Day 11: Silence

Psalm 4:4-5 (NIV) When you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Offer right sacrifices and trust in the Lord.

Silence is a strange thing. We have come to accept the conspiracy of noise around us as normal, so a lack of noise makes us a bit nervous. In a world where we are constantly cell-phoning, multi-tasking and text-messaging, we are not used to silence. It feels awkward, unproductive—like we should be “doing something” instead.

But silence can be an oasis for word-weary travelers. The Lord invites us to be silent so we can search our hearts, and sense His heart as well. “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10) is a call to deeper relationship and revelation that cannot be found in busyness.

Fasting adds strength to the discipline of silence by muzzling outrageous claims of our appetites. Not only can we survive on less than “three squares meals” each day, we can thrive and direct our energies more profitably toward God as we temporarily deny our stomach. Silence with fasting helps mute internal and external voices, leaving room for God’s voice to speak to our hearts.

Prayer: Lord, teach us the value of silence in Your presence. Tune our hearts to hear Your voice and receive Your grace in a deeper way as we listen only for You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.