To Listen You Must Tune out the Noise

How can you hear from God? We must cultivate an environment where we can hear the still small voice. Here are some practical strategies for tuning out the noise and listening to God.

And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. 
1 Kings19:11–12.

Photo by Tom Shakir on Unsplash

In today’s bustling and noisy world, carving out moments for peaceful time alone with God can feel impossible. It’s crucial to create a space where we can tune into God’s still, small voice. Let’s consider some actionable techniques for taking time alone with God.

Find a quiet place

Be honest, noise is everywhere. Television, social media, children playing, people coming and going, and the busyness of life hinder our quiet time. We have to seek a quiet place.

Susannah Wesley, mother of nineteen children (including hymn writer Charles Wesley and Evangelist John Wesley), used to enjoy the Lord’s presence right in the middle of her noisy kitchen, just by sitting down and throwing her apron over her head. She created a quiet space, however small, to be with the Lord. Barbara Hughes, Disciplines of a Godly Woman (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2001), 48.

For Jesus, it meant hiking to a mountain away from everyone. In the first verses mentioned, Elijah was in a cave on the side of a mountain.

And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. Matthew 14:23.

What will you need to do to tune out the noise so you can listen to God? You must take intentional steps to silence the distractions hindering you from hearing God’s voice. Turn off the television, put away your phone, and find a quiet place to spend time in the Word of God and prayer.

Be still before God

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 46:10 

We can understand the meaning of "still" by examining the various translations of the Hebrew word. The translations of the Hebrew word for "still" include letting go, idling, forsaking, leaving alone, failing, slacking, abating, drawing, giving, staying, being feeble, weakening, leaving, ceasing, being slothful, fainting, and letting down.

These words give us great insight into what it means to be still. Can we agree it indicates a state of calmness and surrender before God? It is a call to cease striving, stop worrying, and let go of our anxious thoughts. Placing our trust in the Almighty God and His power is essential. We are to acknowledge His presence and authority over all our circumstances. We come reverently, humbly, and submit to Him in prayer.

So be still and quiet, and open your heart to the work of the Holy Spirit in your life. Come into His presence to listen to Him. Spend time in the Word of God, allowing it to soak in and challenge your heart. Be sensitive and attentive to the gentle promptings of the Holy Spirit.

God will speak through His Word. Read, meditate, think, be quiet, and allow God to talk to you.

Bring the lies of the enemy to the Lord. Take your thoughts captive to the Lord.

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. II Corinthians 10:5–6.

Refute the arguments and imaginations that set themselves against God and His truth. Smash the warped philosophies. Bring every thought, feeling, and desire into alignment with the truth of God’s Word.

Recognize the lies for what they are. Bring them to the Lord in prayer. Dig into the Word to have the answer.

Guard your heart

Keep thy heart with all diligence; For out of it are the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23.

The word “keep” means to watch over your heart, to guard your heart. The word “keep“ means to hold, to retain in one’s power or possession. It means not losing or parting with it.

That is what you are to do with your heart. Don’t let anyone take your heart or steal your heart from the Lord and you. Keep your heart in custody; preserve it. Take care of your heart; tend to it.

Don’t let anyone or anything steal your heart.

Your heart is the center of your life, so fill it with truth and good things.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8.

Fill your mind with truth. Fill your mind with purity.

Why would you trust someone more with your mind than you would with your money? When we talk about your heart, we are talking about feelings, emotions.

Set boundaries around your heart, just like you limit access to any of your valuables. Your heart is only accessible based on the level of trust you give. What you do starts in your heart. What you put in your heart is what will come out.

Practice Gratitude

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
1 Thessalonians 5:18.

Acknowledge that God is at work in your life and that all that has happened has been God-filtered, God-approved, and God-allowed. Tell the Lord that you know He will take everything, no matter how hard it has been or how much you suffered, and turn it to His glory and your good. Say thank you to God for His work in your life.

Consider keeping a gratitude journal in which you think about and write things God is doing in your life. Stop, look back, and see where He has brought you from. Quit looking at how far you still have to go. Count your blessings.

Complain all you want when you pray, but do not quit till you can say thank you and acknowledge that God loves you and is at work in your heart.

Let Go of Control

Surrender to God your need to control every aspect of your life. Surrender to His perfect plan for your life. Trust that God will work.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28.

Allow God to direct your paths. Admit your need of Him. Cast all your fears, doubts, and struggles on Him. Know that He will meet your needs. He is there in your weakness to provide strength and comfort.

Know that you can trust God to keep His Word. He loves you. He will take care of you. Reject all the lies of the enemy.

Wait on God. Be patient and stay persistent in seeking God. Hearing the voice means concentrating.

God loves you. He delights in you. He promised never to leave or forsake you.

Give your will and desires to God. Let God surprise you with all that He has for you. God is faithful even when we aren’t. Place your confidence in Him. He holds your future, and He will do right.

Conclusion

You want to hear from God, but for that to happen, you will have to make an effort to spend time with Him and to listen. There isn’t an app to make this happen. It requires discipline. So, find a quiet place and build a habit of spending time alone with God. Take time to calm down. Don’t be in a hurry. You are talking to the most important being ever. Guard your heart. Don’t let anyone or anything try to take the place of God in your life. Thank God for all He is doing in your life. Acknowledge Him and His power. Let go and accept God’s will in your life.

This time alone with God will dramatically improve your quality of life. He will speak; He will guide. Enjoy God.

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