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In Psalm 46:10 David writes: “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (NIV)
Recall for a moment the most ominous time of silence in your life-for me it was probably our trip into the Oregon caves. It seemed the deeper we crawled into the caves, the quieter the group became. When the guide called for a time of silence, I do believe I could hear my heartbeat and I felt quite uneasy. The total darkness only intensified the silence.
Compare an ominous silence to a sweet time of awesome quiet in the presence of the Lord, times when it seems that even tears would break the silence between our spirit and the spirit of the Lord.
We live in a world of turmoil, noise and confusion. If you look forward to reading the morning paper while having breakfast at the local coffee shop before beginning your day, you somehow expect that time to be enjoyable, quiet and personal. It might start out as that way, but invariably someone decides to crank up the volume on the local rock station. Within minutes the irritability begins to build, and sanity demands finding the nearest exit.
Several years ago my husband and I were developing a large parcel of property. While getting the development underway, we lived in our RV. I cherished the times I could rest, read and just listen to the silence. Listen to the silence? Yes - it was glorious. Did you know that when a butterfly hovers nearby, exploring strange objects in its’ garden, you can actually hear its’ wings flutter? In subsequent years we have done considerable camping. We have many wonderful memories of the quiet times when we just enjoyed each other’s companionship, even the silence.
In considering an article for this month my mind was as blank as my computer hard drive. (I am here to tell you there is a huge difference between backing up files and deleting them!) The house seemed eerily quiet the day after the Seattle area earthquake. There was no measurable damage in our area, but there seemed to be a powerful silence in the atmosphere.
I thought about the impact of this strange silence as I prepared to meet a friend for lunch. The Lord gave me the inspiration to write on the power of silence. I was thankful I could remember the outline before my friend arrived, so I could write it down.
Why we need times of silence
Psalm 62:1 teaches that “..our soul waits in silence for God.” It’s pretty difficult to hear the voice of the Lord in a world of noise, activity and confusion. The presence of the Lord is in the quiet times.
The need to temporarily withdraw from the distraction and stress of a specific situation. Our parents taught that an idle mind was the devils’ workshop, and this is probably true to a degree, however we need times of respite and spiritual regrouping. I truly relish the quiet around the house after so many years employed in the secular world.
Children frequently use silence to annoy their parents. Spouses may use silence as a way of dealing with distressing situations. Some deal with times of inner turmoil due to illness or uncertainty in silence. These are not necessarily healthy silences, but that is another path.
The value of silence:
Let’s take a broader look at the issue as it relates to the Christian walk. Ecc 3:7 mentions “…a need to be silent and a time to speak.” We can probably all recall times when we spoke to an issue and it would have been much wiser to remain silent. Once spoken, words cannot be retracted, although an apology may be made and accepted. Once a thought is in the mind, it can cause great distress.
A time to refresh our spirit: We need time to study and meditate the word, and a time of prayer; just ourselves and with the Lord.
To develop a clearer perspective on issues: When facts are not known, a mental or spiritual time out can clear the mind. Just as a time out for children is required at times, the mind and spirit within man also benefits from a spiritual time out.
When in disagreement with another: A time of silence may be the best order of the day. An acquaintance recently related a disagreement with her spouse. She said she didn’t talk to him for two days-ever experience those times?? Silence can be so loud!
When silence is wrong:
Referring again to Ecc 3:7 …”A time to be silent, and a time to speak”, let’s explore some reasons not to remain silent:
When error is being taught: “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth.” 2 Tim 2:15. If we don’t know the word, how can we be sure truth is being taught? I Peter 3:15 teaches that we are to “give an account for the hope that is in you…”
When there is abuse present: No one should remain silent where there is abuse by those in authority, especially in cases of sexual abuse. A note of caution is required here, of course, to be sure allegations can be proven.
When remaining silent would put others in harms’ way: Who would knowingly allow a child to run into a busy street knowing that great harm may come to the child? Yet we are reluctant to deal with harmful spiritual issues in many instances. Ezek 3:18-21 is a scripture worth reading as it warns of the consequences of not dealing with wickedness and sin.
Copyright 2000-2001 Lillian Hines
