Noise!

It’s everywhere we turn. It’s aggravating, it’s nerve-wracking, it’s unbearable! In our world, we cannot seem to be silent. It’s like we’ve never learned how!

And that noise couldn’t be more intense as I stand in the middle of Six-Flags Darien Lake, amidst the roar of the roller coasters, the screaming . . . and the noise of one particular Christian band that seems to be trying to drown out all the other noises of an amusement park!

This particular band is on the other side of the park, yet I can feel the reverberations of the drums even here, even over the vibration of a passing roller coaster car! The specific words of the band are hard to perceive, but the constant drone of singing voices is loud and clear.

As I turn to quickly walk away, it’s like I am being pursued by too many noises to count. I decide to go to a tent where I am sure peace would reign, and I hurry towards the area where Robin Mark is supposed to be leading a worship service. As I near his tent, however, I can’t hear a thing other than the roar of the rides and the constant beat of that band! Has the concert been cancelled? I don’t know, because there is way too much noise for me to be able to concentrate. I briefly consider returning to my car to escape the inner turmoil that has succeeded in invading my soul. Or better yet, I can run to my campground, which is several peaceful miles away from this notorious noise! Just the thought of silence is a welcome one!

But wait! I didn’t come here to stay locked up in my tent trailer!

Another burst of energy invades me and with determination I continue to head towards my destination. As I approach, I begin to hear faint music, and the closer I get, the more I feel that I’m being surrounded by celestial beings singing peacefully to the glory of God. What a revelation when I enter the pavilion and find myself surrounded with heavenly music and thousands of worshippers whose focus is no longer on the noises of this world, but on their Maker and Saviour.

Amazingly, I can’t even perceive the outside noises any longer. The praises emanating from our voice boxes have downed out any possible distractions! This is definitely where I belong! This is where I want to be! Standing on my feet, overwhelmed by God’s presence! Inner peace invades me and I realize that I have been given a brief foretaste of what heaven will be like!

How good to be able to have a foretaste of heaven! We can do so by praising God, by reading His word and even by silently listening to Him (I tend to have a big mouth, and when I open it, I can’t perceive what He’s trying to tell me!)

How can one find God amidst the many noises of this world? Some of these noises are so glamorous that they often tend to distract us from where we are heading! May we learn to remember how God perceives such boisterous noises:

“Why the big noise, nations? Why the mean plots, peoples? Earth-leaders push for position, Demagogues and delegates meet for summit talks, The God-deniers, the Messiah-defiers: “Let’s get free of God! Cast loose from Messiah!” Heaven-throned God breaks out laughing. At first he’s amused at their presumption; Then he gets good and angry. Furiously, he shuts them up.” (Ps 2:1-5 The Message)

May we perceive the power of praise as it silences the babble of this world! “Nursing infants gurgle choruses about you; toddlers shout the songs that drown out enemy talk, and silence atheist babble.” (Ps 8:2 The Message)

Our walk with God helps us notice the power of silence and lets us recognize God on the move. “But oh! GOD is in his holy Temple! Quiet everyone – a holy silence . Listen!” (Hab 2:20 The Message)

Excitement fills us when we do, indeed, have a personal relationship with God! “Quiet, everyone! Shh! Silence before GOD. Something’s afoot in his holy house. He’s on the move!” (Zech 2:13 The Message)

May we learn that inner peace is only attainable through Jesus Christ! Only then can “worldly” noises be silenced:

“I greet you with the grace and peace poured into our lives by God our Father and our Master, Jesus Christ.” (Eph 1:2 The Message);

“I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.” (John 16:33 The Message)

Are you trying to escape from the many noises surrounding you? Come to Jesus and experience the power of His peace. Trust Him and you will be able to anticipate the great wonders He will perform in your life as a foretaste of what awaits you in heaven.

Rob Chaffart

(To access the entire “Kingdom Bound Experiences” devotional series, please click here.)