Being With Jesus: Solitude and Silence Part 2Примерок

Is it Possible to Practice Solitude Apart from Silence?

Yesterday we looked at the dangers of avoiding solitude in an age where many struggle with loneliness.

Today we will consider the consequences of allowing a constant flow of noise to rob us of the opportunity for our souls to wait in silence for God.

Community and solitude are vital in our pursuit of Christlikeness. However, many followers of Jesus who are willing to wade into the pool of solitude become increasingly uncomfortable when solitude is accompanied by true silence. However, down through the ages, followers of Jesus have described the practices of solitude and silence as inseparable. Often referring to them in the same breath as one discipline.

Today, however, our practice of solitude is more likely to go hand in hand with a constant flow of noise. Often, from the moment we wake up till the moment we lay our head down to go to bed, our days are filled with noise. For most of us, this resembles a combination of listening to music, catching up on our favorite podcasts, or binge-watching that new must-watch show on Netflix. Sadly, we are a generation of people who have been formed by and often find ourselves addicted to noise. Rarely do we ever allow true silence into our day.

But what is it about noise that we find so comforting? Why do we find complete silence so jarring to our souls? And for those who desire to become more like Jesus, what are the long-term effects of avoiding silence?

Without pockets of silence woven into the fabric of our day, there will always be a constant flow of tension - an uneasy feeling in our soul. Tension that reminds us that all is not right between us and God. Like Adam and Eve, who hid from God in the garden, when we hurry through life – filling every moment with noise – refusing to be still before the Lord, we miss out on the work God wants to do in and through us.

Psalms 62:5 reminds us of our need for silence: " For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him." Silence is more powerful than noise. Solitude and silence are like a beautiful, wide-open field as far as the eye can see.

"Solitude and silence are so transforming because they are essential ingredients and helpful preparation for all the other disciplines of the Spirit. Solitude is essential for Bible study, prayer, private worship, and journaling, and is common when fasting. Silence prepares us to hear God's voice and receive revelation and guidance." (Dr. Siang-Yang Tan & Dr. Douglas H. Gregg)

And so this is where we will turn over the next few days. Together we will consider why solitude and silence are vital to practicing the Way of Jesus.

But for today, where can you take one small step towards quieting the exterior noise in your daily routine? Start right where you are, not where you think you should be. Perhaps you could carve out 15 minutes, 30 minutes, or even one hour of silence (and solitude) in the presence of your loving Father, who wants to draw you deeper into His love.