There is a saying “Silence is Golden.” Yet, people become so uncomfortable when there is silence. Have you ever been in a place where a group of people has been asked to be silent, and within thirty seconds you can hear people begin to fidget?
I wonder if it is because we finally have time to be alone with our own thoughts. I must admit sometimes it is scary when I sit and listen to my thoughts. That’s because I know myself best. I know my thoughts and they are not always what I want them to be. I’m sure there is no surprise there. I’m especially not so nice when people I love have been hurt by others. Does silence ever make you feel uncomfortable? If so, why?
I’m currently processing my momma’s death, and I have found myself in a place of silence. It isn’t that I don’t want to be with people, but I need to stop trying to push through and quit stuffing my emotions. I have to grieve and allow myself time to process this enormous loss. Over the past few weeks I have found myself retreating into silence, shutting everything off to remember and reflect on the events that have happened. I never expected to find such comfort in silence. I’ve learned that silence is good for the soul, but it is something we must fight for daily because our minds are easily filled by the clutter of the world. If we don’t protect our time for silence, something else will gladly fill the space.
Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God.” I learned while sitting in my silence that the word, “still” in Hebrew means, “let go” or “release.” When we sit in silence it allows us to let go or release those things we can’t control and give them to God. Trust me when I say I had no idea how much I had to let go and release! I kept wondering what God was trying to teach me in this season of my life, and as usual it was far more than I could have imagined on my own. God knows us so well that He created silence as a gift for us, not as a burden. Letting go and releasing to God will bring peace and protection to your soul.
There is great healing and restoration in silence. How? By letting go of thoughts that are taking up way too much space and don’t deserve our time and energy and freeing us from thoughts that we have allowed to take us captive. It is easy for our thoughts to dictate and dominate our day, rather than God, if we allow it to happen.
Philippians 4:8-9 says it best. “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”
Silence allows us to refocus and redirect our thoughts on what is truly important, which is to think about the things God desires us to think about. Share on XSilence allows us to refocus and redirect our thoughts on what is truly important, which is to think about the things God desires us to think about.
Silence can give us a new perspective on a situation we’re faced with and provide wisdom and insight as we deal with the matter.
Silence grows our faith and gives us strength to keep going on the hardest of days. As women we have many demands on our day. Let’s face it, cooking, cleaning and laundry don’t get done by themselves. Taking ten minutes of silence can rejuvenate me better than a candy bar, and I love chocolate.
Silence teaches us not to be reactionary. This is where I can find myself getting into the deepest trouble, because I tend to want to react to a situation rather than listen first. Yes, there are those times when we must react first. I’m not talking about life or death situations here, but those situations where kindness would prevail rather than a harsh word. It is easy to think we know what is going on when we really don’t.
James 1:19: Be quick to listen, be slow to speak and slow to anger.
Silence has made me a better listener because I’ve learned to know His voice from all the other voices. Silence makes our relationship with God more personal and sweeter because we recognize our need for Him in every situation. Silence helps us discern the truth and protect us from the enemy’s lies.
John 10:27-29
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand.
We all have seasons that are harder than others, whether it is raising our children, health issues, our jobs, relationships, or the death of a loved one. Silence IS golden because God speaks to each of us in our silence. Is there anything sweeter than that? May the sound of silence be golden to you and the God of peace be with you always!
YES! Silence is HUGE in my life. When I have a lot going on and a lot of voices in my head I need that time away from it all and I will sit in silence with Christ.
Hi, Heather!
It is the best thing we can do for ourselves. Even Jesus went off to pray by himself! We have to know that it means that silence is important!
I have come to really appreciate silence. It has been crazy loud in my life for a while everywhere I go, so now I just like it to be quiet.
Hi, Rachel!
I have too! I would consider myself to be a huge extrovert, but there has been something so calming and beautiful in the silence with God. It is refreshing to my soul!
I love getting in me time. Yoga is one of my favorite activities to do.
Hi, Celeste!
I love yoga too! It is so good for the body and soul! It really helps clear the head!
I’m so thankful to God, for you, that you know Him during this time. I’m thankful that reunions will be beautiful and joy comes in the morning. I’m thankful that your mother is whole.
Hi, Erin!
Thank You for your kind words. I don’t know how people do it without God. My heart aches worse for those who have no hope. I am so thankful I know the hope of Christ and my faith in God never lets me down.
This post reminds me of what I went through when my dad passed away. I have always been one to retreat into silence and my thoughts, but especially when I was grieving so I totally understand where you’re coming from. It’s so interesting though to hear another’s take on it 😉
Hi, Cammeo!
It is always good to know we are not alone. I’m sorry for your loss as well. I pray you are comforted with sweet memories of your Dad.
I’ve definitely been had to learn the power of silence and how to be comfortable in it. It’s super important.
Hi, Megan!
I agree! Paul says in the scripture that he is learning to be content. It is a process we all have to go through and be content in as well!
Silence can definitely be stressful, but I agree that it’s sometimes necessary to properly process your thoughts and emotions. Sending good thoughts your way for continued healing!
Hi, Jenni!
Thank You for your sweet words. Yes, who could think that silence could be stressful, but it can be for sure! Sometimes, I feel like I want to run away from myself 🙂
Sheila, this is such a good post. When my dad passed away, I experienced these very same emotions. Silence was the way, God kept me enveloped in His loving arms as I grieved the loss of my Dad. It is so important to unplug and truly listen to His voice by shutting out all the other voices vying for our attention. Praying for your continued healing and comfort! – Amy
http://stylingrannymama.com/
Hi, Amy!
It has been a process and will continue to be a journey, but in my silence I have learned how gracious and loving God has been through this journey and I know He won’t leave me now or ever. Thank You for sharing your experience with me. There have been times the enemy has made me feel guilty about my silence and now I know why….he doesn’t want me to heal. Game Over…no more guilt!
“I’m especially not so nice when people I love have been hurt by others.” This is so true for me, too! I have found that silence is rejuvenating and that I can hear God better when I have periods of silence throughout the day.
Hi, Susan!
I have found the older i get the more I require silence. The more silence I allow myself the closer I draw to God. It is a win-win!
Sheila,
I posted this morning about this very same thing. Having time alone with Jesus is imperative! Without that precious time, my days would be less peaceful and less productive.
The apostles *gathered together with Jesus, and they reported to Him all that they had done and taught. And He *said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.” (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.) They went away in the boat to a secluded place by themselves. Mark 6:30-32
Jesus knew they needed to be refreshed and He knew they needed time with Him in order to bring refreshment to their weary minds and bodies.
I’m so thankful you’ve taken the time to let our precious Savior bring refreshment to your soul.
Peace be with you, my friend!
Hi, Toni!
I love the fact that Jesus gives us permission to be silent when the world is so loud trying to drown out His voice. It has been good to just sit and be a Mary rather than feeling like a Martha. Thank You for praying for me. I love you friend!
My silence is golden when I am in the garden. I feel an innate drawing to God. My sweetest fellowship takes place alone with God in the silence of gardening. I never thought about it as deeply until I read your very true and beautiful words.
Hi, Sue!
All I can think of is ….”I come to the garden alone” It is one of my favorite old-time hymns. You have beautiful gardens and that is because you are spending time with our beautiful Father. It is no wonder everything thrives in your garden and you have been named gardener of the year! Love you!