Thoughts on Discipleship #8 – Quiet

I once wrote a weekly newsletter for small group leaders. In these Thoughts on Discipleship posts, I reprint those articles.

Do you ever just get quiet and listen?

Today, I am writing this to myself first and whoever else needs it second. There is way too much noise in life, right? There are screens in front of us constantly. I live outside of Las Vegas, Nevada, the city with the most lights and advertising worldwide. If we aren’t intentional about it, we can have distractions going 24/7.

There is value in silence. Here are three ways that silence is useful…

Silence helps us study the Bible more intently. It is important to focus when we explore the scriptures. In silence, we can better avoid distraction and focus on what God is trying to communicate through his Word. CH Spurgeon once said, “Oh, Book of books, the map of the way to glory; that man invokes a terrible curse upon his own head who refuses to study thee! He does, in effect, shut the gate of heaven against himself, and bar the road to everlasting bliss. If you would be saved, dear friend, sit alone, and consider your case, and then study God’s thoughts concerning it.”

Silence helps our prayer life. Jesus said in Matthew 6:6. “But when you pray, go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Quiet allows us to focus on talking to God. Quiet also will enable us to listen. When you pray, pause occasionally. The Holy Spirit may bring people to mind who need prayer. 

Silence helps our teaching. Did you know that? When you get quiet, you have to listen to your own thoughts. This enables you to refine your word choices and control your speech patterns. It also helps you be okay with pauses when speaking. Most people believe they must talk to fill silences, but that often leads to verbal placeholders like “uh” or “um.” When one is used to silence, the need to fill the silence with words decreases. Improving the way we communicate enhances the way we deliver God’s Word.