Noise

Our spirits can be so overwhelmed with the happenings of the world around us that finding a bit of silence in our minds and hearts is a struggle.

Noise is a great tool of Satan, the more noise we have around us, the harder it is to hear the voice of our Savior calling, whether He be calling us to salvation, away from a distracting sin, or to just come and rest in His presence.

Sometimes the noise we surround ourselves with we think is ‘good’ noise, sermons, podcasts, audio books, etc. And yes these can all be great sources of knowledge and tools for growth. But there comes a time when we have had so much noise from the outside that our spirits will start to feel restless, even when it's considered good noise.

And then top that off with the never ending stream of noise from social media and the news, every day a story of doom and gloom. Our tired souls are crying out, but we can’t hear them. Until one day, we get up from a long night of little to no sleep, exhausted, depressed, and somewhat cranky, and we wonder why.

We hear everything going on in the world, except the Words of God in the Bible. We run to other people for wisdom, not the Bible. We run to social media accounts to learn how to find our worth, not to Jesus. We watch shows that fictionally depict the life of Jesus, but we won’t read the scriptures that actually tell who He truly is.

I don’t think we realize that we have let the noise of the world take our peace and our joy. Noise from headlines of evil and violence, shortages and future economic crashes can weigh so heavily on our minds that we become quite melancholy.

But what does the Bible say?

Fret not thyself because of evil doers… Psalm 37:1a

Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him;

Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,

Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. Psalm 37:7

He will not be afraid of evil tidings;

His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Psalm 112:7

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. Matthew 5:34

There are many more verses that tell us to not worry or be anxious, and none of them have an exception clause. Do not worry unless (fill in the blank) happens. Be not afraid until (fill in the blank).

So while it is good to have an idea of what is happening in the world around you, for purposes of prayer and discerning the times, we are not to allow the noise of fear and worry consume us.

Here is what we should be doing:

Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Philippians 4:4

I will meditate on Your precepts,

And contemplate Your ways. Psalm 119:15

(Biblical meditation is not the same meditation that most people talk about now)

But his delight is in the law of the Lord,

And in His law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1:2

We are to be joyful, lights in the darkness, filled with hope, despite the noise.

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 1 Peter 3:15

For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. 2 Corinthians 2:15

If what we are doing doesn't bring us closer to Christ, could that not be the reason why so many Christians lack joy and hope? Has the noise consumed us so much that we forget the precious gift of eternal life from our Savior, that alone is enough to fill our entire life with joy? Have we given up the peace He offers, for the fear of evil tidings?

I pray this week that you’ll find time to shut out the noises that so easily distract us from the peace that surpasses all understanding, and in turn use that time to dig into the Bible, get close to Jesus, and allow Him to fill your mind with the glorious sounds of the scriptures.

Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all. 2 Thessalonians 3:16