In the midst of noise


And 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 (NIV)

 

“Be still, and know that I am God.”— Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

 

Have you noticed how much noise surrounds us today? The constant buzz of social media, the hum of the city streets, the chatter of people—and even the unending voices inside our own minds. Sometimes, the loudest noise isn’t around us but within us.

 

Even in moments of prayer or worship, our lips may sing praises while our minds wander. Thoughts rush in—our worries, plans, regrets, and even doubts. It’s no wonder many of us ask, “How can I hear the voice of God amid all this noise?”

 

Just imagine—how is it possible to hear God’s voice amid so many distractions around us today? Even in moments meant for prayer, our phones buzz, notifications chime, and the television hums in the background.And we complain “God is not speaking”. The truth is God is peaking but we are not listening or listening to something else.

 

You’re not alone. The prophet Elijah faced the same struggle. After his great victory on Mount Carmel, he found himself overwhelmed—threatened by Jezebel, afraid for his life, and emotionally exhausted. His mind echoed with conflicting voices: fear, failure, loneliness, and even death. The mighty prophet who had once called down fire from heaven could no longer discern the voice of God.

 

But God, in His grace, drew Elijah away into isolation—into a quiet place where He could speak again. On Mount Horeb, Elijah witnessed a powerful wind, an earthquake, and a fire—each dramatic, each awe-inspiring—but “the Lord was not in” any of them (1 Kings 19:11–12). Then came a gentle whisper—and in that still, quiet voice, Elijah recognized the presence of God.

 

God’s voice is not found in the noise of this world, nor in emotional frenzy, but in the stillness of a heart that waits on Him. 

 

The truth is , God is speaking but we are not in the right frequency, the right environment to hear Him speak.We often expect God to speak through thunder or fire, yet His voice is not found in the noise of this world or in emotional stirrings—it is heard in the stillness of a heart that waits in quiet trust.


Just imagine, with so many distractions around us today, how is it possible to listen to His voice?

To hear God, we must learn to withdraw:

 

  • Away from distraction
  • Away from the noise of others
  • Away from our own restless thoughts

 

The scripture tells us: In quietness and trust is your strength. — Isaiah 30:15 (NIV)


Our Lord Jesus set the right example for us. He knew when to withdrew Himself to be alone all by Himself in the present of God. Mark 1:35 - Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

 

We must make space for His whisper.

 

But discerning God’s voice requires more than silence; it requires spiritual sensitivity, and that comes through the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, “When He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). The Holy Spirit helps us distinguish the divine whisper from every other voice.

 

Paul tells us in Ephesians 5:18–19, “Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit.” Interestingly, when Paul wrote Ephesians, he also penned Colossians 3:16, which says, “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly … singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”

 

In these parallel passages, Paul reveals a profound truth:

 

To be filled with the Holy Spirit is to be filled with the Word of God. When the Word dwells richly in us, the Spirit fills and guides us. The more we fill our hearts with Scripture, the more clearly we hear His voice amid the noise.

 

So, if you long to hear God speak—withdraw, be still, fill your heart with His Word, and yield to the Spirit. In the midst of life’s chaos, the whisper of God still speaks peace to the soul that listens.

 

Reflection

 

·   What “noises” are drowning out God’s whisper in my life—and what practical steps can I take to be still and listen to Him this week?

 

Prayer

 

Lord, in a world full of noise and distraction, teach me to be still before You. Quiet the restless thoughts within me, silence every voice that is not Yours, and let me hear Your gentle whisper once again. Fill me with Your Spirit and Your Word so that I may walk in wisdom, peace, and obedience. Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening. 

 

In Jesus Name, Amen.

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