SILENCE & SOLITUDE

Silence is a lack of audible sound or the presence of sounds of very low intensity. It can also refer to the absence of communication or hearing. It is also used in reference to nonverbal communication and spiritual connection.

Solitude is the state of being alone. It can emphasis the quality of being or feeling lonely and deserted. It also can develop in us a peacefulness stemming from a state of inner richness.

They say silence is golden. Silence can be a blessing if you don’t have a good answer.  On the other hand, silence and emptiness can cause a feeling of being separated from the world. Silence is also a source of great strength.

 The author of Psalm 19 tells us that the heavens are pouring fourth speech and displaying knowledge twenty-four seven, filtering through every spoken language on the earth displaying the glory and the work of His hands.

God speaks to us through silence. Through the little things, the mundane things of life. Not necessarily in a dream or a great show of light beaming down on us. In a challenging circumstance we may hear, be brave, be merciful. Show kindness, pick up the phone, send an email, feed my sheep. He speaks in crisis to. There is so much turmoil in our world; hate, jealousy, crime, people we love are dying, failures, betrayals, greed which can rob us of peace. Fear not…be still and know that I am God.

In order to have a greater impact on melodies and sounds, even music requires silence. Most music scores feature rests denoting periods of silence.

Silence has a peculiar speech. I remember going to see the movie Schlender’s List. The hustle of everyone getting to their seats, buying their popcorn and talking to one another. After the movie ended we filed out of that place in a deafening   silence other than a sniffle of someone blowing their nose. That was a few years ago. I still remember the little girl in the red coat and the silence that followed. 

Solitude can be a means of detoxing our inner self. Solitude helps us become who we really are. It can be a sense of achievement, a preparation for change in our life. It is important in the development of discipline in our spiritual lives. The art of being alone without being lonely. It can lead us to a better sense of self-awareness. It can take us away from the daily responsibilities and yes even people for a while. It is a way of helping us to not try and be productive and make things happen.

Elijah spent the night in a one room getaway in solitude and the Word of the Lord came to him. 2 Kings 19:9,12.

 Some of the greatest ideas have come to people in solitude.

Paul was in solitary confinement when he wrote Phil 4. Rejoice in the crisis, turmoil, again I say it, rejoice. Solitude will enable us to more clearly think upon the things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable.

Who knows what God will say to me today? Or what unlikely moment He will choose to say it.