The World Is Loud… Maybe Louder Than Ever
Maybe the Grinch was on to something. Or maybe I’m becoming a Grinch. Or maybe…perhaps…there really is too much noise.
“Step right up! Step right up! Win a million dollars right now. All you have to do is buy a ticket and scratch. Today can be your lucky day! Just think about what you can do with a million dollars, folks.”
“Never mind him. The chance of winning is very slim. But speaking of slim, are you ready to get into shape and catch the eye of that special somebody—”
“Check out the top ten predictions for the coming new year based on the writings of Nostradamus!”
“Is your money safe from a possible economic collapse? Have you ever thought about investing in gold?”
“Why cook at home and deal with all the cleanup when you can get a home-cooked meal delivered straight to your door?”
“Signs. Signs. Everywhere there’s signs. Blocking out the scenery. Breakin’ my mind. Do this. Don’t do that. Can’t you read the sign?”
Growing Up in the Living Room of Noise
The noisiest place in my house growing up was the living room, where the main attraction—the television—stood front and center. Not that I think it’s a horribly bad thing, but with any program there are tons of commercials.
And speaking of programs, they call them programs for a reason. Not to be conspiratorial, but every television station wants to keep you tuned in. “Don’t touch that dial!” And if you do touch that dial, change the station or switch to the other streaming service, they’re already working on ways to get you to come back, because the longer you’re away, the less likely you’ll return.
From TV Noise to Digital Chaos
It’s no longer just the TV. In my lifetime, the Internet dropped in and everything became even more chaotic. The world was at your fingertips. All you had to do was get on your desktop—wait a minute, make that your laptop. Whoops, my bad. Your phone, tablet, virtual reality, augmented reality! Watches, thermostats, and prescription eyeglasses! Can’t decide on where to have dinner? Ask your car.
And that doesn’t even scratch the surface of the million dollar lottery ticket.
Everyone Wants Your Attention
Billions of people with trillions of social media posts, online articles, and more are vying for your attention. Yes, this includes me. (“Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.”)
Countless individuals are blanketing the feeds with as much information as they can. Others are trying to razzle dazzle by going an extra step deeper into the extreme. And somewhere in all this there are amazing solutions to the hardest problems, and all you have to do is watch the video until the very end, where there will be a special one time offer just for you.
“Back in the Day”: Wisdom From Players in the Game
Back in the day—for you younger folks, that’s what my generation says to refer to the times we were younger. The previous generation used to say, “When I was your age.”—I digress, but back in the day, we said something both super cool and, dare I say, philosophical.
“Don’t hate the player. Hate the game.”
This phrase started in the late 80s. It always reminded me of something Shakespeare had said long ago. “All the world’s a stage/ And all the men and women merely players.” It’s better not to concern ourselves of worldly things, yet the system, the world, has gotten louder. Billions are raising the volume, raising the temperature, and though it may be for their very own livelihood, it’s not necessarily for the greater good.
The One Good Voice Amid the Noise
What is great and what is good is God. And with all the noise out there, some grow weary when you mention Him. Another phrase that started taking root after WWII between the 50s and 70s—yup, back in the day—was “Don’t push your beliefs on me.” They’re kind of lost in all the noise. But if they’re in the world they should remember not to hate the player but the game, right? It’s fair game to give wisdom when others are selling snake oil solutions.
Ancient Wisdom Still Speaks
There is nothing new under the sun. That’s the ancient wisdom of the Bible. That’s the wisdom many people lose in all the noise. While there is information overload, and chaos of all sorts, the Truth remains steadfast. Seek the truth, and you’ll find shelter from the storm.
Because He comes without ribbons. He comes without tags. He comes without packages, boxes, or bags. He comes despite the noise.
Questions For Reflection
- Where do you notice the most “noise” in your daily life. Digital, emotional, or environmental? How does it affect your ability to think clearly or hear God?
- Do you find yourself drawn in by the constant pull of entertainment, ads, or social media? What makes certain messages harder to resist?
- When you think about Shakespeare’s “all the world’s a stage,” how does it reshape your perspective on the roles we play in culture’s “game”?
- How do you typically respond when you feel spiritually overwhelmed by the noise of the world: withdrawal, distraction, frustration, or prayer?
- What helps you recognize God’s voice amid competing messages? How might you create more space for that still, steady truth?
- Where does “information overload” tempt you to anxiety, fear, or cynicism? What biblical wisdom helps you find shelter from that storm?
Challenges
- Quiet the Room – Choose one source of “noise” to silence for 24 hours: notifications, news, social media, or television. Notice how your thoughts and emotions shift.
- Replace Noise with Wisdom – Read a short passage from Proverbs or Ecclesiastes each day for a week. Write down one line that cuts through the noise.
- Identify the Voices – Make a list of the five loudest “voices” speaking into your life (apps, influencers, ads, routines). Reflect on which ones deserve less power.
- Practice Discernment – Before responding to an ad, trend, or online debate, pause and ask: Is this truth? Or is this noise? Journal what you notice.
- Create a Quiet Ritual – Choose one daily practice: prayer walk, Scripture reading, silence, worship music, that helps bring your heart back to center.
- Share Your Experience – Comment on the post with one surprising realization you had when you reduced digital noise or sought God more intentionally.
References for Reading
These selections relate to truth, noise, stillness, and wisdom:
Scripture
- Ecclesiastes – “There is nothing new under the sun.”
- Psalm 46 – “Be still, and know that I am God.”
- Proverbs 1–4 – Wisdom calling out above the noise.
- 1 Kings 19:11–13 – God’s voice not in the wind or fire, but in a gentle whisper.
Books & Essays
- The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis — a brilliant look at distraction and spiritual noise.
- Amusing Ourselves to Death by Neil Postman — a cultural critique still prophetic today.
- The Tech-Wise Family by Andy Crouch — practical wisdom for reducing digital overload.
- Habits of the Household by Justin Whitmel Earley — forming rhythms that quiet the mind.
Articles & Resources
- “The Noise in Our Souls” – Desiring God
- “Attention, Distraction, and the Spiritual Life” – Renovaré
- “The Problem of Too Much Information” – The Gospel Coalition
