Some people, in order to be heard, like to make a lot of noise. They shout, say something provocative, or failing that, threaten something terrible on those who refuse to take notice of them. And one can understand why – because like the weather this week, bluster makes the headlines even if it doesn’t go down a storm with those caught in its path.
But before we point a finger at others, perhaps we should look in the mirror and see that we are all too often those who are adding to the brouhaha – if not with our own voices, by our turning up the volume of those whom it would be preferable perhaps to switch off altogether – be they the self-professed experts who don’t know what they’re talking about, or the mindless amusements, human or otherwise, that we all too often willingly allow ourselves to be distracted by.
Which is not to say we should never listen to anything loud. And not only because I am, ironically enough, looking forward to hearing the appropriately named band ‘Bellowhead’ playing next month. Because far more importantly, and not only to gain our attention, God Himself sometimes roars. [Jeremiah 25:30]
But sometimes He doesn’t – because sometimes He whispers [1 Kings 19:12].
And so on occasions we need to be still – to shut up and know that God is God [Psalm 46:10]. And all the more so if we are to have any hope at all of hearing Him when He speaks in His still small voice.
The one that can, remember, calm even the most violent of storms. [Mark 4:39]
