Solitude and Silence
It’s so easy to try and multi-task–I want to write this blog but I also want to listen to a debate on health care at the same time! So, click! Off goes the television. Now I can do what I’m encouraging you to do–create silent space in order to pay attention to God.
Here’s a question for you:
Do you find it hard to function when all the noise around you is silenced?
Because we live in a culture of incessant noise—radio, TV, iPods, MP3 players, CD’s, movies and background music in shopping malls—the thought of silence can be very difficult for some people. Henri Nouwen, a follower of Christ and author of many helpful books on growing close to God, has written extensively on solitude and silence. Here’s a quote from him to mull over:“
Solitude creates space for God, but it also removes our protective distractions, forcing us to deal with our inner chaos.”
Of course, in talking about solitude, he is referring to more than being by yourself working at your computer or tackling another task. The solitude he refers to is where we are not just alone with the noise switched off, but where we deliberately take time to look at our lives and pay attention to God’s voice.Why carve out times to be silent and alone with God?
To hear God’s voice without distractions (1 Kings 19:11-13)
To focus on God and worship Him (Habakkuk 2:20)
To express our faith by resting in His presence (Psalm 62:1-2,5-6)
To regain a spiritual perspective of our lives
To learn to control our tongue!
Q: When was the last time you enjoyed a time of silence and solitude with God? Why not grab your calendar and schedule a session with the One who wants to bless you?
Blessings, Poppy