Day Six
A study that came out a few years ago tried, as best they could, to calculate the amount of information the average American consumer encounters in a given day, month, or year. They took into account all the various places from which we get information these days: phones, computers, tablets, e-readers, and televisions, and determined that consumers in that given year had consumed about 1.3 trillion hours of information, an average of almost 12 hours per person per day—and that wasn’t even including work. Breaking it down even further, they said the average consumer took in 34 gigabytes of information from various sources in a normal day, and in that information processed approximately 100,500 words.
And that was a few years ago. No doubt the number has gone up since then.
We are an information-driven society, and even though we’re a much more visual culture than we used to be, words still rule the day. Whether we’re reading them, listening to them, or crafting them, so much of our lives often seem to be controlled by words.
Words are good. They’re how we communicate, how we get things done, how we express our feelings and frustrations and move forward. They form the basis for so much of what happens in any given day, they help us create and deepen relationships, and they inspire us to new and wonderful things.
Words can also wound. They can be used to hurt another person, hide the truth, and spread rumors. The Bible often reminds us of their power, and the responsibility we must accept when using that power:
“Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.”—Proverbs 15:4 (NLT)
Most importantly for us, words are the way God has revealed himself, in the Scriptures but most supremely in the Living Word, Jesus. To think that the Lord of the universe has given us such a Word inspires us to offer our own in return, offering to him praise, honor, and gratitude. And that might be the greatest use of words we have.
Words are a gift.
But sometimes there are just so many of them.
From time to time on this Lenten journey, we will be offering a song without words, because sometimes we don’t need more words. Sometimes the invitation as we make our way to the cross is to simply be still and silent while we meditate on the meaning of this season. Sometimes we need to step away from the flood of words and receive God’s invitation from Psalm 46:
“Be still and know that I am God.”
As you listen, pay attention to what the music stirs in your soul. What images or emotions does it evoke for you? How can those images and emotions lead you into prayer and conversation with God?
Questions for Reflection
1) How prone are you to “information overload?” What do you do in those times? Are there practices you have found helpful?
2) What did you find yourself thinking or praying about as you listened? If you found your mind wandering, don’t let that discourage you. We can offer to God the things that distract, as their presence in our time of listening are an indication they are important or concerning to us. How might God use even the distractions in our prayer life to teach and shape us?
3) The song’s title is “Consecration.” What does that word mean for you? How might it relate to our Lenten journey to the cross?
4) Have there been moments in your life when you have connected to God in the quiet of a moment? What was it about the moment(s) that opened your soul to the Holy Spirit in a unique way? Is there something to be learned in that, perhaps a practice you can incorporate more into your life with God?
5) Read and reflect on this verse. Let it lead you into prayerful worship and gratitude:
“For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.”—Psalm 62:5 (ESV)