The television. The radio. The computer. The phone. The news. The neighbors. The kids. The boss. The co-workers. My own mind… Do you ever feel overwhelmed with the noise of the world we live in?
I love music. I enjoy movies. I like sports. I enjoy my kids. I love my wife. I like my job. I appreciate good conversation. I like to web surf. But sometimes…the continual flow of information and input takes what should be enjoyable and makes me want to scream, “Stop the Noise!!”
However, on the other hand, it seems I have become addicted to the noise. Always having my phone and checking e-mail, facebook, websites, blogs, etc. If I’m not on the phone, I’m at my computer. Then, to relax, I turn on the radio or TV.
I’m just wondering…what is my addiction? Is it a need to be connected? Is it a need for more input? Is it a need for information? Why do I desire the very noise I want to stop?!
There does seem to be a place in the depths of my heart that cries out for more than the noise. There is a cry for something that will speak to the deepest place of my being. I long for what will touch my desire for belonging, for purpose and for a connection with something or someone greater than myself.
In the midst of all of the noise, I guess what I really want is… to know God. I mean…to not just know about Him, but to truly know Him.
But, to know Him, I need to hear Him. I know He speaks.
And I know He speaks to us through His written Word. So in my quest to hear from Him, I found this:
A wonderful passage in the book of 1 Kings, Chapter 19, verses 11-12.
11 Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; 12 and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.
My addiction to noise can never take the place of the still small voice of the Lord.
Be still and know that I am God. Psalms 46:10
God, speak to me. I am listening.
Unwritten 