Millions of Voices

 In a world of millions of voices, are they all of equal value and authority. Does every news broadcaster deserve our attention? Does every author deserve our time to read? Does every social media influencer really have a message worth serious reflection? Does any politician really have something important to say without spinning it? There are millions of voices competing for our attention. Which ones are worthy of our full attention?

There is one voice that supersedes them all. Interestingly this voice is not always the loudest. It is not a voice jabbering away hoping to generate more followers on social media. It is not a voice found in celebrity printed materials or videos. It is not a voice found in the hallowed halls of Congress or even the Whitehouse. It is not a voice looking for a platform or a microphone to generate a buzz. 

The voice is strong but often still and soft. The voice is powerful and yet not power seeking. This voice is both popular and unpopular. It is voice heeded by the masses and ignored by the majority. It is a voice of reason in irrationality, comfort in chaos, truth in turbulence, and authority in anarchy. It is the voice of God through the Holy Spirit. 

God does not compete to be heard. He simply speaks for those who are listening. He speaks in many ways. He speaks through many vehicles. He may speak through His word, the Holy Spirit, music, other people, the church, and through circumstances. He is always speaking. Where people are truly tuned to what He says, two things are evident. These people know it is God doing the speaking. They also know what God is calling them to do. Noah was called to build an ark. Abraham was called to become a father of the nation of Israel. David was called to become a king. The disciples were called to follow Jesus. If you listen, you will hear what God is calling you to do also. 

Listening for the voice of God in a world of millions of voices requires some things many are not comfortable doing. First, you will have to read the Bible. That is the primary place God speaks to people today. Second, you will have to learn to embrace silence. To cancel out distracting noise. That means turn the tv off, silence your cell phone, and tune out all other voices waiting on God's voice. This will also necessitate solitude. Intentionally withdraw from people to be alone with God shut up with Him alone to hear Him speak. People are too busy to read their Bibles. People are uncomfortable with silence and solitude. What results is people not hearing the still small voice of God in their soul amidst the clattering chatter around us. With millions of voices all around, one should stand out above all the rest. That is the voice we must all seek to hear above the others. The voice of God.