Joel Osteen - Turn Down the Noise (09/29/2024)
In this noisy world full of constant news, social media, opinions, and drama, we’re learning how to turn down the noise to protect our peace, drawing from Isaiah 26:3 and stories like Peter sleeping in prison and Jesus withdrawing to quiet places, so we can stay focused on God and step into our destiny.
We’re Living in the Noisiest Time Ever
I want to talk to you today about turn down the noise. We are living in the noisiest time in history. There is more technology today than ever before. We are inundated with social media, twenty-four-hour news, hundreds of television channels. Marketing experts are trained at how to get your attention—clickbait and headlines exaggerated to see if you will bite. People can contact us today easier than ever: phone, text, email, direct message.
I hear my phone buzzing in my sleep. The other night it was vibrating by my bed, three in the morning. I would usually ignore it, but something said, «You better check it; that is important.» I reached over and picked it up; it was a news flash. It says, «There is a storm coming to Taiwan.» I thought, «I do not need to know about a storm in Taiwan; I need to sleep.»
Why So Many Feel Overloaded and Irritable
But many people are suffering from information overload. They have taken in so much news, facts, opinions, theories. They wonder why they cannot sleep, why they are irritable, do not enjoy their family. They have too much noise in their life. You cannot listen to news for hours a day and stay peaceful. You cannot take in all the killings, accidents, wars and stay in faith. That is poisoning your spirit.
If you live on social media, read all the gossip, arguing, competing, comparing, you are not going to be your best. You have to turn down the noise. There are forces trying to get your attention to get you distracted and bring divisiveness, cause you to be jealous, discontent, afraid, «What if this happens; it is getting so bad.»
God’s Promise for Perfect Peace
God said in Isaiah 26:3, «If you keep your mind stayed on Me, I will keep you in perfect peace.» We wonder why we do not have peace? Our mind is stayed on the wrong things. And I am not saying to never watch the news, but after a few minutes you have what you need. Hearing the same thing for the next three hours—all that is going to do is get you stirred up and frustrated.
Noise is not only from technology, but we have people in life that are noisy: a coworker does not like you, talks behind your back—that negative chatter. Maybe a friend is noisy; they always have drama, something is wrong, they are calling you to fix it.
Promotion Brings More Noise—Handle It!
As you gain more influence—God promotes you, you manage the department, you lead the team at school—with that promotion comes more noise. People will find fault and be critical and jealous. Here is the key: you cannot stop the noise from coming, but you can turn the noise down. Be selective in what you give your time and attention to.
Do not leave the news on at the house in the background all through the day or even drive to and from work with that constantly going into you. That is creating the wrong atmosphere. How much noise are you allowing from what coworkers are saying about you or dwelling on the medical report, worried about your finances? All that noise is draining your energy, taking creativity, and stealing your joy.
How Much Happier If You Turned It Down?
How much more peaceful would you be, how much happier would you live if you would start turning down the noise? Not eliminating it—that is not possible. You are never going to stop people from talking about you; just quit dwelling on it. They do not control your destiny; what they say cannot stop your purpose. God is your vindicator; He is fighting your battles.
That noise is a distraction to try to get you off course, live worried and upset. One of the most important things you have is your time. What you give your attention to is incredibly valuable. If the enemy can keep you distracted and focused on things that do not matter, cluttered by the noise, then he can keep you from your destiny.
Noise Is the Enemy’s Strategy
The scripture says to be aware of the enemy’s schemes and strategies. The noise is a strategy to steal your time, get you worried, frustrated, fighting battles that do not matter. No, you have a destiny to fulfill; there is a calling on your life, an assignment to accomplish.
And there is nothing more the enemy would love than for you to waste your time being distracted by the noise, frustrated over things you cannot change, responding to people that are not a part of your destiny, letting the negative chatter keep you worried and upset. Why do you not turn down the noise? You have to keep your mind stayed on Him—not stayed on the news, not stayed on what your critic said, stayed on social media, stayed on that relative’s drama. Turn that noise down, and you will have the peace, the joy, the favor to become who you were created to be.
Noise-Canceling Headphones for Your Mind
When I get on an airplane, I have some noise-canceling headphones that I always wear. What is interesting is they do not stop the noise—the rumble of the engine is still there, the flight attendants on the loudspeaker, other passengers talking, watching movies—still loud and noisy. These headphones simply turn down the noise in my mind; it is not as loud to me.
You need some imaginary noise-canceling headphones to go through life, because there is going to be chatter, gossip, controversy, people talking, bad reports. You cannot eliminate all that, but when you have your mind stayed on Him, it is like you have those noise-canceling headphones on. Even though it is loud all around you, you are at peace; you know God is in control; you know He is fighting your battles—so you are calm in the chaos, you are at rest even when it is noisy.
Stop Trying to Silence Everything
But the mistake we make often is we try to stop the noise—stop this person from saying things and stop this issue. But you will never be able to stop all the noise. You cannot make people do what is right, correct every problem. You have to learn to turn the noise down. Do not let that get in your spirit.
A good friend of mine is very positive and upbeat, but several years ago I could tell he was starting to change—like he is bothered by something; he was more serious and seemed worried. He told me later how he was so concerned about our country and things going on that he did not like; he became consumed watching the news, responding on social media, and debating with people.
How News Overload Poisoned a Friend
He was so riled up and distraught by it all; he got to where he could not sleep at night, started having digestive problems; his relationships were strained. All that divisiveness and bitterness began to poison him on the inside. And it is good to pray, be passionate, do what we can, but he was trying to stop the noise, get people to change their opinions. He was not going to be happy unless everyone agreed with him.
You cannot control what people do; do your part and then turn it over to God. He finally got so frustrated; he made the decision to stop watching the news. Within a few weeks he started sleeping soundly again; all that insomnia went away. He had been dealing with terrible anxiety; that went away too. Today he is back to his normal self—happy, fun to be around.
Noise Affects Your Body Too
It makes a difference what you are allowing in. If you let noise clutter your mind—negative news, worry, divisiveness—it is not only going to take your joy, but it is going to affect you physically: stress, frustration. That is weakening our immune system where it does not fight off disease like it should.
Noise comes to us all in different ways. Maybe people that are not for you, worried about your finances, something you are watching that is not doing any good—it is just things to get you stirred up: drama, controversy, opinions. That noise is keeping you from enjoying your family, pursuing your dreams.
Get on the Offensive—Turn It Down!
If you are going to stay in peace, you have to be on the offensive. It is not going to happen by accident. We are living in a day where the noise has been turned up louder than ever. There has never been a time where it has been so divisive, so many distractions, so much competing for our attention. Since the noise has been turned up, we have to become experts at turning down the noise—tuning out the chatter, not dwelling on the drama. You have the volume control; you get to choose what you allow in your mind.
Treat Negative Thoughts Like Phone Spam
Sometimes I will get a call on my cell phone, and I look at the screen and it says «Potential SPAM.» I do not think twice. I do not need any more noise in my life. I have enough people to take care of, enough challenges to overcome, enough dreams to accomplish. Any chance I have, I am going to turn down the noise. I value my time.
We should feel responsible for what God has given us: each day is a gift. We are told to make the most of our time. You cannot be your best with a bunch of noise cluttering your thinking, clouding your vision. And some of the things we are allowing in our mind is like SPAM—it is serving no purpose; it is a distraction.
Hit «End» on Distractions
That person trying to get you upset, coworker gossiping, listening to the news driving home making you irritable, laying in bed worrying about that child over and over—that is noise trying to get you anxious, confused, overwhelmed. Like you do on your phone when you see that word «SPAM,» you need to hit the end button. «No, thanks—I do not have time for noise; I do not have time to be distracted; I have a destiny to fulfill.»
Peace Is Power—Clear the Clutter
See, so much is fighting for your attention today because peace is power. When you are in peace, you are more creative. When you are peaceful, you make better decisions. When your mind is not cluttered, you can hear from God. Many times He is speaking, but it is so noisy—so loud with news, drama, and worry—we cannot hear Him. He speaks in a still small voice. One translation says «a whisper.» If you are going to hear a whisper, you have to get quiet.
If you are going to stay on the best path for your life, you have to clear out the things that are distracting, bringing frustration and worry.
Protect Your Peace From Peace-Stealers
It may mean spending less time with certain people. Some people are peace stealers. No offense, but they are noisy. They always have a problem; there is some kind of drama; they will try to draw you in. You have enough drama in your own life; you do not need their drama. Just because they call does not mean you have to answer. Sometimes it is not the right time. You do not have the emotional energy to deal with it; you have to protect your peace. Keep yourself emotionally healthy.
«Well, Joel, that would not be right. If I do not answer, they may get upset.» Usually the noisiest people make the most withdrawals but they make the least deposits. They expect you to always come running, keep them fixed, solve their problem, cheer them up, but when you need something they are not around.
You’re Not Responsible for Their Happiness
Do not take on a false sense of responsibility: you are not responsible for their happiness. Every person is responsible for their own happiness. Be selective with whom you are spending time, who you are allowing to get close to you. Are they adding value, making you better? Or are they just adding noise, drama, confusion? That is a distraction.
And always be kind, be respectful, but do not let them control you; do not let them dump their problems, expect you to fix them. If you do not take charge, all this noise will clutter your life and keep you from your purpose.
Losing Friends? Maybe God Answered a Prayer
«Well, if I do not answer their call, if I do not do what they expect, they may get irritated; they may not be my friend anymore.» God just answered your prayer. How about the people at the office, people you eat lunch with? Maybe some of them talking bad about the boss and do not like the company and how this new policy is not fair—stirring up trouble, sowing discord, gossiping, disgruntled.
The problem is that spirit can get off on you, where you become disgruntled, complaining, repeating negative things—that is poisoning you. Why do you not find someplace else to eat lunch? Everyone else may be noisy, but that is not who you are. Keep your mind in peace. Keep your spirit in faith.
Noisy Friends Can Hold You Back
This is one of the main things that holds people back: who they are spending time with. If you are hanging out with noisy people, you are going to get distracted, start to compromise, become jealous. Do not let their noise keep you from your destiny. If you will make a change, God will bring you friends that lift you up and not pull you down—people that bring out the best in you and not the worst.
Even Jesus Withdrew From the Noise
No one was more loving and caring than Jesus, but He even knew that He could not meet all the needs and fulfill everyone’s expectations. He let some people down; there were crowds all around Him—people needing healing, people needing prayer, needing encouragement. But the scripture (Luke 5:16) says He «often withdrew to a quiet place to be alone.»
He went up in the mountains; He was dealing with all kinds of noise—demands, negative chatter, people that did not understand Him, religious leaders trying to trick Him. He could not stop all the noise, but He did know how to turn it down—quiet His mind, quiet His spirit, live from a place of peace.
Take Inventory—Get Quiet Like Jesus
On a regular basis we need to take inventory of what is in our mind. Pay attention to any clutter: worry, offense, fear. Do like Jesus—make that decision to get quiet and turn all that down. Come back to a place of peace.
Years ago I used to get my haircut by this lady. And she is very nice, very faithful, but she was so negative. Every time I went, she told me how mistreated she was and how she could not pay her rent, how she was dealing with health issues—on and on.
When Helping Turns Into Unnecessary Noise
And I went out of my way to help her—paid her rent some, called her mom and encouraged her. And I was glad to do it, but after about four years of hearing that same sad story of how unfair life was, I started dreading getting my haircut. I did not want to go see her, but I felt obligated—I am too nice; I did not want to disappoint her, and «Man, if I do not go, what is she going to think?»
One day I realized what I am telling you: that my peace is important, that my time is valuable, that I cannot fulfill my destiny if I am living with unnecessary noise, burdened down with problems that are not my responsibility.
Some People Don’t Want to Change
And I realized this lady did not want to change. She was addicted to drama, comfortable in dysfunction. Living as a victim was all she had known. And I believe in helping people, going the extra mile, but some people do not want to be helped. They will not put forth the effort—being disciplined in their thinking and willing to make changes.
The problem is if you do not make a change, their noise will clutter your life; their drama will become your drama. To turn down the noise you may have to spend less time with certain people.
You’re Answerable to God, Not People
Here is the deal: you should not feel guilty. God has entrusted you with gifts, with time, and with purpose. You have a responsibility to use what He has given you wisely. When we come to the end of life, we are not going to answer to people; we are going to answer to God. He is going to ask, «What did you do with what I gave you? Were you a good steward of what I entrusted you with?»
If your mind is cluttered with noise, drama, and news—"Man, I got to keep them happy» and «guilty from my mistakes, worried about my future"—you will not step into who you were created to be.
Peter Slept Soundly Facing Death
Why do you not do like Jesus? Get alone to a quiet place. Every day you have to turn down the noise—negative chatter, what people are saying, the worry that tries to dominate, the doom and gloom that might happen. You have the volume control: stay in peace—that is where the power is.
When you are in peace, God is fighting your battles. When you are at rest, angels go to work; things will happen that you could not make happen. This is what Peter did. In Acts 12, King Herod had him arrested for sharing his faith. He was put in the dungeon, his hands and feet in chains, sixteen guards outside his cell.
The apostle James had been killed just a little earlier. When Herod saw how this pleased the people, he had Peter arrested. The next day Peter was going on trial. He knew this could be the last night of his life.
How Peter Turned Down the Roaring Thoughts
You can imagine the noise in his mind—how loud those thoughts were telling him, «You are done. Man, it is over. There is no way out of this, Peter.» All this worry, fear, and panic. But I love what it says about Peter: «While he was asleep that night, an angel showed up to rescue him.»
How could he be asleep? You would think Peter would be pacing the floor, stressed out, overcome with worry, but Peter knew this secret how to turn down the noise. I can see him before he laid down that night: «Father, my life is in Your hands. I know nothing can snatch me away. If it is not my time to go, I am not going to go.»
Believing Means Entering Rest
The scripture (Hebrews 4:3) says, «Those who have believed enter into rest.» One sign that you are believing is you are at peace. You are not worried, stressed out, wondering if you are going to make it. You know God is in control; you have seen His faithfulness—so you too can sleep in the storm. You trust in the trouble. You rest when you could be worried.
You may be in a storm now. The negative voices are loud: «This sickness is going to finish you off. This addiction will always limit you. You will never see your family restored.» It says the enemy goes about as a roaring lion. The thoughts, the roars, the threats—that is what he specializes in: being loud, noisy, overwhelming.
The Enemy’s Roar Is All Bark
The good news is he is all bark and no bite; it is just a roar. He is not a lion; he is like a lion. He does not control your destiny. He cannot stop what God has purposed for you. Now the key is: do not let the roar intimidate you, cause you to quit believing, give up on your dreams. You have the volume control; turn down the noise.
When you hear those discouraging thoughts, just imagine looking at your phone and seeing the word «SPAM.» That is all it is—lies to get you worried, upset, thinking it is never going to work out. It is real simple: hit the end button; do not give it the time of day.
Turn Up God’s Promises Instead
Turn down the negative chatter and turn up what God promised you: «No weapon formed against me will prosper. God is restoring health back unto me. As for me and my house we will serve the Lord.»
In the middle of the night an angel showed up in the prison. This light shined so brightly like sunlight—all this commotion—but the scripture says Peter did not wake up. He was sleeping so soundly the angel had to go shake him to wake him up. He was so at peace, so at rest, even though the next morning he could have lost his life.
Sleep in the Storm—Angels Will Come
That is what happens when you learn to turn down the noise. You do not let the roars and threats dominate your thinking, but you keep your mind stayed on Him. That means keep it stayed on what He says about you.
When that thought roars, «You will always have this illness; you saw the medical report"—turn that down and turn up, «With long life God will satisfy me. I will live and not die.»
«You will always struggle in your finances; your business is not going to make it"—turn that down; turn up, «I will lend and not borrow. I live under the open windows of heaven.»
Turn Doubt Down, Promises Up!
«Well, you will never meet the right person; look how long it has been"—no good thing will God withhold because I walk uprightly. That divine connection is already en route.
Or maybe you have not been able to have children; all the reports say you cannot conceive. Medically speaking that may be true, but we serve a God who can do what medicine cannot do. Turn down all the doubt and turn up the promises: «God, You said in Psalms that You would make the barren woman a happy mother of children, that my children are a gift from God. So, Lord, thank You that my baby is on the way.»
Peace Shows God You Trust Him
When you can sleep in the storm, you are showing God that you trust Him. When you are in peace when you should be upset, you are at rest when you could be worried, afraid—that is when supernatural things will happen: angels show up, you conceive that child, your business takes off, your health turns around.
Now, do not let the noise talk you out of it. The noise is a test. You cannot get away from it, but you control the volume; you can turn it down.
The Trap Backfires on the Enemy
The angel walked Peter out of the prison; doors opened of their own accord. The soldiers did not see Peter leaving; God made him invisible to the enemy. See, Herod thought he was going to stop Peter, but the scripture says right after Peter got out Herod got sick and suddenly died. Peter went on to fulfill his destiny.
The Psalmist (Psalm 57:6) said, «The trap the enemy set for you, they will fall in themselves.» Do not believe all the noise, the roars from the lion telling you it is never going to work out. What God started He will finish. The enemy would not be roaring if he did not know amazing things were in your future.
Come Back to Peace Today
Why do you not come back to a place of peace today? This is one reason we have digestive problems, cannot sleep, high blood pressure. Our mind is never at rest; there is so much noise. We lay in bed at night—it is quiet in the room, but it is noisy in our mind. Thoughts playing over and over: «What if that angel does not show up? Your health does not improve? And you do not meet anyone? Your company has layoffs?»
That noise will not go away on its own; it is a decision you have to make that you are going to turn it down. You are not going to keep dwelling on all the discouraging, fearful thoughts. You are going to tune out the negative news and chatter that is poisoning your spirit. You are not going to hang around people that are constantly dumping their drama and distracting you from your purpose. You are going to keep your mind stayed on Him.
Life’s Too Short for Constant Worry
How much more peace would you have if it was not stayed on the news, stayed on the doubt, stayed on the drama? Take inventory of what is playing in your mind. Pay attention to what you are dwelling on. Life is too short to live it anxious, worried, and troubled.
Every morning you have to put on those noise-canceling headphones. You cannot stop all the negative chatter, but you can keep it turned down. If you will do this, I believe and declare: like Peter, you are going to sleep in the storm. Supernatural peace—angels are going to show up and open right doors, bring healing, favor, abundance, the fullness of your destiny, in Jesus' name.
And if you receive it, can you say amen?