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The screams were deafening.

My body shook from head to toe from the bass coming through the speakers. A neon sea of people surrounded me. Fireworks in the sky caused the crowd to erupt. I danced, sang, and laughed with my friends as we raced around the music festival we had fled to after school got out for the summer.

I was carefree … or so I thought. I once went to many large concerts, music festivals, and live events. I thought at the time I just had a deep passion for music. Later, I discovered I went for the noise. The noise crowded out the daily doubts I had about myself—fears I couldn’t voice … guilt and regrets I had to keep quiet. I could hear nothing but the music and the people.

Eventually, I realized the concert ends, the crowds leave, and the inner critic picks up again where it left off: They don’t really care about you. You will fail. I can’t believe you did that.

I thought noise would end the voice, but Jesus teaches the secret is actually peace and resting in His presence. Slowing down and finding time to be quiet helps us hear His voice and overtakes the critic. Creating a sacred space with Him. One where we can be ourselves.

When we find this sacred space, we realize Jesus offers unfailing love and forgiveness. A love that takes away the pain of the guilt and regret we feel. He offers kind words such as, You are precious in my sight. He gives encouragement: Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. This is what He wants us to carry through the day, not the voices we create or hear from the world around us.

Take some time this week to put away the smart phone, drive with the music off, and hide the to-do list. Find a place that’s quiet and sacred. Pray about whatever comes to mind, and let the focus of your thoughts shift from you to God.

(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)

(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)