How noisy is our mind, our world, our surroundings? Every day, something shouts for our attention—work, family, bills, stresses, and our own insecurities. What often commands our attention are the very things we cannot control. In truth, there is nothing in this physical world we truly have sovereignty over. These limitations, both physical and mental, stir up distress, and the noise of life only grows louder.
Years ago, it struck me that my world is much like a loud party—music blaring, people laughing and talking, a fever-pitched atmosphere that demands every ounce of attention. Each sound and distraction represents life’s stresses: work, bills, strained relationships. I imagine myself sitting on a couch next to God, yet I’m so distracted by the noise that I hardly hear Him. He is speaking, but the music is too loud. He whispers, and it becomes even harder to listen.
Then I realize: if I were truly at a crowded house party and God was whispering to me, I would have to lean in. I would need to block out the distractions, turn my ear toward Him, maybe even face Him closely enough to read His lips. To embrace Him. To focus only on Him.
That is what it means to lean into God. The world shouts, but God whispers. And to hear a whisper, we must be near. We must intentionally draw close. This requires setting aside time—sacred, quiet time—to be still with Him. In silence, we offer God our reverence. In stillness, we open space to hear His direction, His love, His comfort.
I believe God never stops communicating with us, no matter how noisy our world becomes. The question is whether we are close enough to listen. This world is temporary, a brief marker on the way to eternity. Our quiet devotion, our leaning in, is how we prepare our souls for what lasts forever.
“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10
“After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.” — 1 Kings 19:12
Reflection: How are you setting aside time to lean into God’s whisper today?
Closing Prayer
Lord,
In the middle of all the noise of this world—its demands, its stresses, its distractions—help me to lean into You. Quiet my restless heart so I may hear Your whisper. Draw me close enough to see You, to feel Your presence, and to trust Your guidance. Teach me to value the stillness as a sacred gift, where Your Spirit speaks louder than any shout. May I live not by the noise of the world but by the calm certainty of Your voice.
Amen.
