The background noise in our heads causes more confusion than the noises we hear.

Sitting in my apartment in the Dominican Republic, I hear the many noises of living in a busy area. The motos (motorcycles) zooming by, the train blowing the horn at stray dogs on the tracks, and the children playing in the school yard are just a few things that can distract me from learning.

But the biggest issue is the background noise in my head.

“You’re too old to learn.”

“Why did you come all this way to fail at learning a language?”

“More intelligence is needed to learn, and you don’t have it.”

The confusion these negative toxins create keeps me from moving forward with my learning.

I’ve had to practice my own teachings of the Distraction Detox. I stop the thoughts when they begin because I know they can take me to places God never intended. Replacing it with scripture allows me to feel God’s peace. Then I make a plan of how to get ahead of the thoughts and live out the plan God has for me.

Working on clearing the emotional clutter and finding peace, hope, and purpose in life’s transitions has been the foundation of my experience here in the Dominican Republic.

Releasing the background noise and replacing it with God’s Word has made all the difference.

The Promise

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Jeremiah 29:11 is not a promise of an easy path but an encouragement that God’s plans are ultimately good.

The promise is the love received by all who seek Him. The saying that ‘He has a plan’ means that, no matter how difficult things may be, God knows your struggle, and it’s part of the journey to guide you to His love, and all that pain and struggling will one day pass.

When background noise reaches excruciating levels, we can replace our doubt, fear, and shame with His promises. No matter what we are struggling to overcome, He has a plan.

A very important part of understanding Jeremiah 29:11 is in the next two verses.

“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:12-13.

The Plan

We have an active part in His plan.

Getting rid of the background noise opens us up to receive what God has planned.

Coming to the Dominican Republic, I was open to whatever God had in store for me. Then, after the first week, I was exhausted and frustrated. I allowed the background noise to overwhelm me.

I fell to my knees and cried out to the Lord to save me from my thoughts. I began meditating on His Word and believing His promises. I made a plan to replace the noise with His Word.

The Action

Each morning, I wake up and read Scripture. It silences the inner chaos, and I can step into my day with peace and purpose, connecting with the people God places in front of me wherever I am.

What active part are you taking to decrease the background noise and hear God’s guidance?

I can promise you it is worth it!