Just an Ole’ Woman Searching for Stillness Amidst the Noise

Some days, the inner world grows so loud that it drowns out everything else—thoughts tumble over each other, creating a storm of confusion and obscuring any sense of clarity. In these times, every effort to speak or to sort things out, or to find peace seems only to make the noise more intense. The longing to be heard, understood, or even to understand oneself becomes tangled in this restless mental storm.

This struggle brings to mind Elijah’s experience, his fatigue, his wandering, and his search for reassurance in the midst of chaos. In 1 Kings 19:11-13, Elijah waits on the mountain for God’s presence. Strong winds break rocks apart, the ground quakes, and fire blazes, but God is not found in these powerful displays. Instead, God arrives in a gentle whisper, softer and yet more meaningful than any thunderous event.

Last night, I longed for that same quiet voice. My mind raced, restless and relentless, circling around unresolved thoughts. I reached for meaning, for words, for peace, but clarity was elusive. Even reading failed to bring comfort or insight. Only when I paused, allowing myself to become still, opening my heart, and turning to my devotional did I remember that God doesn’t always answer confusion with a booming voice. Sometimes, He meets us in the quiet that follows.

It’s in those surrendered moments—when we stop trying to force order into chaos and simply lean into the quiet—that we can finally begin to listen, to hear. God’s whisper may not solve everything at once, but it is a gentle reminder that we are not alone, that clarity will come, and that peace is within reach.

So, if you too are having trouble organizing your thoughts, expressing your feelings, or just making it through the day—know you are not alone. Storms and fires may come, but beyond them is the gentle whisper waiting for those who pause, who listen, and who hope for something sacred within the stillness.

May you find calm amidst the noise, and may you hear the whisper that speaks directly to you.