A Time to be Quiet

Today is Friday.  It's the day after Thanksgiving and I'm waiting in a  room at the hospital for my weekly wash out. It is eerily quiet compared to other days. On a normal Friday it is usually a "beehive of activity."  Today most of the staff is off and most of the patients are home.
I'm finding myself lost in thought. I feel like I should be doing things.  But instead, I'm choosing to just be quiet... It's a good quiet however. The kind of silence that is somehow productive.

Yes, I know there are times to speak up,  without a doubt.  When we face injustice or see others facing injustice, it's time to speak up.  When a vulnerable person needs defending, it's time to speak up.  When it comes to explaining our beliefs as followers of Christ, it is time to speak up. But, listen to this verse.

"For God alone my soul waits in silence, from Him comes my salvation." - Psalm 62:1 ESV

There is a good quiet. It is a discipline that many have forgotten about.  With all the hustle and bustle of activity especially in our seasonal schedules and all of the technology that vies for our attention, it is hard to find moments of quality silence.  Yet finding moments of silence to meditate on the things of the Lord is crucial to the Christian walk.

There are many things to think about that are good for us and having the discipline of silence is ultimately very beneficial.  We can think about the character of God. We can think about His many blessings.  We can meditate on things we are thankful for. We can stop and think about the direction and correction that Scripture gives us.  In reality, the list is endless and it is wise for each of us to cut out time to be constructively silent.

"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart, be acceptable in your sight, oh Lord, my strength and my Redeemer."  - Psalm 19:14 KJV

Although being silent seems like a passive act, in reality it is NOT.  We are reminded that not only our words but our thoughts are important in God's sight.  So take the time to just be quiet and meditate on the important things. They matter to God and it is important to listen to God to gain proper perspective.  The Lord can speak to us or give us wisdom during our times of silence because we create the space for Him to do so.

We need to always remember the example of Jesus who went away to be alone with His Father whenever He needed instructions, wisdom  or times of refreshing. There is a silence that is good.  We need to make it a part of our  spiritual discipline.

With Thanksgiving in our rear view mirrors and all of the activities of the Christmas season now upon us, let us make time to be silent on a frequent basis. "God help us to trust You and hear from You and spend quality time with you.  For You have given us everything that we have need of and every good gift comes from You."

There is a silence that is good!

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