Tuning Out the World
Bob Yandian
Do you know how to tune out the noise of the world and tune into the voice of God? Imagine the ability to take the distractions of life, lower their volume, and simultaneously raise the clarity of what God is speaking to your heart.
The Word of God is unique; it has the power not only to change your day but to transform your entire life and lead you into eternity. People often claim that certain practices or possessions—exercise, diets, or even clothing—will change your life. However, nothing has the enduring, life-altering power of the Word of God. Just one Scripture, illuminated by revelation, can turn your world around.
The Lessons from Mark 8:13-21
In Mark 8, Jesus’ interaction with His disciples provides profound lessons about focusing on the spiritual and avoiding the distractions of the world. When Jesus said, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod,” He addressed two types of influences: the legalistic leaven of the Pharisees and the worldly leaven of Herod.
Legalism, represented by the Pharisees, can ensnare believers into a performance-based faith that misses the heart of God’s grace. Worldliness, represented by Herod, distracts us with political concerns and temporal matters, pulling our focus from eternal truths. Jesus’ warning is clear: a little leaven can influence the whole, so guard your heart and mind.
Jesus’ teaching points to the importance of perception. He asked His disciples, “Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear?” He reminded them of the miraculous feeding of the multitudes: the five loaves feeding 5,000 with 12 baskets of leftovers and the seven loaves feeding 4,000 with seven baskets remaining. Yet, despite witnessing these miracles, the disciples struggled to trust Him fully in subsequent challenges.
The Power of Memories in Faith
Memories are powerful instructors. They are the fragments left over from spiritual feasts—the miracles, revelations, and breakthroughs that God has already accomplished in our lives. Like the disciples’ leftover bread, these memories can sustain us in future challenges. Jesus’ question, “Don’t you remember?” highlights the importance of recalling God’s past faithfulness.
As believers, we must cultivate the habit of journaling our spiritual milestones. When God performs a miracle or gives a revelation, write it down. In moments of doubt, revisit these accounts and let them remind you of God’s power and faithfulness. These memories are like spiritual leftovers—they might not be as fresh as the original experience, but they still nourish and strengthen.
Faith in Action
The disciples’ boat journeys provide a vivid illustration of faith under pressure. In one instance, a storm arose while Jesus was asleep in the boat. Panicking, the disciples woke Him, crying out, “Don’t You care that we are perishing?” Jesus calmed the storm but also rebuked their lack of faith. His peace amidst the storm demonstrated the highest form of trust—resting in God’s promises despite the chaos.
Similarly, Daniel in the lions’ den exemplifies peace in the midst of danger. Instead of panicking, he rested, confident in God’s protection. This kind of trust comes from a heart anchored in God’s Word and faithfulness.
Tuning Out the World
Tuning out the world requires intentionality. Just as my family learned to ignore the loud airplanes flying over our home, we can learn to quiet the noise of worldly distractions. This is not about escaping reality but about shifting our focus to God. When the world shouts for our attention, we must listen for the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus’ example with the woman at the well demonstrates sensitivity to spiritual priorities. While His disciples focused on physical food, Jesus emphasized the nourishment of doing God’s will. He declared, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work.” We, too, must lift our eyes beyond the immediate and see the spiritual harvest awaiting us.
Praying in the Spirit
One effective way to tune out the world and hear God is through praying in tongues. 1 Corinthians 14:4 says, “He who speaks in an unknown tongue edifies himself.” This practice builds our faith and makes us more sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading. Isaiah 28:11 affirms that with “stammering lips and another tongue,” God speaks to His people. The more we engage in this spiritual discipline, the clearer His voice becomes.
Building Spiritual Memorials
Throughout Scripture, memorials serve as reminders of God’s faithfulness. In Joshua 4, Israel set up stones to commemorate crossing the Jordan River on dry ground. These memorials were visible reminders of God’s power and provision.
In our lives, spiritual memorials might include journaling, revisiting significant places, or recalling testimonies. These practices help us remember God’s goodness and strengthen our faith for future challenges.
For instance, driving past a childhood home or a former workplace can trigger memories of God’s provision and guidance. These recollections are like the disciples’ baskets of leftover bread—tangible evidence of God’s miraculous work.
The Eternal Perspective
Amid all these lessons, the greatest miracle we can remember is our salvation. When we gave our lives to Jesus Christ, we received an eternal gift that surpasses every temporary blessing. Salvation is the ultimate assurance that God’s power is at work in us.
Romans 8:14 reminds us, “As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” This leading is not a one-time event but a continual process of yielding to the Holy Spirit. By focusing on God’s Word, praying in the Spirit, and recalling His past faithfulness, we position ourselves to hear His voice clearly and follow His guidance.
Conclusion
Tuning into God and tuning out the world is a journey of faith, remembrance, and intentional focus. As you navigate life’s storms, let the Word of God and your memories of His faithfulness anchor you. Whether through journaling, praying in tongues, or reflecting on spiritual milestones, keep your heart open to God’s voice.
May this teaching inspire you to lower the volume of worldly distractions and raise the clarity of God’s direction in your life. Remember, the same God who multiplied the loaves and fishes and calmed the storm is with you today. Trust Him, listen to Him, and walk confidently in His promises.
