something uncomfortable? Do you want to find true emancipation from the demands of our culture? Do you want to discover your purpose, make good choices, and find contentment while on this earth?
Grow your relationship with God by purposefully setting aside quiet, uninterrupted time. Choose to be alone with yourself and let His Spirit penetrate and empower your life. It can be the most significant thing you do all day. “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.” (Matthew 6:33 NLT.)
Sounds better to me than an electric shock!
