What’s with all the NOISE?
We live in an age of information overload. From the news cycling 24-hours a day, constant bombardment by our buzzing phones/smart watches, the hustle and bustle of packed calendars, to keeping up with the newest social media trends. Our human emotions are intentionally targeted to get us to BUY, whether that is a product from social media/TV/internet advertisements (advertisements are unavoidable), or an idea (like the news which sells alarm and urgency).
We live in a chaotic world in which its nearly impossible to find peace and quiet. We struggle to cut through the NOISE and actually hear the Truth. Americans feel more disconnected, distant, and purposeless than ever – and it’s not a surprise! We were not meant to live this way. “Most alarmingly, the data show that the mental health of our youth is getting worse, not better. Major depression in youth has increased 4.35 percent over the last 6 years – meaning over 2 million youth have severe depression. Shockingly, almost 60 percent of youth with major depression do not receive any mental health treatment.” Mental Health America.
What does the Bible say about NOISE, quiet, and truth?
The enemy tries to distract us by overpowering us with NOISE and DISTRACTION, but God is always with us if we will just be still and listen. Truth will usually not be the loudest voice in the room.
“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; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. So it was, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him, and said, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’”
-1 Kings 19:11-13
“He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God.’”
–Psalm 46:10
“Fixing our attention on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of the faith, who, in view of the joy set before him, endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
–Hebrews 12:2
NOISE is the default of our fallen world – past and present. Scripture points us to God’s promises for truth and peace in our lives. We must be intentional to create quiet and seek God’s voice!
Practical tips for reducing the NOISE in our lives and allowing TRUTH to speak to our hearts
- Quiet our phones:
- Silent or do not disturb mode should be the default settings for our phones to prevent interruption from the present moment.
- Take control of notifications by disabling push notifications on almost all apps. Disabling push notifications helps to be in control of our technology by “batching” notifications and only providing the information you “request” it from your app. We must make technology work for us, not the other way around!
- Do not keep your phone in your pocket while at home or at work. Place the phone face down out of reach (preferably in the next room) in order to eliminate that addictive tendency to reach into your pocket and check it.
- Be intentional about what information sources we subscribe to:
- Turn off the 24-hour news. Set a limit each day for your news consumption and be very intentional about which news outlets you subscribe to.
- Remove social media apps from our phones, or place daily app usage limits on social media. Only access social media from desktop computer.
- Unsubscribe from accounts/users that are not bringing you peace and positivity. The unsubscribe and unfollow button should be your best friend!
- Create intentional daily quiet time:
- Start a consistent morning routine that includes bible reading, journal, and prayer. Eric Liddell’s format is a great place to start. Be intentional about cultivating an attitude of gratitude during this time. Having a thankful heart can remind us of God’s work in our lives and all that He has blessed us with. It also creates positivity, grace, and peace to carry you throughout your day.
- Take notice of the moments of peace God grants us. Shed unnecessary commitments and create time in your daily schedule to get outside and appreciate nature (walk, sit, pray, feel the sunshine, and give thanks!). Go on a hike or camping trip on the weekend – the possibilities are endless.
The first step is to recognize that we live in an age of NOISE and DISTRACTION. Distraction is our default! Once we have recognized this fact, we can begin to implement intentional steps to bring peace, quiet, and Truth back into our lives. Apply these practical steps on a daily basis, and God will begin speaking louder than ever before. We must slow down and listen for the “still small voice” each day!
