Falling asleep to a gentle rain on my roof is something I love to do, but waking up a few hours later to the constant barking of dogs, not so much. One or two dogs might not be so bad, but there are now dozens of dogs in our neighborhood. That night, it sounded as if they were all having a party. 

I reached for my earplugs, put them in, and then came the silence. The barking dogs no longer disturbed me and I drifted back to sleep. For the last couple of years, I’ve used earplugs to help me rest better because of the increasing number of dogs barking at night in the neighborhood. I’m also learning the importance of spiritual earplugs to help me rest and find His presence in all things. 

It has become inherently clear that I need to be on guard and to use spiritual earplugs. But what do I mean by spiritual earplugs? I hope the following will help explain what I’m trying to describe. Putting in my spiritual earplugs means I work to do the following: 

1. Become aware of and knock down the negative voices, my own and those of others, that keep me from walking in God’s truth.

2. Become aware of religious practices and beliefs that keep me bound and cast them aside to walk in His freedom and truth. 

3. Become aware of what I believe about myself and others. Within this is the ability to stop judging myself and others, to forgive others as I’ve been forgiven, and to walk in the truth of God’s word. 

4. Keep in relationship with Him, not just as an activity to check off my list, but as a way of life all throughout the day, allowing Him to lead and guide in each and every situation.

5. Be honest with myself and God about what I’m feeling and experiencing, to allow Him to bring truth, healing, rest, wisdom, and so much more to each situation. 

What about you? Do you need to use your spiritual earplugs more? How might it change your life? What keeps you from walking in His ways all throughout the day? What are other ways you are using spiritual earplugs?