Have you ever felt like the world is constantly screaming at you? We’re in a society where we are always accessible, always on call, always exposed to the media and always exposed to expectations. We’re being screamed at by every corporate institution as well as pressured by family and societal demands to conform. Do you hustle harder, or do you just practice self-care? With so many conflicting voices, life can turn into a mess trying to determine what the right choice is to make.
The voices of the world
What are you listening to? It may be the voice of popularity and fame that lures you in or you may be slowly stepping towards the callings of lusting after career success for your personal gains. Are you listening to the voices of the world that scream for your attention? To scream is defined as “a loud, high-pitched sound”.
“For the mind-set of the flesh is death, but the mind-set controlled by the Spirit finds life and peace” (Romans chapter 8, verse 6, TPT).
The voices of the world scream out to us, enticing us on the path they want us to follow. It’s easy to be led astray by the multitudes of flashing lights, neon signs and loud voices when we aren’t secure in our identity and our direction. A mind and heart that is set on the things of the world wanders without the clear direction of the Spirit, seeking fulfillment in the loud and easily distinguished voices leading us to the ways of the world, seeking fulfilment where none can be gained. It falls on us to learn to find the God-whisper that leads us past the loud, high-pitched sounds of the world.
A whispered word
The voices around us can make it difficult for us to hear the voice of God, even more so when it seems He isn’t speaking to begin with.
“I hear this most gentle whisper from One I never guessed would speak to me” (Psalm chapter 81, verse 5, MSG).
The screams of the world seek to distract us from the whisper of the One who created us to begin with. The whisper calling us closer for an intimate relationship. A whisper holds the exact opposite definition of a scream, being defined as “speak very softly using one's breath, a soft or confidential tone of voice”. A whisper calls us closer, the words being sacred and for our ears only; not the be shared with the screaming world.
“Open your ears, God, to my prayer; don’t pretend you don’t hear me knocking. Come close and whisper your answer. I really need you” (Psalm chapter 55, verses 1-2, MSG).
When we pray, we should not seek answers in the obvious and loud, but be attentive to the voice of the Creator. He knows the correct answer, even if it is not what the world offers or what we may want to hear. A whisper calls us into proximity with the Creator of all, the One who knows the very end from the beginning.
Can we just talk?
Rather than responding to the yells, can we just talk? We are relational beings formed in the image of Creator seeking relationship with us.
“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer” (1 Peter chapter 3, verse 12.)
The only way for us to get answers and seek comfort is by engaging in a conversation with Him, by talking to Him – no additional antics required. A whispered prayer when the world is screaming is often enough for Him to hear you. Open the dialogue, and be attentive to hear the Voice that responds. Just talk.
Crystelda Naidoo hails from South Africa. She is an avid nerd and an unapologetic dreamer. With a BSc. Biological Sciences and BCom Hons in marketing, she has launched the lifestyle blog - Selah Blogger - targeted at empowering women in their daily lives and is the joint winner of the 2019 International Theology Award. The blog can be found at https://selahblogger.wordpress.com/ Crystelda Naidoo’s previous articles may be viewed at https://www.pressserviceinternational.org/crystelda-naidoo.html