Silence: Its Power and NecessitySample

Silence: Its Power and Necessity

Philippians 3:10 - [For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognising and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly]. (Amplified Bible)

People who love one another are not threatened by silence. In fact, they welcome silence because they realise that it is in the silent moments that they often find peace and intimacy that are infinitely more precious than words. In the same way, silence may even bring us into an intimate place with God that far outweighs the depths of closeness that we have experienced during times of praise and worship. Silence is wordless praise and worship. Prayer and worship develop one dimension of our relationship with God and silence another. Silence takes us deeper with God — to the point where words cannot reach. In this, I am not suggesting that silence is superior to worship. Both are necessary as we journey towards a deeper relationship with God. In silence there is an awareness of the indestructible certainty of God's love, grace, omnipotence and care that cannot be described in words.

We need to be quiet to the point where all our needs and our humanity are met by God alone. It is like a small child relaxing contentedly - without any torment, action plans, or desires - just quietly resting in the arms of his father or mother. When we become so quiet that our hearts are stilled, God will be able to speak to us, reveal Himself to us, and if He wills, show us what we must do.

God often remains silent because there is still too much self and too many other voices that we are listening to. When more than one person speaks it becomes challenging to listen, hear and decipher what is being said.

In the silence, we get to know the Shepherd's voice. Jesus says, ”My sheep know My voice” (John 10:16). How many of us know his voice? Can we distinguish it from all the other voices in the world?