A Still Small Voice Amidst the Noises
“11 The Lord said, ‘Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.’ Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.“
– 1 Kings 9: 11-12 (NKJV)
Times Square is one of my favorite places to visit. It confirms that NYC is THE CITY that never sleeps. It is full of stores, restaurants, businesses in high rises, and theaters adjacent on side streets. If you have never been, it is a sight to behold—full of electronic high-definition billboards and messages coming from all directions. At street level there are the food vendors, performing groups, people in costumes, and tons of tourists. The cacophony of sounds can be overwhelming: dancers, singers, actors, life-sized action figures, vendors yelling, buses, cars, honking horns, and subway noise. It is bright, colorful, and yes noisy! When I am there, I am in awe of the diversity of people that gather in this place. I also note that there are people giving papers offering and selling things at a great price– show tickets, bus tours, even religion for free. Amidst the organized mayhem that is Times Square there are also faithful Christians among the commotion. Yet these disciples for Christ are hard to hear from the noise. Similarly, in our spiritual lives, if we don’t train our ears to hear God’s voice amidst the noises of life, we can/will miss God. This is because God most often speaks to us in a “still small voice.” This divine voice can be confirmed by God’s Word. As we grow in knowledge of the scriptures we can be clear when God is speaking as it will align with God’s word.
PRAYER
Lord your word tells us your sheep hear your voice, and you know your sheep and they follow you (John 10:27). God, we come to you seeking more than ever to know your voice. But even more, the ability to dicern your voice from among the noisiness of life. God help us to train our ears to be attentive to the voice, to follow the urgings and corrections of your Spirit.
JOURNAL REFLECTION
What “noise” in your life might be keeping you from hearing God’s voice? How can you practice tuning your heart and mind to the “still small voice,” and use Scripture to discern when God is speaking amidst life’s distractions?