THE GOLD OF SILENCE

My soul, wait silently for God alone,

for my expectation is from Him.

Psalm 62:5

Silence in our culture is a kind of lost art. No matter where we go, there is noise. Some of that noise isn't necessarily offensive, but we are almost programmed to demand sound of some sort in the background of our lives. Almost every store we go into, we are greeted with background music. While putting gas in one's car, there is often music or news coming from the speakers near the gas pumps.

We are often the ones at fault when it comes to appreciating the need for silence in our lives. We don't see the need to practice being still. The quiet moments in our lives can often be nerve wracking...we don't seem to feel comfortable in our own silence. In our day, if we are to have silent moments where we can think and pray, it will take discipline on our part, and yes, even some work. Many years ago, I recall “older” people saying, “Silence is golden...let's get rich.” It was a nice way of asking for silence in the moment.

In recent days, I read a paragraph regarding silence that left such an impression on me. No author was noted but I loved the thought. The paragraph said, :”Silence is a direct path to God's presence. Silence is the door where God stands waiting to enter.” The statement is simple yet so profound. Only in silence can we REALLY hear what He has to say to us. I also read from another general source that silence allows a connection to God beyond what words can express.

For me, the only background sounds that aren't disrupting for me would be the sounds of God's creative nature. I have a place not too far from our house where I park by the river. I lower the front car windows and hear the gurgle of the river's movement and at times, light breezes passing through the tree tops. Those sounds, the handiwork of God's hands, are not noticeable to the point of being a distraction. I have been addressing this thing of needed silence in my own life. I have counseled myself with the following verse:

Be still and know that

I am God.

Psalm 46:10

Noise to one person may not be noise to another but we all have distractions. Minus those distractions, especially when reading the Word, we'll come to know and love our Father better.

Thank You, Father for listening to us through all the noise and distractions of or our lives. Help us to know the importance of being in Your presence with little if any distractions. Thank You for being so patient with us. We love You. In Jesus' precious name...Amen