Distractions

Isn't it funny the many ways that we seek out distractions? Movies, TV, internet, music, friends, can all be used as a sort of diversion. We may not always do this for the purpose of being distracted, but there are definitely times when we do. We find ourselves wanting to unplug and zone out. But distractions can be a huge disservice to us. They can blind us from what's really going on around us and cause us to disconnect from ourselves and others.

As a Christian, trying to "hear from God" I find it hard to hear His voice clearly beyond all the other voices in life. Matt Redman, a musician and author says, "The hardest part in trying to hear God's voice is not getting God to speak, it's quieting ourselves so that we can hear what He is already speaking." This is so true. We spend so much time distracting ourselves that it is almost virtually impossible for us to hear God speak.

I am reminded of the account of Elijah on Mount Horeb. There was a great and mighty wind that passed by him, but the Lord was not in the wind. There was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. There was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. But then, after the fire there was a voice, a soft quiet voice. The Lord was speaking. I believe God speaks to us much like He did with Elijah, in a soft quiet voice. But how will we hear this voice if we are not quiet? How can God's quiet voice compete with the noise that we surround ourselves with?

I tell people that God speaks to me the most when I'm shaving. I don't do this to get laughs, although most of the time I do get a chuckle or two. I really have heard His voice while shaving. I think the reason for this is that in those moments I am completely quiet. I'm not focused on what's going on around me, I'm not talking, I'm not concerned about what things I need to accomplish that day. I'm staring at a mirror and running a razor across my face. Thats it. I'm in a perfect place to hear God speak. My hope is to make time for more moments like these. To quiet myself from the noise of life and just listen for that small quiet voice.