When Jesus Stepped Away from the Noise

Life has been loud lately. Not just the normal kind of loud — but the kind that wears you down little by little until you suddenly realize your batteries are running on fumes.

Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve felt that myself. Some new responsibilities have landed on my plate as I help care for an aging parent. And at the same time, our street has been under full construction mode — pavers, concrete trucks, backhoes, excavators, and heavy machinery hauling away the road surface from morning to evening. The noise wasn’t just outside… it started to feel like it was inside me too.

So one afternoon, I took our two dogs for a walk along the nearby creek. A couple of ducks drifted by, reminding me that even in the middle of chaos, I was still standing in God’s creation. The water wasn’t exactly “still,” but the sentiment from Psalm 23 rang true:

“He leadeth me beside still waters; He restoreth my soul.”

And then I read something in Scripture that brought everything into focus.

Right after Jesus healed a man with leprosy — a miracle that drew crowds, attention, and pressure — Luke tells us:    

“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” — Luke 5:16

Think about that.

Jesus had just performed a life‑changing miracle. Word was spreading. People were searching for Him. The demands were increasing. The noise was rising.

And what did He do?

He stepped away.

He withdrew.

He found quiet.

He prayed.

Even Jesus needed time away from the chaos to reconnect with the Father and restore His peace.

So why do we think we don’t need that time too?

If you’ve been feeling overworked, overwhelmed, or constantly tired — I’m sorry. Life has become too busy for so many of us. But you were never meant to run on empty. You were never meant to carry everything alone.

This week, I want to encourage you to do what Jesus did.

Put your phone down.

Step away from your laptop or iPad.

If you’re able, take a walk and let God’s creation remind you of His presence.

If a walk isn’t possible, find a quiet corner at home. Turn off the devices for 15 minutes. Sit in silence. Share your burdens, your feelings, and your love with the Lord.

Let Him restore what life has drained.

Because the same God who led David beside still waters…

The same God who met Jesus in lonely places…

Is the same God who will meet you today.

And you, too, will find that He will “restoreth” your soul.