Soul Care Part 3: SilenceSample

For the last 2,000 years, Christians all over the world have identified silence as a crucial practice for being a follower of Jesus. When we practice silence, our goal is to draw closer to God and become more like Christ. We don’t attempt to hear from God as a divine magic 8 ball. Instead, we humble ourselves in His presence to receive whatever He may have for us. The fruit of silence should be obedience. When we hear His voice, we obey.

But you won't always feel like you hear from God. And that's ok. In silence, your mind should always find truth though, and that will lead you toward God in one way or another. Sometimes spiritual silence involves letting your mind wander in a productive direction. It can start with meditating on a truth of scripture, and then letting that truth search your mind for places where it needs to influence your thinking. Sometimes spiritual silence is just slowing down and reconnecting with your mind, body, and soul. Sometimes it's just remembering God's faithfulness and enjoying His company. No matter what form silence takes on for you, remember that the goal is to draw closer to the heart of God.

Ask Yourself:

-Have you sensed God's voice or presence in the past? If so, what did you do to experience that, and how did you know it was God?

-When you finish your time of silence, do you "turn back to folly" (Psalm 85:8), or are you more able to walk in obedience?

Next Step:

Read Psalm 85 out loud, slowly. Then sit in silence and ask God to speak to you. Whenever you get distracted, repeat “Here I am, Lord. I am listening.”