I wear hearing aids. They make all the difference in conversations and in theatres. I know others who wear them will agree that hearing aids amplify everything so when you are in a noisy environment like a restaurant or a large room with high ceilings, the noise is deafening.
The digital aids can be modified to direct the sound in some settings, but the technology is far from perfect. So we practice active listening. We watch faces and read lips. We lean forward seeking to hear better. I ask the other to repeat themselves. Or worse I think I know what they said but misunderstand it entirely. In these settings I often feel left out. I can try but may have to wait till we leave that environment to catch up with my friends.
Our intentions are good, but the sounds are still not clear.
Sometimes the environment affects what we hear.
I was thinking about this the other day when I realized there are times, I don’t hear God either. His voice is muffled. Or I don’t hear anything at all.
I act the same way like in a noisy restaurant: I try active listening. I lean forward seeking to hear better. I ask the Other to repeat Themselves. Or worse I think I know what God said but misunderstand it entirely.
Sometimes the environment affects what we hear.
I wonder in the times I am not sure what God is saying or I can’t hear any guidance at all if I looked at the environment, would that help?
For example, turning down the volume of the noise I can control. Sitting in silence. Setting aside distractions that cling to my soul. Turning off the news. Slow deep breathing. Seeking longer times of quiet with the Lord. Digging deeper into the Word. Actually putting these practices into use, not just talking about doing them.
Maybe listening to something else like quiet music. Birds singing their morning hymns. A podcast. My spiritual director.
Using my imagination. Can I sit quietly in the backyard, sharing my morning coffee with Jesus? What would we talk about? What do I want/long for to hear from God? Write out a possible conversation in my journal.
Perhaps I have to wait until the environment changes to hear better. For example, during challenging “get through” times I wait, knowing as this moment passes, I will soon hear God once again. I know God stays with us even in tough environments. My job is to faithful and believe. “I do believe; help my unbelief.” (Mark 9:24)
We live in a loud, noisy, distracting world. Even so: God speaks.
Changing the environment could be a positive action in our relationship with God and one practice I plan to remember. I am reminded of the quote from Richard Foster: “Our Adversary majors in three things: noise, hurry and crowds. If he can keep us engaged in ‘muchness’ and ‘manyness,’ he will rest satisfied.”
Next time I struggle to hear God I will look at the environment where I am living at that time. The spiritual practices of silence, journaling, rest, noticing/paying attention, studying, praying can all help change the environment we are experiencing. We can look around and see how we can modify our setting to lower the noise of the world.
What helps you hear God?
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