Many years ago, the military noticed that helicopter pilots were suffering great fatigue just because of the noise the helicopter makes. Noise is fatiguing and certain kinds of noise can actually, literally, drive us to insanity.
But what if noise drove us to one of three places (or all three!)?
- Turning off the noise. Jesus often withdrew from the crowds to a remote, thus quiet place. Can you make that space for yourself?
- Using the noise that matters to inform your prayers. There is always so much trouble in this world; most recently the earthquake in Haiti, hurricane in the South, and worst of all, the terror in Afghanistan. Those of us who cannot do anything about these situations can pray for those who can do something and who need to do the best thing. God bless wisdom and prudence to those in authority and God grant success to all who provide relief, care, and protection to the helpless.
- Be in God’s Word. The Word of God is the best of all possible “anti-noise” headphones. His Word reminds us that especially in the midst of the storms of nature and of evil men, He still makes all things work together for good (Romans 8:28); He still makes affliction work for us (2 Corinthians 4-5; Psalm 119!). His Word reminds us that everything must always, ultimately serve His eternal good purposes, as Peter noted in Acts 4:27.