What is noise? Who makes noise? Why do we make noise? Do we need to make noise? What kind or type of noise do we make?
These are a few questions I asked myself this Sunday morning. Noise (i.e., noun) definition by New Oxford American Dictionary is “a sound, especially one that is loud or unpleasant or that causes disturbance.” Noise (i.e., verb) definition by same dictionary is “talk about or make known publicly.”
Wikipedia states that “From a physics standpoint, noise is indistinguishable from sound, as both are vibrations through a medium, such as air or water. The difference arises when the brain receives and perceives a sound.”
As we know that even if one can’t make noise, still he or she can hear everyday noises early morning to late at night. For instance traffic noise and engine noises, etc. In other words, no one can live day-to-day without noises.
During my quick research on this topic, I came across with four (4) types of noise that can disrupt communication. The 4 types of noise are physical, physiological, psychological, and semantic.
OnTheGo.FM article states that “physical noise is interference that is external to both speaker and listener; it hampers the physical transmission of the signal or message.” Such as loud party at the neighbors while you’re trying to read or sleep.
Physiological noise as this article states that it “is created by barriers within the sender or receiver.” For instance, articulating, mumbling, talking too fast or too slow, etc.
As per the same article the “psychological noise is mental interference in the speaker or listener.” For example, wandering thoughts, preconceived ideas, and sarcasm.
Finally, the article states that the “semantic noise is interference created when the speaker and listener have different meaning systems.” For instance, when I use the word, maybe you have a slightly different meaning in mind, and this can cause confusion.
If I or you were required, or need to make a noise then what would be the reasons to make it? If so, what kind or type of noise can we make? Is it possible to avoid the physical, physiological, psychological and semantic noise?
I think all of my questions can be answered by referring to the Holy Bible, especially Psalm 100, which states “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations (KJV).”
Are we going to make a joyful noise to the Lord during this “Thanksgiving Day?” Are we entering into His gates with thanksgiving and into his courts with praise for what He has done for us? Or, do you think Lord will accept our joyful noise and praises? How do we know that He will accept our joyful noises?
Because LORD said “I hate, I despise your religious festivals; your assemblies are a stench to me. Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Though you bring choice fellowship offerings, I will have no regard for them. Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream (Amos 5:21-24 NIV)!”
A scary thought! However, as we can see LORD wants justice and righteousness, He says “But let justice run down like water, And righteousness like a mighty stream (Amos 5:24 NKJV).”
I think and believe that if we can focus and meditate during this Thanksgiving time on these two aspects, which are “justice and righteousness” with full trust, LORD will listen to our joyful noises.
Happy Thanksgiving!