Quieting Your Soul When the World Feels Loud - The Crosswalk Devotional - August 9

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Quieting Your Soul When the World Feels Loud
By Sarah Frazer

Bible Reading:
For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken. - Psalm 62:1-2 (ESV)

Have you ever wished to turn off the noise of life? I don’t mean physically, although sometimes we find ourselves in loud places. I have five children, and our house can get very loud, very quickly. But the noises that bother me, the ones that I wish I could get rid of, are the noises of this world. The news, the stress, and responsibilities all seem to keep my heart from experiencing peace. My inner thoughts will dominate my life so that it's not just external noise, but my mind that feels loud too. 

In Psalm 62, King David says that his soul waits for God in silence. I’ll admit that when my soul is restless, waiting for God to rescue me or to show up or give me answers, I don’t wait in silence. I’m usually spending my time worrying and trying to fix things myself. David reminds us that rest is not automatic, but intentional. David had to learn stillness; it doesn’t just happen. 

David does this because he has spent time thinking, mediating, and dwelling on the truth of who God is - a rock, fortress, and strength (Psalm 62:2). David reminds himself that he is not going to be “shaken.” This word means to “totter, get off course, or slip.” It reminds us that yes, we can feel disoriented for a moment, but God can get us back on track when we turn to Him. 

In the next few verses, David acknowledges the pressure he is under. He mentions being attacked and feeling shaken. The reality is we will face stress, noise from the world, and anxieties within our hearts. We do not ignore these things, but we take them to God. David, amidst his fears, reminds himself of where true rest comes from in Psalm 62:5-6.

“Yes, my soul, find rest in God…” Notice that David speaks to himself. Taking the time to reflect on the truth about God is key to quieting the sounds of life around us. As we do this, we redirect our hearts back to God. In Psalm 62, David says the same thing in verses 1-2 and then again in 5-6. As David does this, he then turns his voice outward, telling us how we, too, can have a rest-filled soul. 

“Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah.” - Psalm 62:8 (ESV)

Stability comes from who God is, not what life feels like. In our lives, there are many things that can be loud, things that would distract us from God and His Word. David was intentional in Psalm 62, and we need to be as well.

Returning our thoughts back to God is the way to quiet the noise. Peace is possible, and rest can be found. Jesus invites all who would come to Him to find rest (Matthew 11:28-30). We must come, though. God is the steady peace, the rock and fortress we need daily. 

Let us be like David and find our quiet in God.   If your mind feels noisy tonight, I walk through Psalm 62 slowly on my podcast, Psalms to Help You Sleep, helping you rest in God’s presence.

As David reminds himself of the truth about God, his soul slowly grows quieter. The noise around him does not immediately disappear, but his heart becomes anchored in something steadier than his circumstances. The same is true for us. We may still live in busy homes, face stressful situations, or carry anxious thoughts into the night, but we do not have to be ruled by them. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

God invites us to return to Him again and again, finding refuge in His presence and rest for our weary souls. Peace is not found in controlling every circumstance, but in trusting the One who holds us steady. So tonight, when the world feels loud, pause and remind your soul who God is. He is still your rock, your refuge, and your rest.

How might you be intentional with God today? 

What distraction can you get rid of that will help quiet your soul? 

Further Reading:
Psalm 46:10
Isaiah 26:3
Matthew 11:28-30
John 14:27

How did today’s devotional speak to you? Share your thoughts in the Crosswalk Devotional discussion.

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/aldomurillo

Sarah E. Frazer is a writer, Bible study mentor, wife of Jason, and mother of five. With a background in missionary work, Sarah encourages the weary woman to find peace in Jesus. She is a regular contributor to the Proverbs 31 First 5 app writing team as well as a featured writer for Crosswalk.com. Her favorite place to hang out is Instagram at @sarah_e_frazer.

Check out fantastic resources on Faith, Family, and Fun at Crosswalk.com! 

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