Welcome, reader friend. Come on in and make yourself at home. We’ll sit six feet apart, of course. You haven’t had a fever in the last 48 hours, have you? (Wink, wink)
Would you like coffee or hot tea to sip as we visit? Help yourself.
Ready to chat? We’ll discuss a serious topic first—but only briefly—and then we’ll breathe a sigh of relief and part with hope, joy, and smiles. Ready?
Do you hear sounds of distraction from the world around us? I do.
Electronic signals can propel me into action—if I let them.
- Pings from my cell phone scream, “You might miss something if you don’t read this NOW.”
- Images on the laptop screen and television flash a message, “Pay attention to this. You’ll never be able to find it later.”
- And the one that spurs me into action the quickest—the end-of-cycle chime on the washer. It sings, “The clothes are finished. Hurry before they wrinkle.”
Pandemic and political racket can distress me—if I listen too long.
- Television news is always “breaking” and is usually negative.
- Social media sites are littered with threats, accusations, and hateful language.
- Radio program hosts warn of destruction and blame the other party.
My own thoughts can whisper anxiety-producing ideas—if I dwell on them.
- More violence could erupt.
- If I get COVID-19…
- How will new legislation affect us?
Heavenly “Sounds”
We can’t completely ignore electronic signals, news reports, or our own thoughts, but we can listen to the Creator and Sustainer of the universe who “is in the heavens” and “does whatever He pleases” (Psalm 115:3). How different His voice, His thoughts, and His ways are from the world’s or even our own.
For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, declares the Lord.
Isaiah 55:8
When Elijah hid in a cave fearing for His life, God spoke to him in a quiet whisper (I Kings 19:9-13). God can speak in any way He chooses. May we tune our heart’s ear to hear Him.
In God’s Word, we “hear” gentle sounds of peace and hopeful notes of truth. Encouraging choruses of love, redemption, and forgiveness resonate in our hearts.
At times He speaks with stern correction as a holy and righteous Father. He also guides our steps (Psalm 32:8) and gives us kingdom work to do (Ephesians 2:10). His intent for us is always for His glory and our good.
Lately some of us have said we can’t trust what we hear in the media. But, dear friend, we can trust every word in the Holy Bible, God’s inspired message to us.
Let’s tune in to His Word for the notes of righteousness He composes for our souls. Meditating on Bible passages and listening to worship music calm my heart and give my mind and my ears a rest from the cacophony that surrounds us.
Will you join me as I read the verses below and ask God to calm our hearts and focus our minds on His presence? Then we can be about His kingdom work and wake each morning saying,
This is the day which the Lord has made; let’s rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24
More Verses to Ponder
“These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
“The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time, having cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares about you.” I Peter 5:6-7
“Blessed are those who hear the word of God and follow it.” Luke 11:28
“Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not get upset because of one who is successful in his way, because of the person who carries out wicked schemes.” Psalm 37:7
“In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You alone, Lord, have me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8
This week let’s turn down the volume of anxiety-producing noise and listen to the voice of God. He will quieten the sounds of distraction and give us peace.
I hope you enjoyed our visit as much as I did, dear reader friend. Thanks for stopping by.
Now it’s your turn to share thoughts. Please enrich our visit with your ideas for listening to God’s voice. I truly hope you will.
No political statements, please.
Bible verses are from the NASB.
I love this! As I send text pings your way at all unearthly hours, I’ll remember you promised to rest and not be distracted! Ha! Thank you, my friend, for once again pointing us to the One who has us in the palms of His mighty, merciful hands.
Thank you, dear Lisa, for your comments. I appreciate you reminding us of God’s “mighty, merciful hands.” He can rest in Him.
I loved your presentation of distraction- whether practical or troubling, our thoughts move! Thank you Jeannie for pointing us to trustworthy words. Whether living in stable or unsettling times. his Word
Is always truth and security.
Marilyn, I’m glad you enjoyed my presentation of distractions. They ring loudly in my ears sometimes. Thank you for adding this powerful statement: “Whether living in stable or unsettling time His Word is always truth and security.” Amen!
Thank you Jeannie, you really spoke truth to my heart this morning. This is a decision I must make each day. It is so easy to get caught up in the things you mentioned. I needed another reminder.
Jimmie Annette, I’m thankful the words I needed also encouraged you. God knows what we need and when, doesn’t He? Yes, it’s easy to be distracted and alarmed by the news we hear. As you indicated, staying focused on God does require making a choice to listen to Him.
I needed this message today. My “to do” list is long. Thank you for reminding me to rest in Him. The peace and quiet are renewing and refreshing. I am listening for His Word through the sounds of nature. Beautiful.
Melissa, I’m so glad you mentioned the quietening effect of nature. When stressors press into my mind, simply walking outside to breathe fresh air and look at the blue and greens of nature calms me. Sometimes it’s easy for me to focus on my to-do list and forget to listen to the One I serve. We do need reminders, don’t we? I’m praying for you now as you tackle your long to-do list.
What a blessing dear friend! Thank you for the reminder that our Lord is in control of all things. We should look to Him for peace and not the things of this world . Love you.
I love you, Sandy, and appreciate your comments more than you know. Thank you for including the fact that our Lord is indeed “in control of things.” He is the Source of peace. I’m praying now that you have a peaceful day with Him.
Jeannie,
This is an awesome reminder that anxiety is often caused by all of the noise from the world around us. It can steal our inner peace if we let it. Staying in God’s word and trusting in his provision helps to keep our anxious thoughts at bay.
Thanks for inviting me to tea time with you my sweet friend.
Blessings
Becky, I’m so glad you accepted the invitation. 🙂 The world’s noise does provoke anxiety, but as you said so well, “staying in God’s Word and trusting in His provision” calms our hearts. Thank you so very much for commenting.
What a peaceful sound for my soul this morning! Thank you Jeannie.
June, I’m thankful the words God gave me were peaceful “sounds” to you. Thank you so much for commenting.
Love this, Jeannie! God’s Word is powerful and can quiet any distraction I have, but I have to do my part to allow it to do so! Thanks for the timely reminder!
Right you are, Julie. His Word is powerful and triumphs over the noise of the world. You’re also right that we must do our part to take time to listen to God and meditate on His truths. I’m glad the words God spoke to me encouraged you.
I sometimes think God is using “anti-social” media to teach me patience and self-control. Learning to tune out all those distracting posts and negative comments can be quite challenging. I find that singing “There’s Something About that Name” helps to bring me back to center sometimes. Between humming hymns and recalling scripture, the key I’m finding is keeping my focus on His word and not this world. Wonderful message Ms. Jeannie. Thank you ma’am.
J.D., I’m glad you mentioned music. Filling our minds and hearts with God’s words and music keeps us focused on Him. You’re right that distractions can be challenging, but your suggestions help us fight them. Thanks so much.
Jeannie, your writing and godly insight get better and better. I am so distressed by the news and just the general attitude which seem to be so prevalent right now. Thanks for the reminder that God’s words are faithful and true, and we can rest in Him now and forever.
I love the way you ended your comment, Evelyn. We can trust our faithful Father. I appreciate your sweet message.
We needed this message, Jeannie (at least I do and I think our hurting world does, too). There’s so much anger and mud-slinging going on that I’m afraid some of us have forgotten who is in charge. Your scripture from Psalm 118 is such a good reminder: “This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice…” God makes every day and gifts us with the opportunity to be blessed by this day and to be a blessing to others. Thank you for inspiring us–I’m praying for our country and its people. Wishing you blessings, my friend.
Blessings to you, Katherine, and thank you for taking the time to comment. I love this sentence you included: “God makes every day and gifts us with the opportunity to be blessed by this day and to be a blessing to others.” Amen!
Jeanne, those are wonderful truths to dwell on. I’ve been pulling some of them out. You reminded me of others. Thanks. We need the cleansing of the Word.
Debbie, I’m glad you mentioned the “cleansing of the Word.” Therein lies our hope. I’m thankful you found the verses helpful. Thanks so much for stopping by, Debbie.
Dear friend,
What a refreshing message. Just like sitting across from you with a cup of coffee as I’ve done before as you speak words of life and truth. Thank you for this message that I’ll be meditating on as I lie down in peace to sleep tonight. Thank you!!
Jean, a virtual coffee chat is better than none, right? I’m thankful the message refreshed you as it did me when God shared it with me. Yes, meditating on His Word when we lie down to sleep brings peace. I appreciate your comments so much.
Jeannie, I loved this. It was what I needed to day. The verses spoke calm to my heart. Thanks so much!
Sylvia, God’s Word does calm our hearts, doesn’t it? I’m thankful the message helped you as it did me. Thanks so much for telling me.
“Lately some of us have said we can’t trust what we hear in the media. But, dear friend, we can trust every word in the Holy Bible, God’s inspired message to us.”
Yes, yes, and a thousand Amens. Thank you, friend!
Thank you, Lori, for an affirming comment. The truth of the Bible is always trustworthy. We just need to remember that when storms arise. Have a day filled with blessings.
A refreshing post. Thank you.
Thank you, Robin. I found the message God gave me refreshing, and I’m glad you did as well. You’re so kind to tell me.
Such a timely word. I found myself feeling a little blue today. This past week, three people in my circle of friends and family died. Three more online friends also lost loved ones. Four people have Covid or are awaiting results….
I need to breathe.
As I took my walk yesterday, it was quiet. No traffic. As I talked with God…suddenly there was a rustle of dry leaves on an oak tree. Weird. There were other trees with leaves that hung still. But this one spoke. Just a reminder to me that He hears my cry.
Thanks you another reminder of His still small voice. The one I need to lean into to hear.
Jeanne, I’m so sorry to learn of the deaths and illnesses in your family and friend circle. I will pray for you and all of those families now. How kind of God to send a message in the leaves when you needed it most. Blessings and hugs to you, my friend.
Jeannie, thank you so much for the reminder to fill our heart and head with God’s truths and to not be distracted by the lies and plots of evil. May we continually look to God’s word to fill us with love and ignore the noise around us. God bless you friend.
Dawn, your comment is well-stated and encouraging. Yes, God’s Word fills us with love and helps us “ignore the noise around us.” Thank you so much for dropping by.
Jeannie,
My troubled heart needs to read this today! My heart is heavy with concerns for those who are being led astray by all the false accusations! You are right, we can Trust Every God Inspired Word in His Book. Thanks for the reminder. You are such an encourager to all who are blessed to know you as Friend!
Dear friend, thank you for stopping by on a busy workday. Your words touch my heart and make me grateful once again that we share sisterhood in Christ. Blessings and hugs to you.
I loved this: “This week let’s turn down the volume of anxiety-producing noise and listen to the voice of God. He will quieten the sounds of distraction and give us peace.” This is just what we all need right now! Thank you, Jeannie!
I certainly need that, Kathy, and appreciate you lifting that sentence to encourage all of us. We do indeed need messages from God’s Word each day. What a blessing to hear from you.
Thank you, Jeannie, for this reminder after such a difficult week. I find myself looking at the news then feel the anxiety build in my chest. Your writing is a blessing and a gentle rouse that points us back to God’s word. This scripture that you posted above gave me peace, “These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 Let us continue to turn to God when the world gets noisy!
Doreen, your comments are so encouraging. I think we all have the potential to develop anxiety, but as you said, turning to God, our Father who promises peace, will keep us focused. I appreciate you stopping by and reading so much.
Distractions call to us more loudly than ever. Great reminder to keep first things first. God bless!
Nancy, you’re right that distractions seem especially loud right now. God’s Word does indeed help us “keep first things first.” Thank you so much for commenting.