Pursuing Our Destiny, Part 8—The Discipline of Silence

But the LORD is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him. (Habakkuk 2:20 ESV).

My father used to tell people that I was born talking and never learned to shut up.  More than a few people through the years probably agree with him.  I’m a talker; it’s part of my genetic makeup, and choosing to sit in silence isn’t easy for me.  At least it wasn’t for most of my life.

In my later years, I’ve learned the value of silence, one of the earliest practices of Christians learning to be like Jesus.  Often connected with solitude—the practice we considered last week—silence is not easy to practice in our culture.  It may take some creativity to find those times and places for silence, but discovering quietness is an essential step in that transformation process that make us look like Jesus.

Even before Jesus’ day and the church that developed from his ministry, Old Testament people learned the value of silence.  Isaiah said it this way: In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength (Isaiah 30:15, ESV).  The people of God have always known that quietness in God’s presence strengthens and prepares us.

I have friends and family who keep their televisions on all day.  Even if no one is watching, the sound from the television has become their companion.  We’ve become so accustomed to noise that we can’t live without it.  The teachings of Scripture and the practices of God’s people through the centuries teach us a better way.  Perhaps no one said it more clearly than the psalmist: Be still and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10a, ESV).  If I understand the psalmist correctly, part of our knowing God comes through times when we sit with him in silence.

I’ve done several one-day silent retreats, and I try to include some silence in every day.  At first, it was kind of scary.  I’ve come to learn that silence is valuable for settling my soul and for hearing the “still small voice” of God.  My practice is simple.  Whether it’s thirty minutes of silence early in the morning or a full day of silence, I say to God: Father, I’m here.  I’m going to be quiet and listen.  If you speak, I’ll try to understand.  If you don’t, I’ll enjoy spending the silence with you.  Amen.  My silent times may include reading and/or journaling the thoughts that come from the silence.  Sometimes, the silence is just a rest from talking.

All of us will find different times and ways to seek silence.  Many people experience the desire for longer periods of quietness as they develop the practice and discover its benefits.  Among other things, silence allows us to better hear God’s voice.  It helps us learn to control our tongues, as James teaches is so needed.  It also teaches us how to listen to others and to pay attention.  Silence teaches us lessons we can learn no other way.

As with any of the spiritual practices, I urge you to approach silence in a prayerful, experimental manner, trusting God’s Spirit to lead you in using it in the best way for you.  Dallas Willard calls silence “a powerful and essential discipline.”  How can you build silence into your life as a regular spiritual practice. – Pastor John Strain is our Wednesday Freedom Blogger and is available for pulpit supply. Contact Pat Spies at America’s Keswick for information – 732-350-1187.

Daily Bible Reading: Ruth 1-4; Acts 8:26-40

Quote of the day: When someone thinks that to develop a holy life he must always be alone with God, he is no longer of any use to others.Oswald Chambers

Verse to Memorize: Righteous are you, O Lord, and right are your rules. You have appointed your testimonies in righteousness and in all faithfulness. Psalm 119:137-138 ESV