Loud and Silent

As a young'un I had to have the radio or my loud stereo BLASTING at all times. At night my little transistor radio was cranking under my pillow.

Bands I was in, then with my wife fronting another one of volume (REZ Band) for about 28 years, the decibel cranking was pretty constant.

We had kids, a large extended family for decades and so of course between all that and in my case, shooting/hunting meant LOUDNESS.

I am publicly on record as saying "Preach the gospel, the louder the better". Yup.

So as my hearing took the expected beating as I aged, then what?! Well, at times when I'm alone in my office or driving I crank the jams -but not quite as loudly as I used to.

Further, many years ago I began to appreciate silence. Moments alone on a drive, on vacation, planes, trains, etc., in a guest house or hotel when on tour, when studying scripture, praying, really meditating on the Lord I found silence a gift and blessing I'd not known when younger.

I've always loved nature and weather, spending time out in the woods -which are a great deal more quiet compared to urban areas such as where I live and serve now.

From scripture and personal experience I realized God speaks as much in a "still small voice" as in a "mighty rushing Wind".

Does He speak via intense metal and other slamming music, especially through lyrics? Of course! And He speaks in total silence in our mind/heart/soul/spirit IF we put ourselves in an attitude and mind to HEAR Him. Yes!

So what I learned long ago is to pay attention and not to be put off or afraid of either loudness or quiet. One of the deep blessings of a relationship of love and peace in the risen Jesus and ongoing seeking to hear HIM. "My sheep hear My voice and I know them, and they follow Me" said Jesus.

God is not limited by either loudness OR silence- and the Spirit interacts with us in both :)

As always, thanks for stopping by. -Glenn