Finding Quiet in the Noise

I can vividly recall the days when my kids were little. Silence was rare, a fleeting gift that only came when they were asleep. The joyful chitter-chatter of their sweet interactions, the sound of tiny feet running through the house, the occasional sibling fights, and those heart-wrenching cries—all these noises filled our home with life. Even the television, which often provided a brief reprieve, brought its own wave of mom guilt. I would sometimes let them watch too much TV just to find a moment of peace, only to be overwhelmed later by the guilt of not engaging with them more. Yet, these are the sounds that make up the beautiful and chaotic symphony of motherhood.

Beyond the noise of motherhood, we are constantly surrounded by so much other noise in this world. The clamor of politics and all the confusion that is in our faces, the incessant voices on social media that scream at us to measure ourselves against others, and the carefully curated stories that others share online—all these noises bombard us daily. They make us feel like we’re not enough, like we need to be someone different, someone better. Even the voices of friends, who are such a blessing in our lives, can sometimes add to the noise. Their opinions, their journeys, and their experiences can intertwine with ours, making their noise become our own.

And then there is the inner critic—this has been the loudest voice in my life at times. I shame myself for the choices I’ve made as a mother, for reacting when I should have stayed calm, for not teaching my kids enough, for not being patient enough. I criticize myself for not showing up for my husband in the way I want to, for letting the frustrations of the day spill over into our marriage. And all the while, I strive to maintain a version of myself outside of motherhood that I can be proud of, not resentful of.

The noise in our lives can be so overwhelming at times.

Yet, amidst all this chaos, there is a gentle invitation to find a place of quiet. Mama, be encouraged that this place of peace is available to you whenever you need it. The Lord has been teaching me that in Him, I can find a place of solace, a refuge where I can be still and find rest even in the middle of the noise. This quiet place is different from what the world defines as peace—it’s life-giving, refreshing to your soul, and it will outlast any temporary escape the world can offer.

But how do we quiet our souls and step away from the noise that life so often presents? The Father is graciously waiting for us to sit with Him, to hear His voice above the chaos. It’s in these quiet moments with Him that we find rest for our souls and gain the wisdom we need to navigate life’s noise. Psalm 46:10 (TPT) reminds us of this profound truth: “Surrender your anxiety. Be still and realize that I am God. I am God above all the nations, and I am exalted throughout the whole earth.”

Finding time in your day to sit with the Father is a vital necessity for quieting your heart and mind. For me, when my kids were little, this often meant taking the first 10-15 minutes of their nap times to sit with Him before doing anything else. Sometimes, it was sitting quietly in the car rider line instead of listening to a podcast or scrolling instagram. Many days, I was tempted to use that time for chores—like doing the dishes or another load of laundry—but I would feel the gentle tug of the Holy Spirit, inviting me to come and sit, to simply be. Perhaps you have really little ones, and even finding 10 minutes feels impossible. But take heart—He can meet you right where you are. Just posture your heart and turn your affection toward Him, even in the midst of the busyness. He will meet you there.

Another way I’ve found quiet is in worship. In some of the busiest seasons of my life, when our kids were little and everything seemed overwhelming, my quiet time with God sometimes happened in the shower—the only 10 minutes I had to myself—or while driving to an appointment. In those moments, I would pause, turn my affection toward Him, and every time, He was faithful to meet me. It’s in those quiet, unguarded moments that His peace, which surpasses all understanding, washes over us. As Psalm 62:5 (TPT) beautifully puts it: “Pause in His presence. For He alone is my safe place; His wrap-around presence always protects me. For He is my champion defender; there’s no risk of failure with God.”

Seasons come and seasons go, but this truth remains: “In stillness and in quietness, your strength will be renewed.” (Isaiah 30:15 TPT). Remind yourself that this season won’t last forever, but the peace you find in Him will carry you through every stage of life.

Take a moment now to pause and pray Psalm 23:1-3 (TPT)

Dear Heavenly Father, 

You are my best friend and my shepherd. I always have more than enough.
You offer a resting place for me in Your luxurious love.
Your tracks take me to an oasis of peace, the quiet brook of bliss.
That’s where You restore and revive my life.
You open before me the right path and leads me along in Your footsteps of righteousness,
so that I can bring honor to Your name.”

Lord, In You, I have more than enough. Lead me to those quiet places of rest in Your love, where my soul can be restored and revived. Guide me along Your paths of righteousness so that in all I do, I bring honor to Your name. Help me to find quiet in You amidst the noise of life, so that I may hear You clearly and follow where You lead.

In Jesus Name,

Whatever season you find yourself in, whatever noise you face, know that He is ready and waiting to be with you. He longs to bring a calm and peace that is supernatural, that quiets the storms both outside and within. I encourage you to take 10-15 minutes and write down some ways you can create space to sit with Him in the quiet. Whether it’s being intentional while you’re in the shower, in the car rider line, or during nap time—know that He will meet you there.

Additional Scriptures to study: 

Psalm 37:7, Zechariah 2:13, Exodus 14:14, Jeremiah 29:11, and Psalm 89:9