“The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.”

Henry David Thoreau

Quiet Desperation

The constant noise is a blanket that has covered us and become comfortable and protective. We need constant activity and motion. Driving while casting pods. Texting while driving. Tweeting while texting. Netflix-ing while exercising while Instagram-ing while jamming to a sick Spotify playlist.

I recently read a fascinating article from the New York Times about our inability to be quiet and the lengths we go to avoid introspection. We desperately avoid moments where we have to think and reflect on the deeper things of life.

There is a story in scripture where God urges the prophet Elijah to go out on a mountain to hear from the Lord. First, a great wind like a tornado comes through and tears apart the mountain but God does not speak through the wind. Second, there is a great earthquake but God is not in the earthquake. Then there is a fire but God does not speak through the fire either. Finally, there comes a gentle

whisper

Elijah listens and God speaks through the whisper.

This Is My Story

That story rings true for me. Yes, there have been few times I have heard from God through a loud miracle or event but mostly I sense great connection and direction in times of solitude and stillness—the times when I still the noise and still my heart and turn off the stimulation.

I am little worried about us. How are we able to hear the whispers of God over the incessant noise?

We need to give some serious consideration to whether the way we are living is hindering not only are ability to connect with God but also are ability to feel joy, rest, peace, and happiness. 

What things do we need to eliminate in order to increase the quality of our lives? How can we make sure and disconnect routinely in order to be still.