UNPLUG TO HEAR GOD’S VOICE

I recently saw a news story about schools banning smartphones, and it got me thinking. These schools recognized that something as small as a phone, which gives us constant access to the world, can also be a huge distraction. It pulls the students away from what really matters—learning, focusing, and connecting with the people right in front of them.

That’s a powerful lesson for all of us in our daily lives. Just like those students, we can easily get distracted by the constant noise around us. We have our phones buzzing, emails coming in, social media pulling us in different directions. It’s easy to get so caught up in the noise that we forget to listen to what truly matters—the still, small voice of God.

We may not have a school principal telling us to put down our phones, but we have something much greater—God calling us to focus on Him. The Bible reminds us in Isaiah 26:3, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you.” When our attention is divided, when we’re looking at the world’s distractions, we miss out on the peace, joy, and purpose God has for us.

Maybe you’ve been feeling exhausted lately, like you’re always on the go, always doing something, but never really at rest. My friend, it’s time for a break—not just a physical one, but a spiritual one. Create those moments of retreat throughout your day, throughout your week. Take a walk without your phone. Spend a few minutes in the morning just listening to sharagans, or sit quietly in prayer.

Those small moments of retreat can make a huge difference in your spiritual life. They allow you to recharge, to refocus, and to remind yourself that God is in control. Unplug from the world, and plug into God’s Word. Turn off the distractions, and turn your heart toward the One who loves you more than you could ever imagine.

So, let’s be intentional this week. Let’s put down the distractions and tune in to God’s voice. Let’s take a moment to say, “God, help me to focus on what truly matters.” When we make that shift, we’ll find that His peace will flood our hearts, His wisdom will direct our steps, and His love will fill our lives.

Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan
September 7, 2024