A Culture of Noise

I read a sad but insightful commentary this morning.  Janie Cheaney with World Magazine in the Campus edition writes thoughts about families in Broken Music.  I find that when I am surrounded by the noise of our culture, the vibrations can be overwhelming, and it is so easy to be absorbed and become immune to what our societies call 'normal'.

As I read through my new study in Future Grace (John Piper), I am reminded that our power to live godly lives is bound up in the grace that the Holy Spirit gives for today.  If we are too distracted by worldly noise that comes with daily life in this fallen world, we forget that our strength comes from a relationship with Christ and his Word.  Knowing God takes work and discipline just like any other relationship.  Without that time and effort our joy dissipates and we are no longer holding out to others the future hope we have as Christians; it isn't even recognizable in our own lives.  Let us instead therefore choose to live joyfully today!

As we strive to become more like Christ and cultivate beauty and love in our homes and families, we CAN act, live, and be different-we are different! Because of a personal relationship with Christ.  Friends, it is vitally important to our families, our culture, our relationship with our gracious God that we spend time learning to know him more though his word every day; he provides the power we need to hear the music over the noise!

Here are the words to one of my favorite hymns: Jesus! I am Resting, Resting by Jean Sophia Pigott...

Jesus! I am resting, resting In the joy of what You are;
I am finding out the greatness Of Your loving heart.
Thou hast bid me gaze upon You, Your beauty fills my soul,
For, by Your transforming power, You have made me whole.

REFRAIN:

Jesus! I am resting, resting
In the joy of what You are;
I am finding out the greatness
Of Your loving heart.

Oh, how great Your loving kindness, Vaster, broader than the sea:
Oh, how marvelous Your goodness, Lavished all on me!
Now I rest in my Beloved, Oh, what wealth of grace is mine,
Standing safe within the promise, that in You I find. (Refrain)

Simply trusting You Lord Jesus, I behold You as You are,
And Your love, so pure, so changeless, Satisfies my heart,
Satisfies my deepest longings, Meets, supplies my every need,
Love that showers me with blessing, Love that carries me. (Refrain)

Ever lift Your face upon me, As I work and wait for Thee;
Resting ’neath Your smile, Lord Jesus, Earth’s dark shadows flee.
Brightness of my Father’s glory, Sunshine of my Father’s face,
Keep me ever trusting, resting, Fill me with Your grace. (Refrain)