The Sound of Silence

I don’t know about you, but I love the sound of actual silence. The Simon and Garfunkel song is pretty good, too. In its original form.

But true silence is a powerful tool for mental, emotional, and spiritual health. We humans are surrounded by constant noise, distractions, and increasing demands. Scheduling moments of solitude is the road to peace, clarity, and renewed strength.

I took a sabbatical from my typical routine of push, push, push. My body took a break that is. My brain was forced to let go, and guess what? Day came, night followed, and God kept His creation going. The world kept going as if I hadn’t done a thing. That’s a lesson that bears repeating until the message sticks.

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, KJV). There is a time to speak and a time to listen, a time to work and a time to rest, a time to be active and a time to be still. Silence and solitude are an essential part of this rhythm of life, allowing us to rest and recharge so we can be more effective and engaged, not only with the world but with the Lord and ourselves.

I’m especially attracted to the phrase a time to be still. Silence doesn’t refer only to auditory stimuli, but the clamor of rushing, working, stretching, tensing, & moving period. Our hearts keep going by design. Other parts of the body are designed for another rhythm.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus himself often withdrew to quiet places to pray and reflect. “But when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly” (Matthew 6:6, KJV). Jesus understood the importance of finding a quiet space away from the noise and distractions of daily life to connect with God and receive guidance and strength.

Similarly, the Psalmist writes, “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth” (Psalm 46:10, KJV). In moments of silence and stillness, we can let go of our worries and concerns and focus on the presence of God within us and around us. We can find comfort knowing God is with us, no matter what challenges we may face.

Did you notice be still was mentioned again? Stillness of the mind, the body, the spirit makes way for being. This stillness makes space for God’s presence in my experience. We miss the magnificence of the forest for all the trees when we fail to shut down to truly listen.

But what to do when those dreaded distractions come during prayer and meditation? Fight them? Fret? Worry about not being quiet enough? No. Don’t fret. Thoughts come and thoughts go. Letting them go in their own time like

Silence and quiet times can also help us gain perspective about our life and priorities.“In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise” (Proverbs 10:19, KJV). When we are constantly surrounded by noise and chatter, it can be difficult to discern what is truly important and worth our time and attention. Taking a step back and spending time in quiet reflection can help us gain clarity and wisdom.

Moreover, silence and solitude can be essential for our mental and emotional health. In the book of Psalms, we read, “My soul is silent unto God: from him cometh my salvation” (Psalm 62:1, KJV). When we are constantly bombarded by noise and stimulation, it can be easy to become overwhelmed and anxious. Taking time to be silent and still can help calm our minds and alleviate stress and anxiety.

Scripture is clear when it comes to anxiety and resulting worries:

Matthew 6:25-34: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Jesus wants us to abandon worry. God takes care of the bird and the flowers, and will certainly take care of his children. He knows exactly how many hairs are on each of our heads

Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

1 Peter 5:7: The apostle Peter urges his readers, “Cast all your anxiety on [God] because he cares for you.”

Finally, silence and solitude can help us connect with ourselves and others on a deeper level. In the book of James, we are reminded, “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19, KJV). When we are always filling the air with our own opinions, we may miss out on the wisdom of others. Being silent leads to listening. Listening helps us understand and connect with those around us, even if we don’t always agree.

Taking intentional moments to step away from the noise and distractions of daily life brings peace, clarity, and renewed strength. As the Bible reminds us, there is a time for everything, and finding a balance between activity and rest, between noise and silence, is essential for our well-being. So let us be still, and know that God is God.