In this information-packed world we live in it’s almost impossible to go anywhere there’s not a television or other electronic device ready to feed you the latest on any given topic. We are willingly, unwillingly or even subconsciously connected to a never-ending stream.
So, it’s easy to understand how we might find ourselves completely and utterly distracted about 50% of the time (or more), taking in information that many times we weren’t seeking or asking for. At least it seems that way to me, especially when I’m Google-searching something specific only to be bombarded and force-fed a ton of other things along the way. I call it “info junk.”
As one who has a hard time staying focused in the first place (hey, I’m an artist) this constant stream of info junk can be a huge distraction, but especially for me as a Christian whose heart’s desire is to consume more information that feeds my spirit, it creates an even greater challenge.
In regard to that, I recently reconnected with a friend whom I literally haven’t seen in 30 years. She said she’d been thinking about me a great deal and wanted to get in touch just to catch up. Well, one day out of the blue she called, and when I heard her sweet voice it was as if time had stopped and was suddenly picking back up again from our last conversation. Amazing!
We talked about so many things: our marriages, our children, our grandchildren, etc. On top of that, she had no idea that over these last 30 years I’d developed a music ministry, recorded six records, toured the U.S. doing concerts, and gotten radio and television airplay around the world.
In turn, I found out that she has continued in her own women’s ministry, even though she is now home bound due to a car accident. Apparently, she blacked out while behind the wheel. Her doctors say she had a seizure and lost control of the car. Thank God she was not (nor anyone else involved) seriously injured.
I say all of this to say . . . God used a long time friend . . . a dear friend from my past, to call me out of the blue, and bring me words of encouragement and love straight from His throne. He used her to deliver information I so desperately needed to hear . . . like being served nourishing food rather than “info junk.”
If we only feed on the information of the world, it weakens our spirits and drains us of the strength that only God’s words can provide. My friend had been used to set a table before me. She’d brought me the encouragement and even the challenge that I needed, and asked me a question that I will never forget: “Whose table have you been eating from?”
What information have you been consuming? Psalm 23:5 says, “You (God) prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” It’s virtually impossible to avoid consuming info junk. Be sure to eat from the Lord’s table first.
Thankyou for the reminder. Your so right!!!! I to have been trying to focus on spiritual things. I have to make a conscious effort to block out all the distractions. Who knew we would enter an age with such chaos even in the airwaves. Thankyou for the encouragement. ❤️
You’re welcome, Reyne! That question she asked me, “Whose table have you been eating from?” was profound. It was as if the Holy Spirit was asking, “Who have you been listening to? What information have you been consuming?” When we read the scriptures and allow God to speak to our spirits through His word, when we pray and listen for His voice, we’re eating from the table He’s laid out before us and we’re strengthened and encouraged to keep fighting the good fight!