Finding God in the music of life

As the BBC Proms continue, Tony Rogers celebrates God's presence in the sounds, and silence, of our lives.

Life is noisy, isn’t it? Every day, we are surrounded by a symphony of sounds – some comforting, some jarring, some so faint they almost escape our notice. This summer, thousands of people are gathering in London’s Royal Albert Hall to enjoy classical music played by orchestras as part of the BBC Proms. Life, with all its joy and pain, is an orchestra in itself, where every sound, every moment has its place and purpose.

From the laughter of children playing or the persistent hum of a city in motion to the silence that speaks loudest when a loved one is gone, these sounds shape our experience and touch our souls. They are not just background noises; they are members of the great orchestra that God conducts. It’s in these sounds, and silence, that we can find a deeper understanding of God’s presence.

No sound can be erased once it touches our hearts. Our experiences – the laughter, the tears, the moments of hope and despair – become part of our stories. They shape us. And God listens to all of it. The good, the bad, the spaces in between.

In my own life, I have found comfort in knowing that God doesn’t ask us to live in a perfect silence or ignore the noise around us. Rather, he invites us to listen – to find him in every note and rest.

Some of the harder sounds can be difficult, and sometimes deafening. Yet even these are part of God’s design. The quiet left by an empty chair, the truth or lie that we hear, the breath we hold in fear or sorrow – all have meaning and remind us that life is fragile, complex and deeply human. Even when life’s music feels overwhelming or dissonant, God’s orchestra continues to play, offering hope, presence and peace.

In the Church, the Body of Christ, each person is like an instrument, unique and essential. Some play loudly with joyful noise; others contribute subtle harmonies. Together, we create a rich, beautiful sound that reflects God’s love to the world. When we feel isolated or unheard, it’s good to remember we belong to something greater: a divine ensemble where every part matters.

The soundscape of our communities, with all its complexity, is where God’s orchestra plays loudest. How can we listen deeply to those we serve and help them find God’s harmony? Life’s noise – in all its forms – reminds us we are alive, that God is near, and that, even in our struggles, there is hope. God is never silent; we sometimes just fail to hear.

Reflect and respond

• Reflect on the sounds in your own life and be encouraged that you are part of a magnificent symphony conducted by a loving God who never stops listening.
• Pray for peace in the orchestra of your own life, and that your heart always listens for God’s presence.