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“Therefore, consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they think they have will be taken from them.” Luke 8:18 (ESV)

Ever heard loud and still didn’t hear? You know like a distracting noise was so loud you didn’t understand a single word spoken. My husband has this wonderful device; I’m sure you’ve seen it. A tiny little piece perched in his ear picks up his voice and everything else. His Bluetooth enables him to communicate when he’s driving or working – great. No not so great. Despite the many variations he has owned, the background noise often drowns out his sweet voice. The jingle and screeching noise is not music to my ears. Humor works to soothe my otherwise irritated soul. So despite our efforts to stay connected, I remain clueless until I only hear his voice.

Amazing how much distracting noise feeds my day. Until we sit in the silence, we don’t even recognize the loud stealing away thoughts and interrupting peace. And if I dare be honest, my own distracting voice often overrides God’s still small voice whispering to my soul. Clarity, depth and understanding are often exchanged in the chatter of everything else.

Wonder what would happen if we rid ourselves of noise and breathed in deep of God’s presence? Instead of reading His words with the tv buzzing in the background, we would create silence. Ridding ourselves of the endless self-talk rummaging through our minds even in the silence. Disconnecting from everyone and everything so we can re-connect with the One who speaks life, hope and peace. An open invitation to glean insight. A clean slate to welcome authentic, engaging conversation with our Creator – the One who knows us inside and out.

Maybe it simply sounds too good to be true. Could we really let go of all the distractions, lists, and preconceived ideas to come away with God to a deeper place. One that promises to fill our empty souls and refresh our tired minds. One who has always been available 24/7 before the cliché was spoken. One who hears words we haven’t even spoken. An audience with our King who rules the world, holds it all together and gathers His children. Why? Because out of His great love, God longs to speak, whisper and draw us close.

“Father help us to not drop the connection and to choose silence. To simply sit in Your presence and only listen in the quiet for Your still small voice.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life