Quiet was rare in the prisons where I worked. Gates opened and closed. Keys clanged and jangled at all hours. Sometimes voices were raised. Radio traffic crackled and cackled, adding to the din of metal on hard surfaces.
But there is noise even where I temporarily live in a small harbor town on a bay. On just a short walk I’ll hear the train rumbling by with wheels screeching and horn wailing, a motorcycle revving loudly, a garbage truck banging cans into its bed, and a plane buzzing overhead. Noise can be hard to take. The bangs and booms of ordinary life can get to us.
Our Lord shields us from the clamor of ordinary and extraordinary noise. As Jesus calmed the storm (Matthew 8:23-27), He finds and quiets us. Like Elijah, we wait. And although we may expect the Lord to come dramatically, He may come in a gentle whisper or in a still, small voice. When you are not hearing or making the joyful noises of praise to God, listen to Jesus who stands and knocks softly. He will come in if anyone hears His voice, and He will open the door.