Shhhhh! I'm Listening for God!

We often associate encountering God with moments of serene stillness. The image of a quiet room, a peaceful walk in nature, or a silent early morning comes to mind when we think of connecting with the God. There's an undeniable value in seeking these moments of solitude, a truth beautifully echoed in Scripture. As Psalm 46:10 encourages us, "Be still, and know that I am God." These quiet times offer a sanctuary where we can intentionally focus our hearts and minds, free from the clamor of the world. I’m thinking of an empty combine machine from my childhood. The whole world was silent there. Sometimes we NEED the silent.

Cultivating a daily walk with God often begins with carving out these peaceful moments. Yet, as many of us can attest, finding this quiet can feel like an uphill battle. The incessant "noise" of modern life – the constant notifications, the demands of work and family, even the silent pressures of social media – all compete for our attention, creating a sense of inner and outer turmoil. For me, the very act of seeking peace and quiet feels like another item on an already overflowing to-do list, leading to more stress rather than peace.

This struggle brings us to a new possibility: perhaps the presence of God isn't solely confined to the absence of noise. Could it be that we are also called to hear His voice amidst the chaos? The concept of being "in Christ" extends beyond finding the perfect mountain or closet. It speaks of an internal posture, a way of navigating the world with our hearts in tune with Him, regardless of our surroundings.

Consider the Scripture. While God speaks in a "still small voice" (1 Kings 19:12), He also reveals Himself in the thunderous power of creation. Psalm 29:3-4 proclaims, "The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders; the Lord is over many waters. The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty." ¹ God's presence isn't limited to whispers; it heard in the grand and the turbulent as well.

The Gospel of Mark recounts an instance where Jesus sought solitude on a mountain to pray (Mark 6:46). Yet, even in His isolated communion with the Father, He remained aware of the storm raging on the sea and the struggles of His disciples. This highlights a crucial point: being close to God doesn't necessarily shield us from the storms of life. Instead, it equips us to perceive His presence and guidance even within the storms.

Therefore, while we should undoubtedly cherish and cultivate those moments of quiet devotion, let us also strive to walk quietly with God through the entirety of our days, regardless of the noise level of the world around us or the challenges we face. To be "in Christ" means carrying His peace within us. May we learn to hear His voice not only in the stillness but also in the storm, trusting that He is with us, guiding and sustaining us through it all. As Isaiah 26:3 beautifully assures us, "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You."