Finding Stillness Amid Life’s Noise

I almost missed the sound as I drove by the church, but the refrain just barely caught my ear.

Church bells!

I rolled down my window to see if I could identify the tune, but the noise of the cars kept coming, frustrating me that I couldn’t hear well enough. I wanted to listen – to identify the song they played.

If I could have just stopped, if the distracting noise had disappeared, if …

I believe that this is a little like God’s voice.  He is speaking, but the clamor of the world and the busyness of life keep us from hearing clearly.  We catch the bare hint of the refrain, but we just can’t comprehend. 

We read His Word in a hurry, getting in a minute of quiet time, sending up popcorn prayers, but our minds continue racing down to-do lists and plans, overwhelming the quiteness of His voice.

God calls us to stillness, to a calm and settled spirit that rests in Him.  This isn’t a compliance command but an invitation to peace.

Isaiah 30:15 For thus saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not

Lamentations 3:26 It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.

How do we accomplish this? How do we practice quietness in a noisy world? Is it just one more thing on our ‘To Do’ list, one more item to feel guilty about neglecting, or is it an opportunity that God provides, a place where strength and peace abide?

• First, we recognize the omnipotence of God and the Lordship of Jesus Christ.  Often, our busyness springs out of our attempt to be in control of all the circumstances in our lives.  Recognizing that God is the One in control is a daily exercise of faith and obedience. I have enough time to do what He wants me to do.

• Second, we consciously choose quietness.  I can choose to turn down the radio or turn off the television. I can choose to rise a few minutes earlier or take some time at lunch to concentrate on God. I can choose to stop in the middle of the drama and breathe a prayer for God’s help and God’s peace.

• Third, we remember we are practicing.  It won’t be perfect. I don’t live an isolated life that is undisturbed by the noises of life.  Spouses interrupt.  Children rush in.  The pot on the stove boils over.  Life happens.  But I don’t stop practicing.  Gradually, quiet time with God becomes a necessary part of life, and it is no longer a burden.

God didn’t encourage us to practice quietness to satisfy some ritual. He wants us to be still for our own good. My day goes better when I take time in the morning to focus on God. The fruits of His Spirit are more evident in my life when I am in communication with Him.

And how wonderful that the God of the Universe wants to fellowship with us!

Take a moment today to be still in His presence. Don’t consider the time a part of your ‘To-Do’ list. Instead, think of it as an opportunity to visit with your Father.

“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth” (Psalm 46:10)

Father, how fortunate we are that You have called us to Yourself, that Your heart is open to our cry. Thank You for hearing us. Thank You for loving us. Thank You for providing a place of peace in a harried world and for giving us the opportunity to come apart from the hurry. Forgive me for rushing when I need to rest in You. Forgive me for trying to control everything instead of trusting You. Thank You for being my Refuge. In Jesus’ name I pray.