My title for this devotion is White Noise vs Holy Noise.
One last post that links to the previous two (April 8 & 9). I’m convinced we are a “noisy” people. I know I am. Very seldom is it silent. When I study or read I need it quiet. Little noise. No distractions. No music except maybe Classical as background noise because I don’t understand it. 🙂 Other than that? Noise. More noise. Much noise. In most cases the louder the better. Working out? Music. Driving? Music. Jigsaw puzzles? Music.
Tragically, I seldom escape the noise. Except when I cycle, it is noisy. It is hard to hear from God when it is noisy. How can I hear? It would be hard for Him to get through the drums, guitars, and metal. That is why. what I call my Quiet Time (QT), is so essential.
To quote Tripp:
God is using the wait to do in and through me exactly what He has promised. Through the wait He is changing me. By the means of the wait he is altering the fabric of my thoughts and desires. Through the wait He is causing me to see and experience new things about Him and His kingdom…Waiting on God is restorative. (p.143)
I like that last line: Waiting on God is restorative. I know some friends who are going through a rough patch right now. Not their marriage but life. Not coincidentally, I read Psalm 9:9 this morning: “The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.” Powerful verse for them. For me also. But I’m also convinced that I need to shut down the white noise in order the hear the “holy” noise-the voice of the Father. I know He speaks through the whirlwind and the storm (Job 38:1 and Nahum 1:3), but for me silence in golden.
“Father, speak to my heart, my soul, my mind. As I yield to you and in the quiet, squash the noise-the noise of my life-and let me hear You and You alone. Be with my friends as they navigate the negative noise, and let them hear the “Holy” noise.”
A favorite place of mine is the Shaw Nature Reserve, about 40 miles west of St. Louis. If you go during the week, you might see two or three other people, including the ranger at the gate. the only sound you hear is your shoes crunching gravel or leaves, or the flow of the nearby Meramec River. You can sit or stand still and strain to hear anything. The silence can be deafening. It’s something like a profound worship service.
That sounds like one of those days away type of worship services. Thanks for the input Glynn.
I second your prayer this morning…
Both for myself and friends.
Thanks Ryan. they will need it. I hope he calls you or if you get a chance maybe give him a call.
“Waiting on God is restorative . . .”
Yes, like you, Bill, I need the quiet to hear God speak to my heart and soothe my mind. Of course, we know He is in all the noisy places of our lives, too, but all too often, His voice gets drowned out.
Silence is golden.
Blessings!
That saying spoke volumes to me Martha. i will totally agree with you silence is golden comment (as you may guess).
I do like instrumental music played very softly during my devotions time. If it is an instrumental version of a song that I know the words to, sometimes God will use those words to speak to me–or I sing along as a way of praising Him.
But otherwise, I find noise tiring–at restaurants, at gatherings where you are trying to have a conversation but the background noise is deafening–anytime that the noise distracts rather than creating ambiance.
I have trouble with instrumental music if I know the worlds Pam. It is a big distraction for me. But for you it is an inspiration. I love the way god has wired each of us differently.
The old saying, a boat without a rudder.” Is a weak analogy. What if you have a rudder but you cannot seem to find the strength to make it work? Your mainline is cut and you are drifting farther and farther from the shore. That boat, is the waiting room I find myself occupying. I know Jesus is on the shore and he will tell me where to cast my net but waiting and not panicking in my current state is the most difficult. My prayer have been quiet of late, listening – and yes- waiting. Learning to live in faith and not fear is my challenge now. I find my own mind and imagination has become the chosen weapon of the enemy.
Sounds pretty dramatic when I read my own words. Grammatical error‘s and all! But how does one escape ones own mind. The only answer I can come up with, is the Holy Spirit. Comfort. Peace. Silence.
I don’t see it as dramatic but honest. Honesty sometimes includes open emotions. I appreciate them.
Well adrift. I know this took a powerful lot to write. Admitting we are struggling is never easy. But even though fear is real and a challenge, I really can’t wait to see what God has in store for you and your better half. I will keep praying as I did last night at midnight. She can tell you.