Living Beyond the Noise

Life is just loud. With three kids, two dogs, a bunny rabbit, and a host of OPK’s (other people’s kids – which inevitably end up at my house at some point each day) my life is LOUD. Don’t get me wrong, I love my life. I love my kids and the growing Noah’s ark theme that I have going on. I even love OPK’s (most of the time – lol!). It’s a good life. I don’t claim that it’s perfect, but it is mine and I am grateful.

Yet, sometimes, between the clamor of lunch, laundry, and laughter, my ears can become dull to the sounds that feed my soul and bind up my places of brokenness.

My ears (and ultimately, my heart) need to hear the whispers and songs from my Savior. To be honest, sometimes I don’t even realize how very parched I am. I can be so very busy, and my days can be so very loud that pushing past the clutter can prove to be challenging. And it is not always the kids and menagerie that fill my days with “noise.” Everywhere I look, technology screams at me to attend to the latest news, updates, and drama. To “like” or “comment,” to answer a text message or phone call. All these things I enjoy, but to be honest (again), they can also add to the growing decibels of “noise” in my life.

This morning, as I struggled to steal a few quiet moments with Jesus, I read these timely words:

“Listen to my instruction and be wise;
do not disregard it.
Blessed are those who listen to me,
watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway.

For those who find me find life
and receive favor from the Lord.”

Proverbs 8:33-35 (NIV)

Where is the boundary line that defines the parameters of what is necessary and what is just simply noise?

I admit this is a question that I personally struggle to answer. Although I understand that much of our technology is meant to connect us together with greater ease and clarity and make our lives more “accessible,” I am not always convinced we are hitting the mark.

Let me put it another way: I read an article recently that talked about a growing phenomenon called “information overload.” In it, the author attempted to describe what it might look like if you could physically draw and see all the lines (wavelengths of digital communication) of information that are flowing all around each of us, every day, every moment – the cell phone lines, the texting lines, the Instagram, Facebook, Internet, streaming, etc. What they described was disturbing.

They explained that if you could physically see all these wavelengths and “lines” connecting people to one another, you would draw so many lines that you actually could no longer see the person standing in front of you. Whoa. That’s intense. But I don’t have to physically see those “lines” in order to understand the potential danger that lies therein.

So, here’s the real question I am getting at: What if we are doing the same thing in our relationship with Jesus? What if, through well-intentioned connectedness and activity, service, and general “busyness,” we are actually obscuring our line-of-sight to our Beloved?

Am I as concerned about “liking” and keeping up with Jesus as I am about my Facebook or Instagram friends? Can I, through what I do and what I choose to fill my time and thoughts with, see Jesus more clearly? Or am I straining through the clutter to catch a glimpse of my Savior?

Am I even searching for Him at all?

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

Philippians 4:8

Truth is, we need Jesus. More than anything else, we need Jesus.

Without Him, you and I cannot hope to see clearly, or navigate this life successfully. Drawing ever closer to Him is the one thing in this life that offers true perspective and sweet joy. No matter what we face…no matter how loud this life can roar, He is our anchor and our only hope.

We worship Him, not because we are obliged to, but because the alternative hollows out our very hearts. We worship Him because He is so very worthy of the effort. We worship Him because He alone has set our feet upon a rock and given us a firm place to stand…even putting a new song in our mouths!

Friends, we must endeavor to push past the noise, intentionally, deliberately, tuning our ears to His voice. And when we do that, dear ones, it is always worth it. Every time. Each time. And I promise you won’t regret it. He is so faithful. He is always good. And you will find rest and renewal for your souls.

“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.”

Psalm 143:8

The song I want to share with you this week is from Capital City Music (featuring Dion Davis) entitled, “Lean Back.” When I first heard this song, I could literally feel my shoulders coming down and my breathing slow. My prayer is that the peacefulness and truths within the music and lyrics will minister to your soul as well, encouraging you to “lean back” into the arms of Jesus today.

With joy for the journey,

Sarah