Why do I constantly seek to fill the silence? The story of Elijah comes to mind. Elijah sought the Lord in the raging wind, in an earthquake, and in fire. Those things are significant events in the eyes of the world; magnificent and terrifying events actually. This is the Lord we’re talking about here, so I imagine these events were catastrophic; Hurricane winds so strong that they could tear down mountains, a fire so consuming that it destroys everything in its path and an earthquake that could open up the ground and swallow an entire city. I imagine that the noise must have been deafening. However, once silence finally settled over the land, the Lord was found to be a gentle whisper. How amazing is that?

The Lord’s voice is undeniable in the silence. Constant sound is my vice; whether it is from music, the television, or even my own voice. Whatever the source of the sound may be, it becomes so loud that it drowns out the Lord. If I don’t hear him, I don’t have to feel His conviction. How convenient! That makes my sinful, selfish desires much more enjoyable. At the same time though, I lose the guidance and stability found in Him. I lose sight of the truth. When I deny Him, my heart is like an unfortified city that is left vulnerable to attack. The enemy is prowling around, ready to devour me. His aim is my destruction. What is his weapon? Lies. He whispers lies to me and makes me believe them. I am convinced that the root of all sin is deceit. And, oh how I am so easily deceived! When I do not cling to the truth, I am lead blindly by whatever takes hold of me. Why am I surprised when I so quickly find myself lost, wondering how I got so far from where I should be?

Jeremiah even says that the heart is deceitful above all things, and is beyond cure. The only one who can understand it is the Lord. He understands us better than we even understand ourselves. He knows our weakness and has given us armor for the battle! What better to combat lies than the truth?