We are consumed by constant noise; we are eager to hear our phones ping, we seek comfort in the views we receive on our posts, and we are drenched in endless distraction, unable to slow down and be still. In a world full of distraction, instant gratification, and overwhelming noise, people are finding it increasingly difficult to hear from God and are even beginning to doubt whether His presence is near. The question is: how is one supposed to hear from God while living in such a noisy world?
I find it ironic how we fill our schedules, cramming our days with endless to dos, convincing ourselves that we must do a hundred things in a day to stay productive. We think we can split ourselves into millions of pieces, available to everyone who needs us. But with God, it’s different. The Creator of the heavens and the earth, the One who hung the stars in the sky, the One who knows how many hairs are on our head, who is omnipresent and hears every prayer, whisper, tear, has called us to be still in His presence; to turn off everything and simply rest in the stillness, in the quiet.
Perhaps it is fair to say that we have made an idol of the things that distract us. Maybe I can even go so far as to say that we actively choose to avoid silence by creating endless to dos, because we’re afraid to face our insecurities and fears in that quiet space with God. Yet when we sit in silence with our thoughts, something profound happens: God brings His light to the things we have hidden away; He desires our honesty.
I think back to the Garden of Eden, when Adam and Eve ate from the fruit, discovered they were naked and hid from God. In Genesis 3:9, we see God calling to Adam: “Where are you?” Let me remind you, God didn’t ask them to reveal themselves because He didn’t know where they were, He already knew. Yet in His love, God sought their honesty and transparency. In the next verse, Adam explains that he hid because he didn’t want the Voice that called him to see him naked. And in Genesis 2:25 it says, “And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.”
Why is this part of Genesis important? Because it highlights how God never intended for us to live in shame. He knows the knowledge we have at our fingertips, the distractions we chase and He sees our most inward thoughts and desires. If we are honest with Him, if we bring our fears, insecurities and struggles into the open, He gives us peace in every season. He doesn’t want us hiding; He wants transparency, a heart at rest in His presence, even when the world around us is loud and chaotic.
God calls us to be still, to rest in His presence. From personal experience, spending time in God’s presence is the most important thing for me. If I’m not seeking God from the moment I wake up, asking Him to fill my mind and body with His Spirit before anything else has my attention, my day already feels off. I know I’m setting myself up for failure if I don’t let God fill me first.
In Hebrews 13:8, we are reminded that Jesus never changes. He has been the same from the beginning of time and will remain the same forever. In a world where everything around us is constantly shifting people, circumstances, expectations, this truth is deeply grounding. We can’t rely on people to remain constant, or on life to stay stable. But we can rely on God, who leads us to rest in green pastures and beside still waters (Psalm 23:2), and offers peace in both chaotic and joyful seasons.
The reality is, we are so consumed by constantly changing lives that we forget the One who never changes. Let’s not forget the reason we were created: to commune with God. He wants to be involved in every part of our lives, from the smallest details to the biggest decisions.
In Exodus 20:5, we read that the Lord is a jealous God. His love is unlike anything we can fully understand. The way I see it is this: just as a parent may feel concern when a child gives their attention to something harmful, God responds when we allow worldly things to take His place in our hearts.
It’s important to understand that God’s jealousy is not like human jealousy. Human jealousy is rooted in insecurity or selfishness, but God’s jealousy comes from perfect love and a desire for a close, honest relationship with us. True fulfilment only comes from Him and He desires for us to seek Him above everything else.
But if fulfilment is found in God’s presence, why are we so easily drawn into distraction? Why do we seek comfort in things that ultimately leave us anxious or empty? And if there is real power in solitude, why do we often avoid it?
When we enter solitude, distractions fall away and we are left with ourselves. In that silence, insecurities and fears often surface. While uncomfortable, this is also where honesty begins. God uses these moments not to shame us, but to heal and restore us but only if we are willing to be honest with Him about what we are carrying.
We live in a world where instant gratification is normal, where silence feels uncomfortable and where distraction is easier than reflection. But God often uses stillness as the beginning of healing. There is power in quiet time with Him.
Most of us have experienced how even a short break can reset us, coming back from time away feeling calmer and clearer. In a similar way, time with God brings a deeper peace. Even a few minutes in His presence can bring rest that people often search for in holidays, retreats or escapes. But those moments are temporary. The peace God offers is lasting. It sustains us even in the middle of chaos, where the Holy Spirit reminds us that we are not alone.
Captured: a moment of me reading my Bible, surrounded by noise but seeking His presence.
God does not promise a life without difficulty. In Psalm 23:4 we read: “Even 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.” David says “even though,” not “if,” reminding us that trials are part of life but so is God’s presence within them.
I encourage you to look up and meditate on Exodus 14:14, Isaiah 30:15, and 1 Peter 5:7.
As someone once told me, the enemy doesn’t need to make you sin, he only needs to distract you and you’ll end up drifting away from God.
Being still means turning to God in moments of anxiety and casting our worries on Him (Matthew 11:28). It means being honest when we feel overwhelmed, distracted, or distant. God is not intimidated by our honesty. Jesus died so we could have a real relationship with Him.
In Psalm 139 and Jeremiah 1:5, we are reminded that God knew us before we knew ourselves. We cannot surprise Him and that truth is deeply comforting.
I am someone whose mind is constantly racing, so I’ve had to learn how to intentionally prioritise rest. If you’re anything like me, these practices may help.
In the morning, I pray a simple prayer:
Father, thank You for this new day. I place You at the centre of it. Fill me with Your Spirit and help me focus on You. In Jesus name, amen.
I then prioritise reading or listening to the Bible while getting ready. Devotionals also help on busy mornings when time is limited.
I also spend time in worship, often during my commute. I pray for God to reveal Himself through the people I meet and the places I go, for His presence to be reflected in me. A simple prayer I often say is:
Lord, thank You for today. Have Your way in me. I plead Your blood over every soul I encounter and every place I enter. Let Your presence be seen in me. In Jesus name, amen.
More recently, I’ve started going on prayer walks: spending time in nature praying, listening to worship or sermons, or simply being still. I’ve also reduced screen time and replaced it with Scripture and faith based reading.
We live in a world that encourages constant striving and distraction, but God is present and attentive to every detail of our lives. He knows us completely, down to the hairs on our heads.
The invitation is to slow down and trust Him above everything else. Before anything on our to do list, we are called to follow Christ. He directs our steps. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). He never changes, and nothing surprises Him.
If you would stay a moment longer, I’d like to pray for you:
Lord, thank You for the person reading this. Thank You for their life. I pray You would encounter them in powerful ways; through signs, dreams and revelation. Silence their anxious thoughts and fill their mind with things of You. No weapon formed against them shall prosper. I cover them in Your blood, over their heart, mind and life. Teach them Your ways, give them a hunger for Your presence, and help them find rest in You. In Jesus name, amen.
If you enjoyed this article, please leave a comment below – The CMN Team
If you enjoyed this article, please leave a comment below – The CMN Team
Written by Allie Walker, Published on 21st April 2026
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