Silence

I participated in a 7-day cleanse[1], which included fasting from media between 5 p.m.-9 a.m. That was 16 hours without email, radio, television, news, music, phone calls, or texts (barring emergencies). Unless I had a face-to-face conversation with someone, I was in silence for 16 hours. After the second day, I realized I was afraid of silence. Silence is not comfortable. Why? It is in silence that I hear strange noises in the house. So, I turn the television louder to muffle that noise. It is in silence that I hear the ka-chunk in the car. So, I turn the car radio louder to “fix” that. It is in silence that I must listen to the talk in my head: the problems, unsolved situations, fears, and regrets. So, I use noise to keep myself from thinking. Noise distracts me from the sounds of silence.

On the other hand, I have learned that noise can drown out creativity…can override decision-making…can thwart problem-solving…can hinder action. Ironically, it was during the silent car ride that I devised solutions to two problems. Sadly, noise can also drown out God’s voice. In Jeremiah 33:3, God says I can call to him, and he will answer. But will God answer if I am distracted by noise? And if God does respond, can I hear him through the noise?

Let’s examine this in the present day. A pet peeve of mine is talking with someone who is distracted. She is focused on her cell phone. Or his eyes are glued to the television. Or she is otherwise not engaged. I am unwilling to continue until that person’s attention has returned to our conversation. Now put God in this scenario. Will God respond if I am similarly distracted? But you say, “I’m playing inspirational gospel music.” “I’m listening to this dynamic preacher.” “I’m reading an insightful devotion.” I mistakenly believe that if I engage in an activity related to God, I am engaging with God. While these are all wonderful ways to understand who God is or point me to God, I counter that they can become noise preventing me from being still and silent. Yes, the song stirred my soul. Yes, the preacher provided sound theology. But did I engage with God?

Turn off the radio and television. Close the laptop. Put the phone on silent. Set aside the paper. Wrap yourself in the silence. Rest in the silence with God. If 16 hours is too long, try 30 minutes. It is in the silence that you can abide with the Lord. It is in the silence that you can hear God’s voice. It is in the silence that you can receive God’s direction. We must not be afraid of the silence.

Reflection: When was the last time you rested in the silence? Have you been waiting to hear from God but have been too distracted?

[1] Visit https://llluniversity.thinkific.com/courses/7-day-cleanse to learn more about this cleanse.