Sometimes when I write or work. I like to have the television or music playing in the background. The background noise helps me focus on the work I am doing. It really does help me concentrate. Scientists say that the presence of background noise means your brain must listen to your thoughts to help make sense of the task at hand as well as the background noise. When the noise contains words, you may have an even harder time focusing because it disrupts your inner dialogue. Some students will ask if they can listen to music while they work on a project in class. I usually cave and let them have their background noise.
I think silence is hard for people. In silence, our own inner voice can go nuts and confuse our thinking. Rather, an absence of noise is hard for people. Because, let’s face it, the world is a noisy place. The world is full of distractions, most of them man-made. People talking at each other. At certain times in many places, there are conversations going on in several languages at one time. There is the ubiquitous presence of social media to distract us with images, people wanting approval, demanding attention and fame, even for a moment. How do we make sense of it all?
In Genesis chapter 11, we read the story of the Tower of Babel. Language—rather, the cacophony of languages being used at once—is the problem here. There are countless languages spoken all over the globe. They evolved as people moved around, and encountered other people and concepts. Language became part of how we humans define ourselves. The problem is that we are so easily distracted from the only truly universal language.
That language is the love of God, spoken through Jesus.
In the Star Trek universe, they solve the problem of multiple languages with a universal translator. Turn it on and suddenly, everyone understands Klingon. Or Vulcan. Or whatever. Pretty cool, huh?
The love of God is our universal translator.
In the noisy, distracted world we live in… that truth is often drowned out. But it remains constant. Consistent. Unchanged. It does not seek fame or glory. It does not ask for validation. It does not need approval. It simply is.
Julie Arndt is a newly-retired middle school teacher who is looking forward to resting her brain from the constant distractions associated with eighth graders by reading, working on some writing projects, and figuring out her next challenges. Julie is a member of St. Mark’s, Lumberton where she edits the weekly newsletter and is a member of the congregational council. She serves the NC Synod as a member of the Indigenous Learning Team.
To Consider
1. What are some of the “background noises” that distract you from hearing God’s voice?
Prayer
Enable us, oh God, to hear your language of love and truth amid the distractions of daily living, our own fear and uncertainty, our own desires. Speak to us clearly, that we may know your voice. Amen.