Learning to Listen: What Your Inner Noise Might Be Telling You About Peace and Purpose
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This summer, my refrigerator started making an obnoxiously loud noise. It all started one day when the power cut out briefly, then came back on during the heat wave. Suddenly, the hum of the fridge was so loud I had to close my bedroom door at night just to get decent rest. I even found myself turning up the TV volume just to drown it out. And it was a constant distraction during my morning prayer time.
I kept telling myself I’d get it fixed soon. But days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months. Eventually, one morning, I opened the freezer and noticed my ice pack from the day before wasn’t frozen. Frustrated, I realized that I had ignored the problem for so long it had only gotten worse. I had let myself get used to signs that something was clearly wrong.
At first, I thought, Maybe I can fix this myself. I went online and searched through countless forums and how-to guides, but quickly realized it was beyond what I could handle. So, reluctantly, I started looking for a repair service. But every local business I contacted seemed to want a quote fee just to diagnose the problem—one that wouldn’t even go toward the repair cost unless I hired them. It felt like a setup, and I was wary of potential hidden costs.
Finally, I connected with a company that understood my concerns. I explained the symptoms: food freezing in the fridge, the loud hum, and more. The kind woman on the phone told me what I already suspected from my research—that my fridge was on its way out. So, I took the plunge, ordered a new one, and when it finally arrived, I closed my bedroom door that night, hoping for peace and quiet.
The next morning, I woke up to silence in the kitchen. There was no hum, no vibration—just pure, glorious quiet. It felt odd at first, almost unsettling, and I found myself wondering if the new fridge was even working. During my morning routine, as I was chatting with my dad, I couldn’t resist walking over and opening the fridge just to be sure. Everything was working perfectly, yet somehow I kept waiting to hear the noise again, as if I couldn’t quite trust the silence.
What noise have you allowed yourself to get used to?
In the Bible, noise often symbolizes distraction or chaos that can drown out what truly matters. Psalm 46:10 reminds us, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Stillness isn’t easy, especially when we’ve grown used to the “noise” in our lives—whether it’s physical noise, mental clutter, or emotional distractions. Sometimes, like the hum of my old refrigerator, we become so accustomed to this noise that we overlook the toll it takes on our inner peace.
Yet, in stillness, we can find clarity. Proverbs 4:23 advises, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” This means recognizing and addressing the things that disturb our peace before they take root in our lives. Don’t let yourself become so accustomed to the noise that you lose sight of how beautiful quiet can be when you’ve healed or cleared it away. It’s in this stillness that we get to experience the healthy, whole version of ourselves—and appreciate it. It’s in the stillness that we can also here from our father better.
Here are some ways to help you to be still:
- Prioritize Daily Stillness: Start or end your day with 5-10 minutes of quiet time, whether through prayer, meditation, or simply breathing in silence.
- Identify “Noisy” Habits: Notice habits that create unnecessary “noise,” like constant scrolling or overcommitting. Recognize them as distractions from peace.
- Clear Mental Clutter with Journaling: Write down your thoughts each day to release worries and make space for God’s voice.
- Reconnect with Nature: Step outside without distractions. Nature has a way of grounding us and reminding us of God’s presence.
- Anchor Yourself in Scripture: Keep verses like Psalm 46:10 and Proverbs 4:23 close, letting them remind you to guard your heart and find stillness.
Journal Prompts:
- What noise in your life do you feel you've become "comfortable" with, even though it disrupts your peace?
- How can you prioritize quiet or "stillness" in your daily routine?
- Think about a time when you ignored a small problem until it grew bigger. What was the cost, and what did you learn from it?
- What areas of your life need more attention or protection so that they stay healthy and peaceful? (Think of things you may be neglecting but want to keep "fresh" or positive in your life, like relationships, health, or personal goals.)
- Reflect on how it feels to imagine your life with less noise. What do you envision, and how can you start moving toward it?
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