White Noise

White noise is defined as:

- noise containing many frequencies with equal intensities.

- a constant noise (such as that the noise from a television or radio that is turned on but is not receiving a clear signal) that is a mixture of many different sound waves.

Sometimes I feel as though life can become "white noise" especially in the ministry.  There is just so much going on at any given time that it can block out what really matters.

Wednesday night on the way in to church Mark and I were trying to remember all that we had to do.  This is often the case when we are driving into town as we go over schedules, studies and phone calls.  Right now as we are in construction mode with the house, I have taken over many of Mark's smaller tasks in order to free up his schedule to be able to work longer on the farm.  I won't lie and say it is easy.  It isn't.  Actually I feel quite stressed sometimes and that is when the "white noise" effect begins happening.

There are also times I believe the devil himself will pick at you and cause everything to seem like a garbled bunch of noise.  I notice this when I am praying while Mark teaches at our Thursday Bible study.  One thing I have done that works is to remember the story about Elisha's servant who was afraid and saw all the enemy surrounding them, but Elisha said,  "Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them."  I try and visualize the spiritual help from our Lord available to us and my fears and the white noise always dissipates.  


I have a friend that does her dead level best to keep me balanced and focused.  She doesn't make me work at being her friend or make me feel like I have to measure up to some level or standard.  We laugh at the small things and make fun of ourselves even when we are carrying large loads on our shoulders.  For me, she tames the white noise when I wake up and find a funny message or a "Happy Day" on my phone from her.  I realize I can take a deep breath and accomplish everything because the world will not fall apart if I don't. Having a real friend helps when your heart feels tight and your brow seems permanently wrinkled.  They can dispel the "white noise" and make you see what really matters and what is just wasting your time.  Do you know where you find good friends?  Church.  The white noise of life will make you want to find excuses to stay home and hide, but when you do, you are missing out on something God planned and prepared for you, fellowship with other believers.  They are a picture of Christ to us and we should be thankful for them AND be one to others!

God is very specific about how He wants us to spend our time.  He likes order and He likes us to keep a good perspective on when things are to be done.  The most beautiful passage He gave us about time (in my opinion) is in Ecclesiastes 3:

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

Everything has a time.  If we get out of balance and try to do everything at once, it will all be just "white noise" and the importance of our tasks and ministries will fade.   And usually the important things are people.  We can't neglect them.  We can't forget to pray for them.  We can't forget each other as we check off things during the day.  

Are you a good friend to someone?  Then don't stop.  Keep up those moments of friendship!  Is the devil making you feel like you are in the battle all alone?  Remember Elisha!  Are you stressed right now?  Maybe you need to prioritize.  Are you busy because it is just a busy time in your life?  Then take the time to stop during the day and ask God to make sense of it all and to clear the "white noise" if need be.  

If all these "tips" fail, check your health.  You may have something physically causing you to feel out of kilter.  Never hurts to switch up the diet and have a check up.  The enemy even stoops to that level to attack us!  

As we get to know God better this year, I think we will find He is equally good and caring, just and supreme, merciful and gracious as He always is.  He knows we get busy, sick and sad but He knows how to help us sort it all out!  

Until next time, Lord willing,
Sheri