Are you drowning God out with noise?
Drowning God out with noise is so common among singles that we don't even realize we're doing it.
We often resort to television or talk radio to take the place of another person in our home. Even while taking walks, we plug in our music to get rid of the silence. But silence is absolutely necessary in a relationship with God.
As much as God loves you, he will not shout over the noise you prefer to him. He will not compete with music, newscasts, cell phone conversations or any other sounds to get your attention.
It comes down to this: Do you want to hear from God? Do you want him to show you his will for you? If you do, drowning God out with noise isn't going to accomplish that.
Let's see how to make room for God so he can take his rightful role in your life.
Silence is not optional
If you want to hear from your heavenly Father, you have to deliberately invite him in and stop drowning God out with noise. That means imposing periods of silence.
The first several times you try this, your mind will be consumed with racing, distracting thoughts. But gradually, over a period of weeks or months, you'll learn to gently brush them aside and get back to God. The Holy Spirit will help you with that.
When you do invite God to speak to you, don't expect a booming voice like you see in the movies. That's not how it works, and while you may wish that would happen, it would probably give you a heart attack.
Experts on prayer, from Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) to Charles Stanley (1932-2023), do not report audible, frightening commands. Rather, God will speak in your heart, and his guidance will be unmistakable.
In my own experience in hearing from God, the Holy Spirit's voice is unique. You will definitely recognize it when it happens, and you will know for certain it is not your imagination.
How to stop drowning God out with noise
Don't be afraid to be alone with your thoughts. Remember that as a believer, you are never alone. But you will never feel God's presence if you don't turn off the racket.
We singles actually have more opportunities for silence than married people with children do. When we want to declare a quiet time, we just do it. No need to tell anyone to stop talking or turn off the television.
At first it may seem unnatural, even oppressive, but that is just a feeling, an interpretation of the situation. When you move beyond the uncomfortable, that's when prayer—which is what this really is—works.
Prayer is two-way conversation, but it's not like human conversation. Usually God speaks to you later, and his reply burrows into your subconscious. You'll realize that has happened when you have to make a decision on your problem and you know, deep in your heart, exactly what to do. It feels right.
Whenever your intuition agrees with the principles of the Bible, you know God has left a message of guidance in your heart.
God deserves your total attention
Today, silence feels wrong. Most of us are accustomed to constant sound from the time we wake up until the time we go to bed.
Any habit can be changed. The key is to replace it with a stronger habit. When you first shut off your devices and are surrounded by silence, expect some anxiety.
You can repeat a simple prayer, like "Jesus speak to me" or "Lord, I am listening." Say it over and over if you need to.
Bible reading is the most effective way to hear from God, but do NOT have earbuds in or the television playing while you're reading. That's defeating the purpose and dividing your attention. God deserves your total attention.
Turning off the noise involves your phone too.
God won't compete with any kind of screen. Your phone is "soundless noise." You can't say you're serious about God if you refuse to take a break from all your devices to listen to him.
If you can't give him 15 or 30 screen-free minutes, you have turned your devices into your god.
Nothing in this life is as exciting as your unfolding relationship with God. He will guide you, instruct you, and encourage you if you can break away from the noise and open your heart to him.
The more quiet time you spend with God, the more you'll look forward to it and the more perceptive you'll become.
To know that the Creator and Ruler of the universe loves you and wants to talk with you is the most astonishing feeling you'll ever have. When you compare it with all the noise that's competing for your attention, it won't be hard to make the best choice.
A book for singles who are serious about God
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Hope for Hurting Singles: when you're ready to get serious about God.
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