GULF SOUTH MEN

STRENGTHENING MEN . . . For the Journey!

Ministry to Men

Signal to Noise Ratio

Have you ever heard of the term “signal-to-noise ratio”?  It is a measure used in science and engineering that compares the level of a desired signal to the level of background noise. It is defined as the ratio of signal power to the noise power, often expressed in decibels.  You have probably experienced this as you drive down a highway listening to the radio.  As you get farther away from the station, the signal weakens and is eventually overcome by noise.  In the case of a radio, the noise is static and prevents you from clearly hearing the signal (the radio station).

You be assured that God is constantly sending a signal to you.  He is calling you to come closer to Him.  As you come closer to God, His signal becomes stronger.  However, the “noise” will be ever present on your Christian journey.  I consider the noise to be anything that causes us to take our focus away from Him and toward earthly pursuits.

It is imperative that we reduce the noise in our lives to discern God’s will for us.  Jesus often retreated to be alone to pray and be in silence to communicate with God.  Silence allows us to open our minds, hearts, eyes, and ears to God’s presence. Psalm 46:10 tells us to be still.  He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

However just because we are in a silent location doesn’t necessarily mean we have reduced the noise in our lives.  Our minds are a constant battlefield.  The enemy wants to keep the noise level high with any thoughts that distract your focus from God.  These thoughts can be worry, anxiety, or even an upcoming fishing trip.  When sitting in silence and listening for God be sure to quiet your mind.  If any non-Godly thoughts enter your mind during this period, verbally reject and rebuke them in the name of Jesus.  I have personally done this and His power will give you a peace that transcends all understanding and allows you to reach a closer level of intimacy with our Lord.

The Bible refers to the “still small voice” of God in 1 Kings 19:11-13 in the story of Elijah.  And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake:  And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.   And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?”

I encourage you to try to find time each day to unplug from the world and sit in total silence listening for His “still small voice.”  Pray for ears that hear.  Trusting and obeying are important traits that we must all acquire as part of our faith journey.  Be blessed.

 

Todd Shupe

Todd is a Member of Gulf South Men, President of drtoddshupe.com and a Christian blogger at toddshupe.com and todd-shupe.com.