What Silence Holds
Until recently, I didn’t pause often. I found myself constantly checking my phone, trying to fill up my days with conversations or just getting things done to fill the gaps of silence. Then when I was faced with silence, it felt too unfamiliar and gave me the urge to fight it. When you really embrace silence, it doesn’t feel empty. In fact, it invites you to meet yourself, and God without distraction. Where you can hold space for silence, it can be transformative. During quiet moments, you can remember what it feels like to hear your thoughts, hear from God and also address some unanswered questions you may have for yourself. When it’s silent, it’s when God will often meet us in the most intimate way, without distraction but in those moments of stillness.
“Be still and know that I am God” - Psalm 46:10 NIV
This scripture is so profound as it’s not just an instruction but also an invitation to return to base, to realign and slow down. In this piece, we’ll explore what it’s like when you choose to have silent moments as a practice and to preserve yourself. Understanding the strength that comes from the joy of solitude is something that shouldn’t be taken lightly. It should be honoured as your self-care and practice for deeper connection with yourself.
Have You Noticed?
When we meet ourselves in the quiet moments, it allows us to create space for stillness. Yet, when we do slow down, the silence can reveal the things we avoid or that we’re too distracted to notice. In those moments, parts of what we don’t nurture rise to the surface, the unsaid prayers, the emotions we haven’t acknowledged or thoughts we haven’t reflected on.
I’ve found that when I hold space for no distractions and embrace my surroundings, I’m able to pray better and hear God more clearly, reflect more intentionally and be aware of my emotions. None of this is possible when I’m rushing around and living my life on autopilot. In whichever order things come, I don’t take it for granted. It can be daunting but when you give yourself space for true stillness, you can’t escape the richness of what silence holds. It’s full of truth and can bring so much needed clarity.
The Stillness That Strengthens
We spoke about stillness in The Gift of the Present, and the importance of returning to the present for our own solitude and peace. As we appreciate the quiet, we make space for what matters. In those moments, it is when we often feel the presence of God and not because he wasn’t always there, but because we have reclaimed stillness to listen. The Bible says, “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.” - Isaiah 30:15 ESV
In essence, this scripture reminds us of the importance of surrender. We don’t have to have it all figured out and hold everything together all the time. Resilience is important, but so is allowing ourselves time to pause. There have been seasons where silence felt very uncomfortable for me, and my default is to reach for my phone and doom scroll or busy myself to avoid sitting still. However, when I choose to practice stillness, I get a different level of clarity. I can be more productive and focus on intentional prayer and I feel more anchored in my spirit.
Silence gives us strength, to stop running away from ourselves, and to stand still and be renewed in those moments, seeking peace.
Reclaiming Peace
Peace is something that we must return to and protect at all times. The world we live in glorifies noise and constant connection, and choosing peace is a difficult balance - but it’s the choice we deserve to make for our self-preservation.
By reclaiming peace, it allows for silence to become sacred. It’s about letting go of perfection, the need for excessive consumption and needing to keep up with society. When we are able to feel and experience peace, it’s a welcome reminder that we don’t need to be tied to productivity and we don’t need to seek joy in being in overdrive 24/7.
When I give myself permission to enjoy silence, I feel myself soften. My heart feels calmer and I feel like I’m able to hear God and my own inner dialogue. I’m not saying that life doesn’t still come at me in the same way, but in this season I prioritise my peace. I hold space for stillness and silence as it holds so much more than I think.
Remember guys, silence isn’t something to fear, in most instances it holds exactly what we need and can become a sacred practice that we embrace.
Pause & Reflect
When was the last time you truly felt peace? What helped you get there and maintain it?
