Day 8:  Youth

Seeking Stillness

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 11:105 NIV).

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says.  Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in the mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like” (James 1:22-24  NIV).

In this day of information overload with 24-hour cable news and internet capabilities, people can quickly retrieve a host of data.  Smart phones provide users the ability to check email, Facebook and snap chat, get directions and query Google for info about most anything.  While this technology is widely used and very helpful in work, school, and our personal lives, it can be hard to tell what is true and what is out of context or exaggerated.  Sometimes we are tempted to respond on social media in a manner that is not pleasing to God.  Studying God’s word gives us the direction we need as we mature in our faith and respond to the world around us.

Today, after work or school, turn off the TV, put down your phone, and turn off your computer.  Breathe in the peacefulness of the stillness.  Read Psalm 119:105 and James 1:22-24 from your Bible.  Ask God to give you a hunger for His word.

Prayer:

“Dear Lord, I know you have much to teach me through your word.  Forgive me for placing other responsibilities and activities before you.  I pray that you will create such a hunger in me for your instruction and knowledge that I cannot ignore the urge to study your word.  Lord, thank you for loving me in spite of my failings and for drawing me closer to you.  In Jesus’ name I pray.”  Amen.