Silence

I have nothing to say.

Consequently, I shall proceed to espouse so much nothingness. It is remarkable that most humans do not know how to endure silence. To sit alone with one’s chattering mind can be wearying at best and alarming at worst, so we create distractions for ourselves in an effort to ignore the thoughts that plague us.

This chaos can be ordered, and there are many forms of meditation and mental discipline to avail such order; however, real peace – peace that goes deep into our inmost being and stretches wide to embrace those within our atmosphere – this peace comes only from walking with God.

Walking with Him means being attentive to His direction. It means keeping in step with Him. It means listening to Him. And listening requires an entirely open mind, free of chatter. No thinking about how you want to be observed. No wondering about what will happen next week when your in-laws come to town. No secretly planning the menu for that monthly lunch and learn with your business associates. No posturing.

Listening well is both an art and a skill. Hearing and listening must be learned, and we must listen and hear in order to learn. Thankfully, we have a good Father, a faithful Brother in Christ and the Holy Spirit to lead us into this Kingdom way of relating. Sitting at the feet of Jesus with open heart and open mind, we can experience the cleansing power of the Word. We can be washed, refreshed, and renewed.

Even in prayer moments of silence are sometimes necessary to focus all our attention on the One who fashioned our hearts. There is a precious being and belonging in this place of silent worship that clears the mind and settles the heart. Here we are looking upon the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), and receiving His love which has the power to perfect us (Colossians 3:14)

Dear one, is your mind a bit chaotic with undisciplined thoughts? Is your heart unsettled with anxieties? Let there be peace. Spend some time this week in silent worship. Bend your heart to His word and let your mind be staid on Him. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV)

Until next week, beloved, be still and know that He is God.