Captivated by Clamor

Clamor [n] - a loud and constant noise, especially that of people shouting vehemently. [v] of a group of people, shout loudly and insistently. 

The other day I found myself bombarded by sound. After a week filled with meetings and conference calls, and even time spent with family and friends, I needed a break from the sound. I desperately sought silence and a semblance of peace. I can’t remember the last time I craved the quiet so fiercely. It wasn’t just a want, it was a need. I was constantly captivated by the clamor - the noise of all the things of life, the thoughts and opinions of the world. It can so easily hold my attention. Headlines and happenings and everyone’s thoughts about them. It can so easily distract us from that still small voice. 

But amidst the clamor, a desperate longing for that rest and silence filled my spirit in a way that I couldn’t ignore. Finally, I made it away from the clamor that had filled my life. I turned off the notifications on my phone and pulled out my Bible, and just sat in the quiet, inviting God to speak, but even more, to just inhabit this space. Away from distractions and noise, it was just me and Him surrounded by the beauty that He created. As the warmth from the sun rested on my face, I felt a rest come over me. I am ever aware of the mind that some of the most impactful ministry comes from presence, and in that moment, it was presence that restored my soul that was so drained and emptied from the clamor of the world. 

What kind of noise has been filling your ears and spirit these days? Do you have time in the quiet to be refreshed and refueled? 

We read in the Gospels how Jesus would often retreat to a quiet place to pray. He invites us to do the same now. Escape the noise and rest with him. When I consider that rest, I think of Psalm 23 - a very familiar passage. But let’s slow down and read it together.

“The Lord is my shepherd;

I shall not want.

He makes me to lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside the still waters.

He restores my soul;

He leads me in the paths of righteousness

For His name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil;

For You are with me;

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

You anoint my head with oil;

My cup runs over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

All the days of my life;

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.” 

Take some time today to be captivated by His presence today. Acknowledge His nearness. Not a word needs spoken. You can feel that shift and that rest around you when you acknowledge the presence of God is there with you. Let your heart dwell in the house of the Lord today.