I confess to you that I am not very good at being quiet. I am surrounded by constant noise. I listen to podcasts on a daily basis, watch YouTube videos, listen to the radio, and waste precious time on my phone. Being quiet is difficult in a society that frantically searches for the next big thing. We are far too easily amused. Furthermore, we struggle with finding healthy rhythms of rest.
If you are open for some confession … would you admit that your life is often way more noisy than it is filled with moments of quiet reflection, peace, and rest?
This past month our church family walked through a sermon series called “Overwhelmed.” The title of the message resonated with me and our entire congregation because most of us are overwhelmed with personal, spiritual, financial, emotional, relational, and professional problems.
Furthermore, how can we listen to God when we’re so busy with life’s demands? How can we find rest when so many things are weighing us down? How do we slow down when everything and everyone around us is moving a hundred miles an hour!?
Does God Speak, If So, Then How?
In the Old Testament we are told of an encounter the prophet Elijah had with God. After obliterating and humiliating the prophets of Baal and Asherah priests, Elijah fled into the wilderness. Then, after being physically strengthened by an angel, he hid in a cave on Mount Horeb.
At Mount Horeb the Lord appears to Elijah. He tells him to stand before the Mountain so that Elijah could see the Lord pass by. The story is very intriguing. A series of events take place. In perhaps a few minutes or hours (the Bible doesn’t tell us) an strong wind tore through the mountain, an earthquake shook the mountain, and the Lord sent fire from heaven, perhaps reminding Elijah of the fire he used to consume the altar he made a chapter earlier (1 Kings 19:11–13).
The text tells us that God … was not in the wind … not in the earthquake … and not in the fire. In other words, he did not want to speak to Elijah through these supernatural and powerful nature events. But rather, he spoke in the quiet. Like Elijah, perhaps we seek to find God in more extraordinary events. We ask God to show us amazing miracles. We want him to perform so that we may be further affirmed of his sovereign control over our lives.
Now, God is not in nature. He is not part of nature. He created it. The idea that God is in nature is called pantheism. God is totally other. Furthermore, he’s a person. Hence why he chose to communicate with Elijah through a “still small voice” or “thin silence voice.” He is a personal God.
I have always wondered what God whispered to Elijah. God does not always communicate in a still small voice. In Elijah’s case he choose to do it. Regardless, the Lord chose this quiet moment to speak to the prophet. Elijah listened and recognized the Lord’s voice.
This account of Elijah’s life is demonstrative of the fact that God often speaks to us in the silence.
Silence, Please!
This past week I experienced a lot of silence in my household. My wife and children traveled up north to visit some friends. My home was very quiet. I must admit it is weird being home without my children running around making noise.
Thankfully, I was able to find moments throughout the weekend to be in silence and meditation. I spent some valuable time with the Lord. The words of Psalm 46, “Be still and know that I am God” resonated with me. Though the context of Psalm 46 is not particularly about Christian meditation or solitude, those words were stuck in my mind. I can’t sit still for too long!
If there is one thing the monastics did right was spend extended periods of time in prayer and solitude. We could learn a thing or two from them about being in silent meditation before the Lord.
How have you actively pursued to hear from God lately? Maybe you need to silence the noise around you so you can listen to what he wants to say to you. The Lord may be telling you and I, “Silence, please!”
It is very difficult to hear God’s voice when you’re constantly surrounded by noise!
Therefore, I recommended that you find moments of solitude throughout the day. Carve out time for you to get away during the week for at least 30 minutes to an hour at times to pray. Plan a trip to go away from your present routine. Practice Christian meditation by reading Scripture, listening to worship songs that exalt Christ, and shutting your phone off.
Perhaps much of the noise in our heads, anxiety, stress, fears, and doubts will go away simply if we choose to be quiet on a more regular basis!
Every week this past month we ended our worship services with the song “Quiet” by Elevation Rhythm. Here’s part of the lyrics for the song:
Here we go again, my mind racing
And I can’t seem to win
All these crazy thoughts and feelings
It’s like it never ends
Until Your voice breaks through my noise
And I know I’m not alone, not alone
You will fight my battles
If I will just be still
Why would I keep running
When You’re right here?
I’ll just be quiet
And let You speak through the silence
Here I am, no more hiding
You are in this moment, I won’t fight it
I’ll be quiet
I don’t need to know what comes next
Tomorrow’s in Your hands
I can trust You with my future
‘Cause You’re already there
I hear Your voice call me forward
And I know I’m not alone, not alone…
Quiet
God, You’re here in the silence
Here I am, no more hiding
You are in this moment, I won’t fight it
I’ll be quiet
Simply surrendering to the words “I’ll just be quiet” maybe be a great place to start if you’re struggling to hear from God and need rest for your soul!
One of my friends, Jordan Jares recorded her own rendition of the song. It is worth taking the time to listen to it as you quietly meditate, pray, and fill your mind with God’s Word! I’m sure you’ll be blessed by it:
Written by Daniel Messina
Read another one of my articles: