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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Digital Detox (04/24/14)
Quiet Intervals

Remember when we used to say “what is that noise?” Something had invaded our quiet world. Today, we expect noise and seem to have forgotten our former world of simplicity. Our hearing has become desensitized as the variety of cell phone tunes play from our purses, pants pockets, and hands. But, it is the price we pay for always being available.
We must make choices about which person deserves our attention when out in public. Will it be the person in front of us or the one on our smart phone?
Our minds are always racing with thoughts. Our wrists hurt from typing and many of us have carpel tunnel syndrome. We are busy texting, tweeting and posting. We must do these things to communicate with the world, right?
Facebook time flies by as we socialize, which has the illusion of intimacy. How can you be intimate when you are talking to 100 people at once?
Are you ready for a mini vacation? Somewhere where life is simpler and quiet. Then I challenge you to a technology detox. I must warn you that it has side effects like any detox, but it will be worth the journey. These side effects are life changing.
Taking baby steps at first will ease the pain of our choices. Maybe we could start with no technology for one hour a day. With that one hour pray and listen to God and read his word. Let Him know that He is more important than our devices and show it by spending time with Him.
In Matthew 6: 19-22 (NIV) Jesus says, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Where is your treasure?
Our gadgets can be used for His glory. But, let’s be sure that we are investing time and money in Gods kingdom, and are treating others like Jesus would.
It is always painful to give up something you love. God knows all about real sacrifice. But, I guarantee that if you will ignore the cravings for your tablets and Smart phones ,during this time, God will bless you with a deeper walk with Him.
Maybe the next step in detoxing would be to commit to giving up thirty more minutes a day to encourage someone in person. That could be the clerk that is ignored by so many people as they talk on their phone to friends.
God only knows where this vacation will lead. Taking quiet intervals daily could become a habit. Perhaps we will take an extended technology leave of a week once a year as we bask in God and His creation. May we experience the stillness and the confidence in God that Psalm 46: 10 offers us, “Be still and know that I am God.”
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
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This article has been read 382 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
C D Swanson 
05/02/14
A strong message and an excellent verse to close out your well written entry!

Good job!

God bless~
Joanne Sher 
05/04/14
Good perspective for sure - and I agree, that last verse is a great way to end this piece.
Lollie Hofer 
05/05/14
You didn't just encourage folks to choose digital detox for a while but you gave them steps in how it could be done giving them hope that they can do what seems impossible. Well done.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
05/09/14
This is a a great devotion. You grabbed my attention and I could relate right out of the box. You did a nice job of matching the Scriptures used with your message.

Add some double spaces between paragraphs to make it easier to read. Also consider using contractions like "What's that noise?" to make it sound more natural.

You nailed the topic and did so in a way that was entertaining and helpful. You have a knack for devotions. Personally I like prayers with them because not everyone knows how to pray, but I think you should seriously consider submitting some to FL daily devotions. Congratulations on ranking 8th in your level. The highest rankings can be found on the message boards.