“Then Jesus said, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." Mark 4:9 (NIV)

The vacuum roars as the baby sleeps sweetly in her baby swing. It seems the constant background noise of the vacuum helps little Emily to stay in a deep slumber. The vacuum lulls her to sleep while blanketing other distractive sounds. Her mommy certainly appreciates this phenomenon of background noise.

This phenomenon is known as “white noise.” It works so well that white noise machines are available for purchase. Many use them as a sleep aid, but they also aid students who need to focus on studying. The device blocks background sounds as the student reads silently to his or herself. Some businesses provide employees white noise CDs and headphones to block out irritating distractions.

Although white noise carries benefits, I am not sure this holds true in our spiritual life. I cannot count how many times I have let the busyness of my life become like white noise. My to-do list shouts at me each time I pass by the fridge where it hangs. Emails demand my attention. People I love, ask me for favors. My church desperately needs volunteers. My weary body wants to take a nap. It all becomes white noise to my soul.

This white noise of life causes me to become hard of hearing—spiritually. It drowns out the Lord Jesus beckoning me to come sit quietly at His feet. Luke 10:38-42 demonstrates a wonderful example of a woman like me who has too much white noise in her life:

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"

"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." (NIV)

Oh, how I long for Jesus to say, “Susanne has chosen what is better and it will not be taken from her.”

Although, I know it will be a struggle, this year I will strive to be more like Mary and less like Martha. I want to eliminate the white noise of busyness. I desire to have ears that hear the voice of my Lord.

Would you like to join me in a commitment to eliminate spiritual white noise from your life in 2007?

Dear Lord, give me ears to hear You. Remind me each day of the upcoming year to put time aside to sit quietly and listen. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Related Resources:

He Speaks to Me by Priscilla Shirer

Listen to Today’s Radio Show

Application Steps:

Determine today to allow at least ten minutes sitting quietly with the Lord Jesus. Place it as your number one priority on your things to-do list.

Reflections:

What becomes spiritual “white noise” in your life?

What steps can you take to eliminate it this year?

How does busyness squeeze out your quiet time with the Lord?

Power Verses:

John 10:27, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (NIV)

Isaiah 28:23, “Listen and hear my voice; pay attention and hear what I say.” (NIV)

Isaiah 32:9, “You women who are so complacent, rise up and listen to me; you daughters who feel secure, hear what I have to say!” (NIV)