Discussion for Sunday, March 6th

Our focus this week will center on listening for God’s voice in our lives as we watch and discuss the NOOMA video “Noise.” We are constantly being surrounded by voices around us that are telling us how to think, feel, and behave. Think of all the noise we have in our lives with – overwhelming work schedules, assignments, deadlines, T.V. shows, movies, cell phones, music, internet, facebook, and never-ending advertising all around us! There is always something going on. All of this constant noise in our lives! Why is the silence so hard to deal with? Why is it so much easier to surround ourselves with lots of things going on rather than being in silence? However, we see time and time again in scripture that we are to be still, silent, and listen for God’s voice. Is there a connection between the amount of noise in our lives and our inability to hear God? Let’s think about these things and come together and share with one another. Take a look at the discussion questions below and also the section for your own personal reflection.

Discussion Questions:

1. Does all the noise in our lives make it hard to hear God?
2. Why is silence so hard to deal with?
3. Do you ever intentionally surround yourself with noise? If so, why do we do this?
4. Do you sometimes avoid silence because you are afraid of what God has to say?
5. What are some situations in which God has spoken to you?

For Personal Reflection During Your Week:

Notice how the following scriptures tell us to be silent and listen: Deuteronomy 27:9; Psalm 4:4; Habakkuk 2:20
Reflect on Jesus’ words in Matthew 11:28
Notice how Jesus took time to be in silence – Luke 5:16

- What kind of noise do you have in your life?
- Do you wish God’s voice would be louder in your life?
- If I am not still and I do not listen, how is Jesus going to give me rest?
- When was the last time you spent some time in silence?
- Have you spent the same amount of time worrying and talking about your difficult confusing situations as you have spent in silence, listening to what God might have to say?
- Does my schedule, my time, my life look like that of a person who wants to hear God’s voice?
- What are some things in your daily life you could change to eliminate some noise?
- Is it possible that you have been searching for God’s voice in the noise around you and He is waiting to speak to you in the silence?