How are we to hear God's still small voice through all the noise?

I recently heard a message that focused on this passage: Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (1 Pet 5:8)

Did you know that a lion's roar is so loud it is actually painful to our ears to hear? It's not only terrifying, it's disconcerting. It can cause confusion and be completely mind-numbing.

And this is how Peter describes our enemy. It's actually a bit terrifying in some ways.

There's already so much noise and confusion in our world. Then you add the roars of our enemy on top of that, no wonder it can be hard to think, to hear, to listen.

The message went on to talk about Solomon, and his request of God in 1 Kings 3. There God comes to Solomon and offers him anything he wants. Anything at all! It's like getting a blank check from God. What would you ask for? My answer has honestly changed over the years. Do you know what Solomon asked for?

I had always been taught that he asked for wisdom and discernment, but actually he didn't. Solomon asked for "a listening heart" (vs 9). The first word is connected to the word "shema" which starts the famous "Hear oh Israel…"

If Solomon needed a listening heart to cut through the noise and hear what God was speaking, how much more do we? The noise and confusion has only increased. It fills our homes and work spaces. It's in the car, on our walks, and even when we sit at the table. Noise, noise, noise, noise, noise!

How are we to hear God's still small voice through all the noise?

Dear Reader, may God be gracious enough to give us a 'listening heart.' One that hears through the noise and even the roars to the still small voice of our God. And sometimes may we take a break from all the noise. Putting the phone down, turning off the podcasts, and just be with our God.