Cacophony comes from a joining of the Greek prefix kak- (from kakos,meaning "bad") with phōnē, so it essentially means "bad sound."
Have you ever been out walking and enjoying the moment of nature all around you when you are interrupted by a large ‘crackle’ (yep that is what a flock of them are called!) of Cockatoos flying over making their most outrageous noise! They fly around in huge circles, landing on branches of nearby trees, and are raucous, extremely loud, and don’t let up!
Did you know that the Sulphur-crested Cockatoos are "left-handed", can live for 100 years, and pick bindi-eyes out of your lawn before the weeds turn prickly?
I am on a journey of understanding and discovering new things this year, probably more for myself personally (wanting to help grow myself into a better person) but also for those things that are affecting me naturally too!
I sat through a lecture during the week where the question was asked 'what do you keep your focus on?' While out walking last evening I was overcome by the above-mentioned ‘Cacophony Crackle’ I witnessed and went straight to the thought – in all of this din happening around me, can I put my full focus on JESUS? I sat there on a park bench, overlooking a pond, closing my eyes and just praising His name and speaking to Him.
‘[looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith … who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, …’ – Heb 12:2 AMP
For us, in our present day and age, we have a lot of ‘background noise’ going on – as I am writing there are lawnmowers, washing machines, cars, birds, sirens, next door yelling at their dogs, and more! To keep our minds focused on what is important and needs our attention at the time is a challenge. Even when I get a rare opportunity to sit and chat with my daughter and at the same time all three of her kids want attention as well – it is a real test on my ‘grey matter’ (brain) to stay focused on what is important, ‘hearing all my daughter is trying to share with me’!!
I feel at times like the whole of our society is a ‘cacophony crackle’ (bad sound) and everywhere we turn there are heartbreaking stories told, sadness, disappointments, etc. But I know that our Heavenly Father has an answer; this is where my heart has HOPE.
A few days back on a morning devotion I heard it shared on social media how to ‘drive back the vultures’ – and again, this was reminding me of how to stay focused. They shared two points, see below.
1. Make a Loud Noise – Praise & Worship Psalm 150 AMP
Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty heavens. Praise Him for His mighty acts; Praise Him according to [the abundance of] His greatness.
Praise Him with trumpet sound; Praise Him with harp and lyre. Praise Him with tambourine and dancing; Praise Him with stringed instruments and flute. Praise Him with resounding cymbals; Praise Him with loud cymbals. Let everything that has breath and every breath of life praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!)
2. Turn on the hose - ‘so that He might sanctify the church, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word [of God],’ – Eph 5:26 AMP
The opposite of ‘cacophony’ is the word ‘harmony’ so I can see how bringing in worship and praise to our Lord Jesus would drive away the bad sounds we may have going on in our every day. Plus ‘washing’ ourselves in the reading and implementation (putting into practice) of God’s word each day too would bring about the ability for us to set our focus in the moment or for the day.
This year, I am choosing to focus on JESUS at every opportunity possible and all the above is just encouraging me to do it more. I pray you too would also do the same and see how the Lord would choose to change your circumstances and bless you in the process!
Enjoy the journey!
AMEN