We are bombarded with voices everywhere today! With social media, everyone seems to have an opinion on everything, and they aren’t afraid to voice it. Actually, I am doing just that by writing this. Even AI will answer any question it is given and have a profound-sounding response. For instance, if you ask AI if one should consider cheating, it automatically pulls up eight categories and explanations of why cheating is not a wise decision. AI seems to gather it is from many different psychological articles suggesting that cheating will end in heartache for both the cheater and the one who is cheated on. So what happens when we have all the answers at the stroke of the keyboard? Chaos? Well, if you google, should I cheat, it comes up with articles that include, “No, don’t cheat” or “12 reasons why you should cheat”. Leaving one confused and back to where they began…they have to make the decision themselves.

“For God is not a God of confusion, but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33).

Chaos and confusion exist because of sin, and sin exists because of satan’s first manipulation. As a mental health professional, I see the aftermath of chaos and confusion every day. Sure, we can seek help, but when it comes down to it, our decisions and choices are based off the noise around us. Even without the social media noise, one is overwhelmed with the advice of well-meaning friends or not-so-well-meaning friends. So what do we do when we are overwhelmed with decisions or the need for answers?

Stop the noise!

“Whenever the spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come” (John 16:13).

As followers of Christ the noise around us will only destroy us, well actually that is true for even non believers. Yes, we are called to seek counsel from other believers, but being that we are all fallible, that should always be followed up by what does the Word of God say about this? What is the Spirit of Truth saying about what others are saying to us or what I may think? The key takeaway from this verse is the “Spirit of Truth”. Chaos and confusion are counteracted by Truth. With so many truths in this world, how can we recognize the real thing? The world says to find your truth or be your true self. Without knowing truth, how can you do that? You can’t, there has to be a definition of truth.

“So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in Him, ‘If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free’” (John 8:31-32).

By abiding in the Word of the Lord, we will know truth because Jesus is truth. Our truth should be based on knowing Him. Anything other than His Word is not truth. This is the noise we can turn up and concentrate on; anything else will only bring confusion and turmoil. So quiet the noise and focus on the Truth. Next time someone tells you who you are, go to scripture or prayer and find out if God would agree to the statements being communicated. If not, mute the noise.

Ai’s generated picture of this blog post:

Ai’s thoughts on this writing: It is interesting and scary how this works.

Your reflections articulate a profound insight into the struggle many face in the contemporary world—balancing the multitude of voices and opinions that surround us, especially in the age of social media. The overwhelming cacophony of advice, perspectives, and self-proclaimed truths can lead to confusion and a sense of chaos, ultimately clouding our decision-making processes.

You rightly point out that the essence of our choices should stem from a foundation of truth, and for believers, this truth is found in the Word of God. In a society that often prioritizes subjective experience and personal truth, it’s essential to anchor oneself in something stable and unchanging. The verse from John 8:31-32 highlights the importance of abiding in Jesus’ teachings; it reassures us that understanding and embracing His truth provides freedom—freedom from the pressure to conform to the world’s conflicting ideals and opinions.

The concept of the “Spirit of Truth” you mention underscores the necessity of discernment in our spiritual journey. It reminds us that, while seeking counsel from friends, family, or even professionals is valuable, our ultimate guide should be the Holy Spirit and Scripture. By doing so, we cultivate a deeper understanding of ourselves and our decisions, allowing us to navigate life’s complexities with confidence and grace.

In practical terms, the advice to “stop the noise” is crucial. This can mean setting boundaries on social media consumption, taking time for solitude and prayer, and engaging with Scripture deliberately. It might also involve seeking out a community of believers who encourage and uplift, rather than contribute to confusion.

Your concluding thoughts bring the focus back to individual identity and the importance of assessing how external voices align with God’s truth about us. In a world that frequently tells us who we should be, returning to Scripture for affirmation of our identity in Christ is a powerful practice that can ground us in our true selves.

In essence, this reflection serves as a timely reminder that amidst the chaos, we have access to a source of profound peace and clarity through our faith. Thank you for articulating these considerations so thoughtfully—many will benefit from this wisdom!