Shutting Out the Noise

Rhema TeamHoly Spirit, June/July 2022 WOFLeave a Comment

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As I was looking back on my notes for “Seed Thoughts,” I realized I began this column in
June 2001—21 years ago. Wow! I had no idea it had been that long. Time passes so quickly. I endeavor to plant seed thoughts in this column to help you navigate life.

I appreciate the kind notes and letters I receive about this column. Know that I read each one of them. As I begin writing this column for each issue of The Word of Faith, I always ask the Lord for words that would minister to individuals.

As I was meditating on this issue, I began thinking about the noisy world we live in. I remember asking my grandmother to tell me about what I would call the “olden days.” She told me how they didn’t have indoor bathrooms. They had what was called an “outhouse.” Baths were taken in a tub filled with water. Cars had just been invented but very few people had them. Most people grew their own food. They had iceboxes, not electric refrigerators.

Neither my kids nor grandkids could imagine living during those times. When my grandchildren ask me to tell them about the “olden days,” they are astounded. They can’t imagine life without the internet, cell phones, a voice navigation system, and social media in all kinds of forms.

When making decisions that will affect our lives, it is of utmost importance that we look to the Counselor on the inside of us, the Holy Spirit.
Lynette Hagin

As I pondered those conveniences, though they can be a tremendous help, I realized how much of a distraction they are as well.

Many times when I am ministering, the Lord directs me to focus on the role the Holy Spirit should play in our lives. As a reminder, I want to read a few scriptures from the book of John. Jesus was about to leave the earth, and the disciples were in panic mode. Jesus had always been there to teach them and answer their questions. I can imagine them asking, “What are we going to do when You leave? Who will answer our questions?”

Jesus replied, “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you” (John 14:16–17 NKJV).

The Amplified Bible, Classic Edition makes it a little clearer, “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever—the Spirit of Truth, Whom the world cannot receive (welcome, take to its heart), because it does not see Him or know and recognize Him. But you know and recognize Him, for He lives with you [constantly] and will be in you.”

We often look to others for wisdom, knowledge, and guidance. Of course, in the natural, we look to others for information. However, when making decisions that will affect our lives, it is of utmost importance that we look to the Counselor on the inside of us, the Holy Spirit. For you see, the Holy Spirit only speaks what the Father tells Him.

John 16:13 (AMPC) says it this way, “But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message [on His own authority]; but He will tell whatever He hears [from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him], and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future].”

It is so important in our noisy world to shut out the voices of distraction and listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit, Who is there to direct our lives. I always listen to special worship music as I get ready for the day. It helps me to hear instructions from the Holy Spirit. I keep the music at a low volume.

Recently, my husband was listening to his worship music in an adjoining room. His music was so loud I was having trouble hearing my music. I became distracted and frustrated because I couldn’t hear the music I loved. At that moment, the Holy Spirit said to me, “That is exactly what happens in life. The devil is screaming in people’s ears to distract them, and they do not recognize and hear My Voice.”

What a revelation that was to me. Make sure you shut out the noise the enemy brings and listen to the whisper of the Holy Spirit. He will help you in every decision and situation you face in life.


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Lynette Hagin

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