Shutdown: Good or Bad?

We’re now into the second week of a stand-off between Republicans and Democrats that has shut down the Federal government. In and of itself, a “shutdown” can be a good thing. Everyone needs to power down occasionally. Even my computer does. A shutdown should equal “stillness”—all activity coming to a quiet halt.  But not this one. Everyone in D.C. is running around in a senseless angst.

But think about it. Is all this “disquiet” a metaphor? No one ever powers down anymore. Are media rich, always-on, multi-tasking persons capable of stillness? And if you could escape the cacophony, can “stillness” be found? Yes—but not in a place. In a Person. “Come unto me all you who are weary and burdened, and you will find rest (shutting off activity) for your souls” (Matt. 11:28-29).

Of course it will help you to set a time and place: “Can two walk together unless they have an appointment?” (Amos 3:3) The Bible says in the early morning while it was still dark (Mark 1:35), Jesus shut off the world, and shut Himself in with God (Ps. 46:10). Likewise, let us shut down; power down; shut ourselves in with Him. Now that would be a good shutdown!