Silence: Its Power and NecessitySample

Silence: Its Power and Necessity

Psalm 73:28 - But as for me, it is good to draw near to God. I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may proclaim all Your works.

Few things confront the deepest motives and dimensions of self such as silence and seclusion. In its raw, unprotected, undisguised and naked form, the self is repulsive and often horrific. We try to counter this by covering ourselves with beautiful clothes, philosophies, nice cars, etiquette and many words. If we take the time for isolation and become silent before God, we begin to see our deepest self and our deepest motives.

Silence is often only possible with solitude. Is it necessary to make time to be alone with God? Sometimes, it is necessary to go away on your own. Many fear isolation because they realise that there is a possibility that the isolation will see them coming face to face with themselves and God. Our knowledge of who God is, is often what prevents us from pursuing times of silence and isolation.

However, we need to practice the discipline of seclusion. There is a difference between loneliness and seclusion. Jesus wants to lead us away from loneliness to isolation over and over again. At the end of the road of separation—in the silence—the Lord Jesus is waiting for us. There, He reveals Himself as the Lord, the Master, the One who sovereignly controls our lives. There He also reveals Himself as our Savior, the One who loves us, our Everlasting Father and our Wonderful Counsellor.