How many of you out there don’t have a long attention span? How many of you get easily distracted? I am one of those people that can start the day doing one job and end up on 5 more jobs that were not even close to what I had on my list. Distraction is so easy isn’t it? Getting caught up in the noise is easy too! How many of you have been distracted by a cute social media post or video then 2 hours later realized you were still on social media, scrolling. I think it’s easy to say we have all been distracted at some points, especially these last few years. It’s difficult to tune out the call of social media and all those voices, and demands of us to constantly do more.
I read recently that there is a science called interruption science. And it shows we are interrupted every 3 minutes. Sound familiar? The fact that there is even a science that deals with interruptions in our world shows how loud the noise really is today.
Every day God reveals to me the importance of silence. My mom used to say to me often, “Lisa if you don’t hear God’s voice, He’s not the one who moved!” And she was always right. Noise has a way of pulling you further from His voice. But silence on the other hand helps us draw near and hear that sweet still small voice. As I practice those silent moments I am learning that silence and listening is more critical than ever in my day to day life.
Silence is the difference between sight and insight.
Silence is the difference between happiness and joy.
Silence is the difference between fear and faith.
I have learned more than ever in this season of uncertainty with pandemic and unexpecteds that sometimes “white noise” of this world can be the greatest hinderance to my growth spiritually. The definition of white noise is a sound that contains every frequency a human can hear. And because it contains every frequency, it’s very difficult to hear any frequency — especially the still, small voice of God.
One of my favorite scriptures is Psalm 32:7 “You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance” The psalmists refer to God as their refuge, their fortress, and their ever present help in time of need. But my favorite description is “hiding place” The quiet place where God’s voice can be heard. I am learning that it is in that hiding place where I can hear His heart, and be filled in the stillness. But the key is to stop, and be still.
God often speaks loudest when we’re quietest. Silence is so critical to our spiritual growth that it’s worth meditating on one word or phrase of Scripture at a time:
Be.
Be still.
Be still, and know.
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
— Psalm 46:10
If you are filled with confusion and distractions that have you feeling anxious and overwhelmed. Stop for awhile. Rest. Listen. Ask God to sit with you in that beautiful hiding place. It can be some of the most precious and transforming moments in your day. It’s ok to ‘be still.” He’s waiting.