Jun 05 – Silence!

“I was mute with silence, I held my peace even from good; and my sorrow was stirred up.” (Psalm 39:2)

Ecclesiastes says that there is “a time to keep silence, and a time to speak” (Ecclesiastes 3:7). When it is time to remain silent, we must indeed be silent.

In the Catholic Church, there are certain monasteries known as silent monasteries. The monks there do not speak to anyone and remain silent for many months. When I visited Israel, I saw such a monastery near the Brook Cherith, where Elijah had hidden himself. Just as Elijah remained silent by the Brook Cherith, these monks too had committed themselves to silence.

When we read the Old Testament, we see that those who grieved over sin would sit in silence, put dust or ashes upon their heads, wear sackcloth, and use those days as times of purification.

The Bible says: “The elders of the daughter of Zion sit on the ground and keep silence; they throw dust on their heads and gird themselves with sackcloth. The virgins of Jerusalem bow their heads to the ground.” (Lamentations 2:10)

The Lord sees the fasting and silence through which they humble themselves. He changes their captivity and turns their tears into joy.

David too understood the importance of silence during his lifetime. In his quiet moments, he would read the Word of God and meditate peacefully. That silence became a fitting atmosphere for meditation. It was a time to shut out the noise of the world and open his heart to hear the voice of the Lord. During such moments, his spirit burned within him.

Today, many kinds of noises and advertisements constantly fill our ears. These voices shape people’s lives according to worldly desires. Since our ears are continuously filled with noise, we often fail to make room to hear the voice of God.

Set apart quiet moments to hear the voice of the Lord. Sit peacefully at the feet of the Lord and look upon His glorious face.

Once, a sinful woman came to Lord Jesus. She wet His feet with her tears. Not a single word came from her mouth; only tears flowed from her eyes. The Lord forgave her sins and lovingly said: “Daughter, your sins are forgiven.”

Children of God, silence dedicated to the Lord will bring blessing into your life.

Verse for further meditation: “But the Lord is in His holy temple. Let all the earth keep silence before Him.” (Habakkuk 2:20)