I read something interesting the other day, which has been milling around in my heart. It concerns an interesting cluster of cells that lie at the base of the brain stem, called the reticular activating system, or RAS for short. The job of the RAS is to determine which of the many, many stimuli that are constantly vying for our attention, gets noticed. It acts like a type of radar system, deciding what makes a blip.
Those who know me will know that I love a good cup of coffee. Therefore I am pretty sure that there is a category within my RAS for coffee and related subjects. Whenever I see a humorous quote regarding coffee lovers, it immediately catches my attention. Very recently I’ve had the privilege of becoming a first-time granny, therefore I find myself drawn to the baby section whenever I go into stores selling baby clothes and products! Coffee and baby goodies currently definitely make a blip on my RAS!
I think as God’s children we sometimes get caught up in the many things that demand our attention on a daily basis, and if we are not attentive to the voice of the Holy Spirit, we may miss some of the things that God is trying to show us. It does not make a blip, so to speak. One of the ways in which we can train our RAS to tune into God’s frequency – to capture the attention of that which God wants us to be attentive to – is through PRAYER.
Prayer is is not bound to space and time. Revelation 5:8 speaks of the prayers of the saints which is like incense before God’s throne. Imagine the sweet aroma of your prayers you have prayed, and the prayers of generations before you, all still exuding a constant fragrance in the Throne-room of God! “The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of God’s people, went up before God from the angel’s hand.” (Rev 8:4 – NIV)
As I make prayer a part of my daily rhythm, I see the issues of life, including those whose names we mention before the Lord, as covered by the beautiful aroma of the incense that goes up before the throne of God, and it brings a spiritual attentiveness, causing those “divine blips” as I anticipate God’s response. Colossians 4:2 says, “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” When I pray, it creates within my spirit a certain attentiveness to the person or the issue I brought to God. Moreover, it causes me to be on the lookout for the way in which God would answer my prayer. When I am devoted to prayer, wait on the Holy Spirit, listening for His promptings, being watchful and thankful, my RAS will register those “divine blips,” as I begin to see God move.
I am challenged also to be careful regarding the things I allow my heart to dwell on. There is so much negativity and hopelessness around us and in the news, and if my focus is on that which I perceive with my natural eyes & ears, it will without a doubt affect my attitude and actions. As God’s people we are to walk by FAITH and not by sight! (see 2 Corinthians 5:7). If we are people who take God at His word, and when we allow His Holy Spirit to lead us and direct our focus, we will be people who are carriers of light and hope and truth in our spheres of influence. We will be responsive to the “divine blips” that come from God, and touch the lives of others in wonderful ways for God’s Kingdom.
What makes a “blip” in your life?