The Difference Between a Noise and a Sound

by Darla Noble

Lift up your eyes on high, and see who has created these, who brings out their army by number. He calls them all by name. By the greatness of his might, and because he is strong in power, not one is lacking.

Isaiah 40:26

The following is an excerpt from Through the Eyes of a Shepherd.

Q. What’s the difference between a noise and a sound?

A. It depends on who you are. To some, the cries of an infant are an annoyance—aka noise. To others, these same cries are the song of life.

The same can be said about the bawling and bashing that takes place around our farm just after feeding time. To an outsider (i.e., anyone besides our family), the sound of a few hundred ewes calling their lambs back to them, combined with the sound of almost twice as many lambs calling for “mom”—all at the same time is, well, annoying and loud. But to us, it’s a sound—a sweet sound of reuniting momma and babies.

Watching the lambs take refuge close to their mothers’ side; being welcomed by gentle motherly nudges and listening as stillness settles over the flock is reassuring and gives me a sense of peace.

This reassurance is the voice of God speaking to my heart, reminding me that no matter where I am, or how many of His children are crying out to Him at any given time, He hears me. And not only does He hear me, but He is personally interested in who I am, how I feel, and what I have to say. Each time I call out to Him I have welcomed into His presence with the knowledge that my voice is a sound He longs to hear. It is never an annoying noise. I also know without a doubt that He will always recognize my voice.

Pray

God,
Thank You for always hearing my voice and always knowing it is me.
In the Name of Jesus, my Shepherd, I pray, Amen.