Silence

Have you ever noticed the constant barrage of noise that the average American is bombarded with daily? Just think of the size of today's music industry - we have iTunes, iPods, iPhones and MP3 players to make sure we never have a quiet minute. It would almost appear as if we are afraid of silence, afraid of having nothing to do. Have we simply know no other way and accept it as a cultural norm? Or are we afraid of what might happen when we hit the off button?

Our bodies becomes accustomed to the familiar noises we are normally surrounded with. I'm certain everyone can think of a time when it suddenly struck them that something was missing, out of balance because a familiar source of noise had become silent. The most dominant circumstances that this happens in is when we are trying to fall asleep in a new place. We can feel that something, be it the stead whirr of a fan, hum of a computer, trickle of an aquarium filter, or even the spinning of a hamster wheel, is missing. Even when we think it is quiet, there is usually some sort of background noise, whether we are aware of it or not. When devoid of all noise, a room begins feels lonely, lost, forgotten and can stir up the same feelings in us.

We may not need the drastic silence of a Benedictine monastery, but I have recently become convinced that we really need some sort of silence every day. Now don't get me wrong, I don't think it's wrong to turn on something to listen to - I have my own often-used iPod filled with music, sermons and lectures - but to not have a constant bombardment of these things. Times of silence cultivate reflection and meditation on Yahweh, His Word, and His character. It can give us an opportunity to intercede for others in prayer, and to both talk to our Father and to listen to Him. Perhaps we can also use that time when we are busy with our hands but not our minds, to cultivate friendships and to encourage other believers. If you don't do so already, I dare you to try it. Enjoy your music, sermons, lectures, audio books, but just once daily, instead of hitting "play" to fill the silence, let the silence remain.

By Yahweh's Grace,
Jessica