Keep Silence

Ecclesiastes 3:1, 5-7 (NKJV) “To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven … A time to weep, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, And a time to dance;  A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones; A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing;  A time to gain And a time to lose; A time to keep, And a time to throw away; A time to tear, And a time to sew; A time to keep silence… ^“

Think

Have you ever found yourself at a loss for words when trying to talk to someone important in your life—maybe a spouse, a business partner, or even your child? You know, those times when nothing seems right no matter how hard you try, and the surrounding noise just overwhelms everything? Sometimes, the right words finally come to you during a “self timeout” or a walk, with the steady beat of your footsteps and your heartbeat filling the silence.

In the book of Ecclesiastes, there’s this phrase in chapter 3, verse 7: "Keep silence." The original Hebrew word used here, chahash, means more than just not speaking. It suggests a deep stillness, a pause in everything we do. It’s about finding a moment of quiet just to be still – which is powerful if you think about it.

In our daily lives, it’s often easier to crank up the TV or get lost in the noise, listening to all sorts of voices except our own. But if we look at scripture, we see that God often uses silence to make himself known. In times where you’d expect a grand, loud display, God prefers the quiet. Even during something as unsettling as the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us learned about the limits of our control. We don’t control much, but we can control how much noise we let in.

So, why not turn down the volume occasionally? Choose to shut out the constant noise and make room for God's quiet, still voice. It might feel uncomfortable at first, but there's something special about sitting in silence, waiting to hear from Jesus. In those quiet moments, we often find the most clarity and peace.

Apply

Psalm 46:10, "Be still, and know that I am God.” Schedule a specific time each day and make it non-negotiable to listen and talk with Jesus. Turn off electronic devices. Have a notebook and pen ready. Begin your quiet time by reading a passage of scripture. Allow the words to soak in, reading them several times if needed. Think how these words speak to your current situation or feelings. Write down thoughts, prayers, and insights that come to mind, and you will see God move in your life as you consistently seek him.

Pray

Heavenly Father, thank you for your presence in the craziness of my world. Teach me to understand the power of silence, to embrace the quiet moments where I can hear your voice more clearly. Help me to set aside the distractions that clutter my mind and focus on the peace that comes from being in your presence. In Jesus’ name. Amen.