Clarity: Is It Too Loud to Hear God?

Originally posted October 11, 2007; updated July 21, 2025

Our world is louder than ever. Smartphone notifications, endless posts on X, streaming platforms, and 24/7 news cycles constantly clamor for our attention. It’s relentless. Podcasts, viral videos, and breaking news alerts fill nearly every spare moment, leaving little room for silence—let alone reflection.

But why do we let all this noise consume us?

Silence forces us to confront life’s biggest questions:

• Who am I?
• Is there a God?
• What’s my purpose?

These are weighty questions. Facing them can feel overwhelming—so instead, we drown them out. True-crime documentaries, celebrity gossip, political debates, YouTube rabbit holes—they keep us busy and distracted from what truly matters.

And in the midst of all that noise, God's voice often gets drowned out.

In 1 Kings 19:12, the prophet Elijah discovers that God isn’t found in the windstorm, the earthquake, or the fire—but in a gentle whisper. That’s a powerful image. Yet with earbuds in and screens always on, how can we hear that still, small voice?

Many people wonder why God feels distant. But maybe it’s not that He’s silent—maybe it’s that we’ve turned the volume up too loud to hear Him.

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The Noise That Distracts

I saw this firsthand years ago at a youth camp. It was during the early days of smartphones and tablets. For one week, the students had to unplug. No texting, no playlists, no games. And they struggled. Even without their devices, the mental pull of media lingered, keeping their minds distracted from God’s presence.

We need to ask ourselves a hard question:

Are we, as Christians, adding to the noise?

When churches lean on movie nights, polished video sermons, and social media influencers, are we pointing people to Jesus—or simply joining the cultural clamor?

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A Christian Worldview: Cutting Through the Noise

This post is part of our Clarity series, where we’re building a biblical worldview to help us navigate life’s tough issues—from politics to morality to identity. And here’s the question we’re wrestling with today:

How do we hear God in a deafening world?

Colossians 3:17 challenges us: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” That includes how we engage with technology and media.

As citizens of God’s Kingdom (1 Peter 2:11), we’re called to live differently—not conformed to the world’s noise, but transformed by God’s truth (Romans 12:2). That means facing two realities:

1. Mass Media Is Here to Stay

We can’t escape the digital world. Social media, YouTube, and streaming platforms shape how we communicate and connect. Rather than reject these tools, we should ask how we can redeem them. Can we share the Gospel through a thoughtful podcast or a meaningful post? Can our digital presence reflect Christ rather than contribute to the chaos?

Discernment is key. Not every trend is redeemable. But dismissing digital platforms altogether means missing opportunities to shine light in dark places.

2. Distraction Is a Spiritual Issue

Media doesn’t just fill our time—it often steals our attention from God and the people around us. It dulls our senses to our neighbor’s pain, the world’s injustices, or our family’s needs. Whether it’s a teen scrolling YouTube Shorts or a parent glued to work emails, the result is the same: disconnection from God’s purpose.

Churches must help people simplify life. We need to create space for the practices that attune our hearts to God’s voice: Scripture, prayer, worship, fellowship, and service.

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Hearing God’s Voice in the Quiet

Psalm 46:10 reminds us: “Be still, and know that I am God.” Stillness isn’t just about physical quiet—it’s also mental and spiritual. In today’s distracted world, hearing God requires intentional habits.

Here are a few ways to start:

• Unplug Regularly: Designate times to disconnect from screens and reconnect with God. Start small—like a 10-minute walk without your phone—and use that space to listen for His voice.
• Prioritize Community: Join a small group, serve with others, or simply share a meal. Christian community grounds us in God’s truth and helps us resist cultural isolation.
• Serve Others: When we shift our focus from our feeds to the needs around us, we open our hearts to God's mission and presence (Matthew 22:39).

As we discussed in our Clarity post on politics, prayer remains our greatest tool. It aligns our hearts with God’s, clears the noise, and opens our ears to His whisper.

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Your Challenge: Make Space for God

Ask yourself:

• What’s drowning out God’s voice in my life?
• What can I simplify to hear Him more clearly?

As Kingdom citizens, we’re called to live intentionally—using media for God’s glory and carving out space for His presence. Reflect again on Colossians 3:17:

How can your words, actions, and screen time honor Him?

Our Clarity series helps us view life through a biblical lens. Whether we’re talking about truth, spiritual warfare, or how we engage with the world, the invitation is the same: Guard your heart. Be still. And seek God’s voice above all.

How do you stay focused on God in a distracted world? Share your thoughts below!

Practicing to Become Like Jesus: A Conversation on Spiritual Disciplines

Paul’s Ponderings Interview | July 2025

In this edition of Paul’s Ponderings, pastor and writer Paul Steele reflects on a topic foundational to discipleship but often misunderstood: spiritual disciplines. In this interview-style post, Paul shares his journey, practical wisdom, and pastoral insights on how the spiritual disciplines form us into people who truly reflect Jesus.


Q: What first drew you to the practice of spiritual disciplines, and how has your understanding of them changed over time?

Paul:

Even though I grew up in a Christian family, was heavily involved in church, and went to Bible college to become a pastor, I don’t recall hearing much about spiritual disciplines and their importance. That doesn’t mean I wasn’t encouraged to read the Bible and pray, but those activities weren’t framed as intentional practices of transformation.

Looking back, I think a lot of it had to do with the belief that the Holy Spirit would just transform your heart and you’d magically desire the right things. I heard stories of people “getting saved” and suddenly wanting to read the Bible and pray—but that wasn’t my experience. For me, those things were hard.

Everything shifted when I read The Life You’ve Always Wanted by John Ortberg. The subtitle, Spiritual Disciplines for Ordinary People, really captured the heart of it. What struck me was the idea that transformation takes intention. That book introduced me to Dallas Willard and his books Renovation of the Heart and The Spirit of the Disciplines.

One quote from Willard really stuck with me:

“A successful performance at a moment of crisis rests largely and essentially upon the depths of a self wisely and rigorously prepared in the totality of its being—mind and body.”

Willard helped me see that if I wanted to live like Jesus, I had to train to become like Jesus. Spiritual disciplines became, for me, like athletic drills—practices that shape who I’m becoming. I’ve gone from barely thinking about them to seeing them as essential to life with Christ.

Q: What are a few spiritual disciplines that have been especially meaningful to you in this season of life, and why?

Paul: 

One practice that’s been incredibly grounding for me started after watching an old video of Dallas Willard. He was being interviewed and asked, “What does a typical day look like for Dallas Willard?” He smiled and said, “There are no typical days.” But then he described how, no matter what, he began each morning slowly praying through the Lord’s Prayer and Psalm 23.

That gave me permission to have one simple, consistent rhythm—even if everything else falls through. My daily rhythm includes five elements:

• The One Minute Pause app to quiet my mind.
• Reciting the Jesus Creed (“Hear, O Israel… Love the Lord your God… and love your neighbor”).
• Praying Colossians 1:9 for myself, my family, and our church.
• Praying the Lord’s Prayer.
• Pledging my allegiance to King Jesus.

It takes about ten minutes. But if I do nothing else that day—no journaling, no extended Bible reading—I’ve still intentionally connected with God and surrendered to Him. That consistency has been life-changing.

Another helpful discipline is what John Eldredge calls benevolent detachment—the practice of releasing things to God rather than carrying worry and stress. Bible reading is also foundational because it reminds me to go to God for wisdom, not the world.

Q: Some people see spiritual disciplines as dry, legalistic, or burdensome. How would you respond to someone who’s skeptical or discouraged about them?

Paul:

I get that. Honestly, I’ve felt that way too—especially with how spiritual disciplines are sometimes presented. When they’re treated like a checklist or proof of your faith, they can feel judgmental and oppressive. That’s not what Jesus intended.

The key is understanding the “why” behind the disciplines. They’re not about proving your worth; they’re about partnering with God for transformation. The goal isn’t performance—it’s becoming more like Jesus.

That’s why I love the analogy of practice. Whether you’re an athlete or musician, you don’t perform well without training. You don’t magically show up ready for the big game or concert. In the same way, we can’t expect to respond with Christlike love, wisdom, or patience in real life if we haven’t practiced those virtues through the disciplines.

And yes, some days will feel dry. Some seasons will feel like a grind. But just like exercise or any other training, those days still shape you. In fact, they might be the most important days to stay with it.

Q: What advice would you give to someone just starting out with spiritual disciplines? How should they begin without getting overwhelmed or discouraged?

Paul:

I would suggest three things. 

First, realize you’re probably already doing more than you think. Acts 2:42 describes how the early church devoted themselves to four core practices: studying Scripture, being in community, taking the Lord’s Supper, and praying. Most people who follow Jesus are already doing one or more of those in some way—they just don’t recognize it as a discipline.

Second, establish a minimum. Not the ideal day, but the minimum you can commit to every day. For most people, this will involve Scripture, prayer, or stillness. Ask yourself: “What four- or five-minute practice could I do every day to stay grounded in God?” That one daily rhythm can be a game-changer.

Third, give yourself permission to experiment. Just because a discipline doesn’t click right away doesn’t mean you’re failing. Don’t copy someone else’s exact formula—find what connects you to Jesus. That freedom actually makes the disciplines more fruitful.

Q: How do you see spiritual disciplines shaping the future of the Church? Why do they matter now more than ever?

Paul:

With the renewed emphasis on discipleship and making disciples, the natural question becomes: How do we actually do that? One answer—and one I haven’t seen emphasized enough—is to teach people practices that shape them into disciples of Jesus.

Spiritual disciplines are crucial today because we live in an age of constant digital distraction. With the internet, social media, and 24/7 news cycles, most Christians in America are being discipled more by politics, influencers, and algorithms than by Jesus. And they don’t even realize it.

Without regular, intentional spiritual practices, we leave ourselves wide open to spiritual drift. We can’t expect transformation if we’re not creating space for the Holy Spirit to work. Spiritual disciplines are one of the most effective tools we have to resist cultural formation and instead be conformed to the image of Christ.

Final Thought:
If we want to live like Jesus, we have to train like Jesus. Spiritual disciplines are not about earning anything—they’re about becoming someone. And that someone is a citizen of the Kingdom, shaped by love, grounded in truth, and empowered by the Spirit.

Clarity: Why Does a Loving God Send People to Hell?

Part of the Clarity Series: Building a Christian Worldview


In 1829, George Wilson was convicted of robbing a U.S. mail carrier and sentenced to death. However, public outcry led President Andrew Jackson to issue Wilson a pardon. But Wilson did something unthinkable—he refused it. The case went to the Supreme Court, and Chief Justice John Marshall wrote these striking words:

“A pardon is a deed… The value of the pardon must be determined by the receiver. It has no value apart from that which the receiver gives it… Therefore, George Wilson must die.”

The pardon was real, but Wilson’s refusal sealed his fate.

This story helps frame the difficult question we’re exploring in today’s Clarity post: Why would a loving God send people to hell?

It’s a hard question—one that makes us uncomfortable. We recoil at the thought of eternal separation or torment. Even for people we disagree with, the idea of hell is almost too much to bear. If we feel this way, how could God possibly send anyone there?

But maybe we need to rethink the question. In a sin-corrupted world, suffering is already normal—death is the natural end for everyone without divine intervention. Even the universe is winding down toward decay. So perhaps the better question is this: Why does God offer a way out?

And if He does…Why do some reject His pardon?

To answer that, we need to explore three questions:

1. What does the Bible say about hell?
2. Why is hell necessary?
3. How do we avoid it?

1. What Does the Bible Say About Hell?

Hell is not a peripheral idea in Scripture. Jesus Himself spoke about it often—especially in connection to judgment.

In Matthew 25, He describes the final judgment and says that those who fail to live out His values of compassion and justice will go to “eternal punishment,” while the righteous will enter “eternal life.” Hell is described as exclusion (being thrown out), darkness (separation from God’s light), and destruction (Matthew 10:28).

Hell wasn’t originally made for people—it was created for Satan and the rebellious angels (Matthew 25:41). But those who reject God’s character and refuse to bear His image end up there as well. It’s not about a single mistake—it’s about a life lived in rejection of God’s grace and authority.

While theologians debate whether hell involves eternal conscious torment or ultimate destruction (conditional immortality), the central truth remains: Hell is real. And it’s tragic.


2. Why Is Hell Necessary?

Let’s consider two reasons:

First: Hell is justice.

Imagine watching someone abuse your child or grandchild. You would do anything to protect them—and demand justice. God’s love includes justice. He doesn’t ignore evil.

Sin corrupts creation, and part of restoring all things means dealing with evil—removing it from His New Creation. Hell holds spiritual beings and people accountable for unrepentant rebellion. It’s not about cruelty—it’s about protection and justice.

Second: Hell separates rebels from the Kingdom.

In Luke 19, Jesus tells a parable of a king and ten servants. One servant refuses to serve the king and is ultimately grouped with the rebels.

This story isn’t just about punishment. It’s about allegiance. God’s New Creation is for those who recognize Jesus as King. Hell is not arbitrary; it’s the logical outcome for those who refuse God’s rule.

We understand this in our world. Treason has consequences. So does rejecting the Lordship of Jesus.

3. How Do We Avoid Hell?

The answer is simple—but not easy. Declare Jesus as King.

This is why repentance, confession, and baptism matter so much in the life of a Christian. We turn away from our old lives, publicly acknowledge Jesus as Lord, and pledge our loyalty to Him.

Then we live that out—day by day—aligning our lives with His.

What about those who’ve never heard about Jesus?

Romans 2 suggests they may be judged by what they do know. But Scripture consistently shows the clearest path is through hearing, believing, and following Jesus.

That’s why we support missions, preach the gospel, and share our faith—we want people to be confident in their salvation.

Why Do People Reject God’s Pardon?

Why would someone—like George Wilson—refuse rescue?

Because, at the heart of it, they want to be their own authority. They don’t want a King. They want to do what seems right in their own eyes—just like in the days of the Judges.

God honors that choice. He gives people what they want—even when it breaks His heart.

Our Calling: Love People into the Kingdom

Our role is not to judge and condemn but to proclaim and love.

We don’t weaponize hell—we weep over it.

• We pray.
• We share.
• We hope.

Because hell is a terrible reality, and it should bring tears to our eyes. That’s why we do what we can to love people into God’s Kingdom.

Hell is the result of not wanting Jesus to be King.

If we reject Jesus as King, we can’t be part of His Kingdom—and we won’t experience the joy of His New Creation.

Your Challenge: Do two things this week:

1. Pray for someone who needs Jesus.

2. Reaffirm your loyalty to King Jesus.

Next in the Clarity Series:

Stay with us as we continue exploring how a Christian worldview helps us face life’s toughest questions with confidence, compassion, and clarity.

The Justice and Comfort of God: The Downfall of the Oppressor

Text: Nahum 1:9–15

What kind of God steps into the darkness for the sake of His people?

Nine months after SEAL Team Six took out Osama bin Laden, they carried out another extraordinary mission. Jessica Buchanan, an American aid worker, had been kidnapped by Somali pirates. In the dead of night, two dozen SEALs parachuted into southern Somalia, killed nine armed captors, and rescued her—all without a single American casualty.

What happened next is even more powerful. Jessica later shared that after her rescue, the SEALs had her lie down, then formed a human shield by lying on top of her. Why? Because there was still the threat of more armed terrorists in the area. These men had already risked their lives to save her, and now they were laying down over her to protect her until the helicopters came.

To the world, that moment was extraordinary. But for the SEALs, it was simply what they do—because it’s who they are.

That’s what Nahum wants us to see about God. In Nahum 1, Judah was surrounded by a brutal empire. Assyria seemed unstoppable. Their cruelty was legendary. And yet, God declared that the oppressor would fall, the yoke would be broken, and His people would be free again.

Why? Because it’s what He does—because it’s who He is.

Nahum gives us a vision of a God who is not distant or indifferent, but one who rescues, redeems, and restores. And in this short but powerful passage, we witness both judgment on evil and hope for God’s people.

The Futility of Evil Schemes (Nahum 1:9–10)

“Why are you scheming against the Lord?” Nahum asks. Assyria had set itself against God’s people—and in doing so, against God Himself. But their power, their alliances, their strategies—none of it could stand. Their downfall was inevitable.

Verse 10 paints the image clearly, even if it’s difficult to translate. They’ll be tangled in thorns, stumbling like drunkards, burned up like dry stubble. It’s vivid, poetic language for a simple truth: no matter how powerful evil appears, it cannot outlast the justice of God.

We may not always understand the timing, but the promise is firm: the wicked will not win. This is the hope we hold onto as we await the return of King Jesus—who will bring justice and restore all things.

The Power and Promise of God’s Justice (Nahum 1:11–14)

Verse 11 introduces the one behind Assyria’s evil schemes. Most commentators identify this as a wicked king—an advisor leading the empire into oppression and violence. But in verse 12, God Himself speaks: “This is what the Lord says…”

This is the only time in Nahum we hear that familiar prophetic refrain. And what follows is God’s declaration: Assyria may be great in number and strength, but they will be cut down. The bigger they are, the harder they fall.

Here’s the hard part: God says He used Assyria to discipline Judah. That’s difficult to process, but it’s consistent with covenant language throughout the Old Testament. God allowed hardship—not because He delighted in suffering, but because He was shaping and correcting His people. Yet even that had a limit. God promises: “I will afflict you no more.” (v. 12)

God then issues a military-style command. The word “commanded” in verse 14 carries the weight of a king’s decree. The dynasty will be ended. Their gods will be shattered. Their grave is ready. This isn’t symbolic—it’s exactly what happened. The Assyrian empire fell, never to rise again.

The Celebration of the Redeemed (Nahum 1:15)

The tone changes in the final verse. There, on the mountains, is a messenger bringing good news: peace has come!

This echoes Isaiah 52:7, which Paul quotes in Romans 10:15: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.” In Nahum’s context, it’s the good news of Assyria’s defeat and Judah’s redemption.

Even though the final collapse hadn’t yet occurred, the announcement of it was cause for celebration. Judah was told to resume its festivals, to keep the vows made in desperate prayer. Deliverance had come.

This peace wasn’t just the end of violence—it was the restoration of wholeness. It was shalom: the return of what sin and oppression had fractured. That’s the peace God promises His people.

So live like it’s already here.

What This Means for Us

Nahum isn’t just about ancient Assyria—it’s about God’s judgment on all evil. His people have found comfort in this book across centuries, from Babylon to Rome. And we find comfort in it today.

We still live in a world where injustice, violence, and oppression seem to reign. Sometimes it even feels like God is silent or distant. But Nahum reminds us: God sees, God cares, and God will act.

Yes, some hardships are the result of our own disobedience. But many come simply from living in a broken world. Either way, they are not outside of God’s sovereignty. Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” in 2 Corinthians 12 wasn’t removed. But God used it to shape his faith and remind him that God’s power is made perfect in weakness.

So trust God in every circumstance. Whether in hardship or joy, loss or triumph, trust that God is at work—for your good and for His glory.

And celebrate the Gospel! Jesus has already won the decisive battle. The cross and the resurrection were our D-Day. Now we live in that in-between time—awaiting the full arrival of VE-Day, when Christ returns, evil is fully destroyed, and peace reigns.

In the meantime, we worship. We proclaim. We live in hope.

Final Thought

We worship a God who does not ignore evil. He sees every injustice, hears every cry, and promises that one day He will make all things right.

The downfall of the oppressor is not just a historical event—it’s a gospel pattern. God breaks the chains of the enemy, rescues His people, and invites them into peace.

So when the weight of the world feels heavy, when evil seems to have the last word, remember Nahum’s message: The victory belongs to God. Evil will fall. Peace will come.

And until that day, we live by faith, we celebrate the good news, and we rest in the refuge of our Rescuer.

Because rescue isn’t just what He does—it’s who He is.

Wrestling with Hebrews 10:26

Dear friends, if we deliberately continue sinning after we have received knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins. — Hebrews 10:26 (NLT)

If you’ve ever stumbled across Hebrews 10:26, you might’ve felt a chill run down your spine. I know I have. It’s one of those verses that stops you in your tracks: “No longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins?” Does that mean salvation can slip through our fingers if we keep messing up?

A friend recently reached out, deeply worried that habitual sin might disqualify them from salvation. That concern is real and worth taking seriously. So, let’s walk through this verse together and explore the truth the author of Hebrews is driving at.

The Context: A Letter to the Pressured

First, a little context helps. Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians who were feeling the heat—persecution, hardship, and social pressure were pushing them to abandon their faith in Jesus and return to the familiar safety of the Old Testament rituals. Throughout the letter, the author urges them to see Jesus as the superior high priest, whose once-for-all sacrifice surpasses the old system (Hebrews 10:10–14).

By the time we get to chapter 10, the tone is urgent yet hopeful: Hold fast to your faith. Don’t give up.

Then we hit verses 26–27:

Dear friends, if we deliberately continue sinning after we have received knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins. There is only the terrible expectation of God’s judgment and the raging fire that will consume his enemies. (NLT)

Wow! That’s scary to think about.

A Hypothetical Gut Punch

But here’s what I think is going on: this isn’t about losing salvation every time we struggle with sin. It’s a warning—not a final verdict. A wake-up call, not a declaration of doom.

What do I mean by that?

Look at the flow of the chapter. In verses 23–25, the author encourages the believers to “hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering,” to “stir up one another to love and good works,” and to keep meeting together. These are positive exhortations to persevere.

Then verse 26 introduces a sharp contrast: If you walk away from this—if you reject the truth after knowing it, if you sin willfully in the sense of turning your back on Jesus—what’s left? If you reject the only true sacrifice, there’s no other place to turn. No backup plan. No alternative Savior.

This isn’t about stumbling, struggling, or even falling into repeated sin. It’s about a deliberate, decisive rejection of the gospel after fully understanding it.

A helpful example comes from John 6:67–69:

Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, “Are you also going to leave?”

Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.” (NLT)

Even when the teaching was hard, the disciples stayed because they had experienced the life found only in Jesus. That’s the heart behind Hebrews 10:26—it’s urging us not to walk away from the only source of life.

Apostasy, Not Struggle

It’s worth noting that the Greek word for “deliberately” (hekousiōs) refers to a willful, persistent rejection. Think apostasy: someone who has truly tasted the truth and then says, “No thanks,” and walks away entirely. That’s different from someone fighting a habitual sin—whether it’s anger, lust, envy, or something else. For those struggles, the Bible promises grace and forgiveness (1 John 1:9).

Hebrews 10:26 isn’t about God keeping score until you’re disqualified. It’s about the seriousness of rejecting Jesus altogether. It’s asking, “If you walk away from Him, where else can you go?”

Reconciling with Grace

Seeing Hebrews 10:26 this way helps us keep it in harmony with the rest of the New Testament. Consider John 10:28–29, where Jesus says no one can snatch His sheep from His hand. Or Romans 8:38–39, where Paul says nothing can separate us from God’s love. If Hebrews were saying salvation is lost every time we sin willfully, those promises would crumble.

But as a hypothetical warning, it fits. The message is: Don’t abandon Jesus—He’s the only way. Stay with Him.

To my friend concerned about their habitual sins, I’d say this: God isn’t waiting to pull the rug out from under you. Hebrews 10:26 isn’t about your daily struggles. It’s an encouragement to cling to Jesus when life gets hard and sin feels overwhelming. Keep fighting. Keep repenting. Keep relying on grace.

That’s what Hebrews 10 is really about.

Why It Matters

Hebrews is a letter of encouragement with a few sobering what-ifs. It’s for people like us—tempted to drift, prone to doubt, and in need of reminders to hold on. Verse 26 isn’t there to scare us into perfection. It’s there to show us what’s at stake if we walk away.

Jesus’ sacrifice is everything. There’s no Plan B—and there doesn’t need to be. He’s enough.

So, what do you think? Does this view of Hebrews 10:26 bring clarity or raise more questions? I’d love to hear your thoughts—drop them below or send me a message. Let’s keep wrestling with this together.