Sounds come at us all day long. People talking, children laughing (or fighting), conversations with our spouse, traffic passing by, doors opening and shutting, food cooking, birds, bullfrogs, and buzzings outside. No matter where we are or where we go, there is noise. And yes, if a tree falls in the forest and there is no one to hear it, it still makes a noise!
Do you ever just need to hear silence? I mean, maybe you’re not as desperate as I am, but I find it so hard to find a time alone; a quiet place where I can—you know—hear silence.
My world is so crazy, so busy, so crowded, (like many of us, I’m sure) that I find myself always looking for an opportunity to not talk, not interact. Don’t get me wrong, I love people, I love spending time with my family and friends. But sometimes I just need – Silence.
When I wake up early in the morning, sometimes I hesitate to breathe because I’m afraid someone will hear, and all the noises of the day will begin; distracting me from what really is important to me the first thing in the morning—listening to God.
Small Still Voice
With all the noises in life, it’s hard to hear the small, still voice that is God’s.
When my kids were small, if I had something important for them to hear, I would wait for them to quiet down, and when I was sure they were listening I would try to clearly explain to them what I wanted them to know, or what I was expecting of them.
If they were distracted in any way—watching TV, playing a video game, reading a book—they usually would not hear me correctly, completely, or not at all!
Sometimes, if I really needed them to listen to me, I would get on their level, put my hand on their shoulder, look them in the eyes and in a hushed tone (sometimes through gritted teeth, depending on the situation at hand) I would tell them what was expected of them.
And it’s usually during our quiet times together when I tell them how much I love them, or that I’m proud of them, or that I think they’re doing a terrific job being a human being.
Take Time to Listen
I believe the Lord speaks to us in the same way. I mean, yeah, He could boom His message through the clouds, or shout something out like the rumble of thunder, but He chooses to speak to us in hushed, loving tones as we seek to find His will for our life.
He lovingly tells us that He has a plan for our life, and if we are willing to listen, He will show us the paths to walk.
Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.
Proverbs 3:6 (NLT)
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:11-13
He whispers to us when we are afraid or unsure or have something hard to face.
In God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me?
Psalm 56:11 (NIV)
Have I not commanded you? “Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9 (ESV)
He lays His hand upon our shoulder and assures us that we are not alone, and that no matter how lonely we feel, He is always there.
…He is not far from each one of us:
Acts 17:27 (ASV)
… For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Hebrews 13:5 (NKJV)
…I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.
Matthew 28:20 (KJV)
And as His children, it’s so important that we turn off the TV, the radio, the phone, the world, the noise, and find a place of silence where we can look into the Father’s face and listen to what He is longing for us to hear.
…He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.
Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)
Devote your heart and soul to seeking the Lord your God…
1 Chronicles 22:19 (NIV)
You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:13 (ESV)
Amazon Affiliate Links
I may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you use my affiliate links below. Thank you!
Oswald chambers was a preacher/teacher from the early 1900’s. His book “My Upmost for His Highest” is one of the most popular devotionals to date. Below are some of his books, including “My Upmost for His Highest”.
