The fall afternoon beckoned, and a friend and I drove to a local park to enjoy the beautiful weather. Birds happily chirped as a slight breeze played among the red, yellow, and brown trees lining the paved path. Deep in conversation we barely noticed our surroundings, until the winding trail became covered in dark shadows. My friend joked about a scene from a scary movie, and the now-quiet woods no longer looked friendly.

A gentle rustling in the leaves, made us pause and glance up to the tree-lined hill next to us. Seeing nothing, we picked up the pace. The rustling turned to crashing, with the sound of someone, or something, in pursuit. In an all-out panic, we raced to reach the car.

Safe inside the locked automobile, we laughed and wondered what had made the noise. We were wise to take precautions, but perhaps a squirrel or some other small animal running through the leaves had been what made us frightened.

Sounds can cause a myriad of emotions and reactions. Film-makers use their musical scores to build the mood and audience response they desire. Be careful what you hear, who you listen to, and what sounds get your attention. Satan is devious, a wolf in sheep’s clothing, tickling ears with the sounds of his lies to manipulate and deceive.

In the bombardment of noise in this world, God’s voice, His Word is The Truth. By reading scripture out loud, listening to praise music, talking of the truth in scripture, and by praising God, are souls are calmed, quieted, and lifted in rejoicing and worship.

Speak, sing, and praise God, and the sounds will counteract the noise from the enemy. In the eternal security of our wonderful God, you’ll find restoration and rejoicing for your heart and soul.

“Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; talk of all His wondrous works! Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the Lord!” ~ 1 Chronicles 16:9-10 (NKJV)

“I’m asking God for one thing, only one thing: to live with him in his house my whole life long. I’ll contemplate his beauty; I’ll study at his feet. That’s the only quiet, secure place in a noisy world, the perfect getaway, far from the buzz of traffic. God holds me head and shoulders above all who try to pull me down. I’m headed for his place to offer anthems that will raise the roof! Already I’m singing God-songs; I’m making music to God.” ~ Psalm 27:4-6 (MSG)

From We Were Meant For Paradise by Lisa Buffaloe https://amzn.to/2IZrsw7

Photo by Lisa Buffaloe