Hard Reset
A common reality of our digital age is that at certain times a device will require resetting. The problem can lie within the hardware of the device (the actual physical components) or the software (the programs and systems installed on the device). Sometimes the reset requires removing excess data or reinstalling a newer operating system. Often it is as simple as pressing a single button, and other times, an increasingly complex procedure must take place in order to restore the normal operation of the device. A reset may take time and may be disruptive, but when it is needed, nothing else will restore everything to its correct state.
The “software” of our lives can become cluttered with all manner of excess. We cram our schedules so full of the lesser things that we deem important, then scrape out a tiny amount of our available data for worshiping God. Even if we are in the practice of attending church regularly, we must monitor our hearts because we can easily fall into a thoughtless routine and begin to occupy our minds with things other than focusing upon the wonder, beauty and majesty of our God. When our outer lives and inner thoughts become too cluttered, God may allow us to experience a hard reset. Sometimes, it is the only way to restore God’s original, intended function for us
This is an opportunity for a reset. I’m not speaking of an economic reset, a reorganization of government or anything associated with the godless principles and manner of the world. I instead mean that we must not depend upon the political arguments, the placement of blame and the irritation toward various celebrities chiming in with their opinions during this time. Likewise, don’t waste your time “waiting for everything to get back to normal” or spend your time on fruitless thoughts or behaviors. Be aware and informed about what is going on in our culture, but instead of occupying precious, irretrievable time obsessing over these things, let’s use this time in a valuable way so that God can reset our hearts, our minds, our motives, our focus, and our lives upon the things that are eternal.
Pray that…
God would help us to [re]set our minds on the things above. – Colossians 3:2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
We would eliminate anything that stands in the way of drawing near to God. – James 4:8a Draw near to God and He will draw near to you…
We would use our time to the fullest. – Ephesians 5:16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.
We would be thankful for, and make the most of, every opportunity to worship God freely. – Hebrews 12:28 Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe.