God encounters us in a way we can understand. But we must take the time to listen and make space to listen. I have been told that researchers have conducted studies on the communication and conversation patterns of a breed of river turtles in Brazil’s Amazon territory. This research has yielded recordings of over 250 distinct sounds between a group of hatchling turtles and their mother. They were able to categorize this conversation into 6 different groups corresponding according to the behavior observed as a consequence of the “turtle chatter.” Now the communication elements are not definitive in their meaning, but it has become clear to researchers that information is being exchanged between the mother turtle and her babies. What some scientists have concerned themselves with is the noise pollution created by a growing level of modern civilization and heavy machinery that brings conflicting and distractive sounds to their world.

God speaks to us also. Not always in long soliloquies or eloquent orations, but God often speaks to us in a still small voice that can also be susceptible to distracting voices and sounds. These world manufactured distractions take us away from finding and hearing God’s voice spoken to our spirit. In Psalm 46:10 scripture tells us this, “10 Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” In this scripture, God lets us know of His awesome power; that he will be exalted among all people and throughout the entire world! Yet the Word of God starts with, “Be still and know…”

It is when we get in a place and a time of quiet peace that we can hear the voice of God speaking to us and telling us things that bring an intimacy to our relationship with God. Just as the baby turtles have to be in a place and time to be able to stop, hear and recognize the voice of Mama Turtle (Away from the noise of the world), we need to do the same with our Father who has opened up His line of communication through His Word and by the medium of the Holy Spirit speaking to our spirit. That is why it is so important to find a place of isolation and spend time with God before we leave our domicile in the morning, entering into the world with distracting activities and voices. Take time each morning and find a place where God’s voice becomes clear and His Words begin to speak to you.

Be blessed and be grateful,
Pastor Chris