The Sound of Silence

Yesterday, I went to a lake by my house, ate lunch and took a walk around it while I prayed. It was incredibly peaceful and a much needed time to reflect and talk with God. It had been too long since I had done that and my mind and spirit had felt cluttered with the detritus of life.

It was interesting, though; as I was driving into the park and thinking about my plan to spend some quiet time and pray, I had an urge to take my computer. I thought; "Hey, I could do some work while sitting outside - that would be cool, right?" That wasn't why I was there, though, so I put that idea away. Then another thought popped into my head: "I could take my iPod. That would be relaxing, I could listen to inspirational music." But something inside told me that I just needed to have quiet.

I listened to the birds chirping, and the leaves rustling in the wind, and I could feel the clutter draining from my mind. And I realized something. I am not still enough. I am constantly busy, I am either doing something active, or watching TV or a movie, or listening to music, or talking with someone. It is very rare that I will sit, stand or exist in the absence of visual or audio stimulation - in silence and reflect. The problem with this is that the Bible says God speaks in a still small voice, and if I don't take the time to listen with nothing else going on - I will miss it.

How about you? When was the last time you sat in stillness and asked God a question and then took the time to listen for the answer? When was the last time you turned off the radio and cell phone in the car and prayed? When was the last time you went for a walk in the woods and thanked God for what He has done in your life? Take the time and do it and you will find that the silence may speak to you best of all.