Switch Off and Reboot

I must admit that I am rather ignorant when it comes to IT, but one thing I do understand about electronic devices such as phones or computers is that they typically have two different places where information is stored. One place is used for permanent storage (hard drive) and the other place for temporary storage (RAM), which allows it to process the information.

When the temporary storage gets too full, it struggles to function well. It might become sluggish, perform poorly, or even crash. One recommendation is to regularly switch it off, so that it can clear the temporary storage, and it will function again as it is meant to. This may be a poor explanation, technically speaking, but at least that’s how I understand it.

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I feel as if my own processing space is completely full. It’s during these times that I can feel overwhelmed, make bad decisions, and respond poorly. What’s needed is a reboot - a time to switch off. I want to share some scriptural principles that have helped me clear my mind and function better, according to God’s ingenious design. I believe they will also help you,

First of all, there is the daily reboot. I love lying in bed, and, before I fall asleep, asking the Lord if there’s anything that’s bothering me that I have not yet given to Him. Then I usually say to myself, “There’s not much you can do about that right now, lying in bed. Better to entrust it to the Lord.” It feels great to take the load off and place all my worries and concerns in His capable hands. This makes for a good night’s sleep and waking up refreshed again.

Then there is the weekly reboot. God designed life on a seven-day cycle. It is part of His creation. Once every seven days we should rest, cease from our labours, and take a Sabbath. If we don’t, we will certainly find our minds get cluttered up and our performance drops. We stop bearing fruit as we were designed to do. If you are not in the habit of taking a weekly day of rest, I suggest you start this immediately. The Lord will bless your commitment to taking a Sabbath day- guaranteed!

Finally, I have found it extremely helpful to take a regular time out, just by myself, away from everything and everyone. For me this means disappearing into the wilderness of the Highlands once or twice a year, just for a couple of days. I cannot tell you how much good it has done for me and my family. It might feel self-indulgent at first, but ultimately it makes me a better person in every sphere of my life. I recommend you try it.

It is interesting that God commanded Israel to go up to Jerusalem three times a year to celebrate the Feasts. I don’t know what you think about this, but I love that we have a God who puts celebrations central to corporate worship. Apart from everything else, these Feasts provide time away from work, time for family, for food and for fellowship. What a brilliant idea!

We all have daily stresses, worries, and anxieties, and unless we choose to switch off regularly and reboot, we’re going to struggle to function well. May God help us with our regular reboots.