NOISE, QUIET AND LISTENING
Jenna Worsham
Today's Scripture: “All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them.” John 10:8, ESV
Theme: Do not listen to the noise, especially at this high-stress time of year. Learn to hear the voice of the Good Shepherd.
THE NOISE
Exposure to loud noise can be emotionally exhausting for some neurotypes. Noise is described as undesirable sounds. And while we desire some sounds (music, a river, or waves crashing), quiet from the noise can be difficult to find. Everywhere we go, there is piped-in music playing or background conversation. Even when I’m in the car, I often play my own music or podcast while I drive. Yet, when I feel overwhelmed, quiet helps bring calm. Intentionally seeking quiet, especially when I’m surrounded by noise, allows me to hear the voice of God, the Good Shepherd. That’s why I wake up early while it is still quiet. It's why I turn off the music and podcasts intentionally. But what if you can’t get away, go up on a mountaintop, or to a quiet forest today? I can’t either.
DO NOT LISTEN
Later today, I’ll be in airports and on airplanes, during a busy travel weekend. Maybe you’ll be in a similar location this season? Inevitably I will find the roar of conversation, the blare of necessary announcements, and the ceaseless engine noise (I’m thankful they are running correctly) on the airplane. I can’t avoid being in these locations; however, I can choose not to listen to the noise. Even if I’m not good at blocking out sounds myself, I’ve brought noise cancelling headphones and earplugs to help me when I need quiet. The world is often like a noisy airport. Reading my Bible, praying, seeking quiet - those are like the noise-cancelling headphones that help me to refocus my listening from the noise to the Good Shepherd.
THE SHEEP HEAR THE SHEPHERD
Thieves and robbers sound like villains. I’m tempted to think I wouldn’t allow thieves or robbers to drown out the voice of Jesus. Yet, as I’m considering the noise around us, it really could be a thief. A thief of the focus it takes to hear the voice of the Savior. A robber of patience that allows me to give generously or play enthusiastically. A thief of joy when trying to keep up with the many seasonal activities and expectations that causes me to miss advent devotion, the Sabbath, or remember Jesus amid the hurry. This season, I want to hear the voice of the Shepherd. We might not be able to avoid being around the noise made by thieves and robbers, but we don’t have to sit and listen to them.
Make It Personal: Thieves and robbers aren’t always obvious. What’s threatening to steal your ability to listen to the Good Shepherd this season? What “noise” do you need to block out? How does that look for you? What is effective at “noise cancelling” for you, like headphones or earplugs in the airport?
Pray: LORD, thank You for speaking to us even when we are surrounded by noise. Help us to seek Your voice in this season and every season. We ask for moments of quiet. We ask for the wisdom to block out the noise when we can. Please provide discernment to allow us to hear you, our Good Shepherd. Thank You for Jesus, for giving so generously of Yourself for our benefit. In His Name we pray. Amen.
Read: 1 John 4:1-6; John 10:27; Psalm 95:6-8
Weekly Memory Verse: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11, ESV