The King Is ComingShembull

Soaking in Silence

When was the last time you soaked in the tub? Hot water healing is nothing new. As early as 2,000 B.C., Egyptians used hot baths to ease pain and invoke relaxation by placing sizzling rocks into water. In Ancient Greece, elaborate structures were built around natural hot springs as early-day hospitals; there, the father of medicine himself—Hippocrates—prescribed soothing soaks as treatment for conditions ranging from jaundice to rheumatism. The word “spa” comes from the Latin term “sanus per aquam” - meaning “health through water.” Battle-weary Roman soldiers routinely used hot wells to recover from their physical and emotional wounds.

While soaking is good for the body, it’s equally good for the soul. Like a bubble bath for the weary heart, soaking in silence is a time of saturating yourself in the presence of God. No words, actions, or thoughts are necessary for soaking. It’s a time of just being, allowing the silence to minister to the busy mind, tired body, and weary soul.

What does soaking in silence look like? It’s hard, but simple. It’s a time of sitting quietly, clearing your mind, and focusing your attention on being silent. It can be for ten minutes or several hours—whatever your schedule and attention span can handle. You can sit, stand, run, walk, drive—whatever enables you to work out your thoughts and relish the quiet. It is a time with few words or noise. Wait and see what God brings to mind during your soak and remember, “let your words be few.”

REFLECT

Like a bubble bath for the weary heart, soaking in silence is a time of saturating yourself in the presence of God.

RESPOND