Is it just me, or are there others that find there is so much noise in everyday life? I thank God that Pat and I both enjoy quietness, especially in the morning and at the end of the day. Oh, perhaps the word “noise” needs to be explained – because, like stuff, one man’s garbage is another man’s treasure. So, let me define noise in this context as: “anything that takes away one’s tranquility/ peace.” And there is an endless list of things we may give as examples – which would include the radio, TV, babies crying, other people talking – even if one of them is your partner, someone whistling or yelling, video games, running or dripping tap, clock ticking, fan whirring, air conditioner blowing, motor running, blender beating, someone snoring, sirens, beeping, etc., etc., etc. You get the picture.

When was the last time you recall having five minutes of silence – outside of perhaps insomnia (when your partner wasn’t snoring beside you)? For me it was a couple of days ago. I was on the road (a passenger) with a couple of family members when, about an hour into a 2½-hour trip where there hadn’t been a moment of silence, I suggested that we take a 5 minute break from any talking. We all complied and it was blissful. Silence is beautiful. Each of us had our own inner reflections – which I believe were also tranquil.

The Good Book tells us (NIV version, Psalm 46:10):

“Be still, and know that I am God!

I will be honored by every nation.

I will be honored throughout the world.”

This is truth and wisdom. If you read the first nine verses of this Psalm you may identify and compare it with the noise in our environment, natural disasters, and wars and unrest that bring chaos and threats and fear to rob us of our peace. As we are still and silent before our Creator we too will be able to align ourselves with the truth of the last verse (11) which reminds us that whatever is going on outside of us or within us that can cause great conflict, “The LORD of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.”

Now if you read last week’s article you may see this encouragement to be silent as a contradiction to using your voice. That is not the case – because it’s not one or the other; it is a matter of balance and knowing what to do when. Ecclesiastes 3:1 and 7b remind us that “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven…a time to be quiet and a time to be to speak.”

There is beauty in silence and so many great things to be gained.

It is letting go and being vulnerable and no longer constrained.

Then we can recognize the greatness of our God and Maker;

And accept that He is with us, for us, a fortress, not a forsaker.

The beauty of silence is that it quiets our soul so that we are able to see and feel reality in a new way, one in which includes our Creator, His love and desire to bless us. It helps us connect with God.

Not ready to do that yet? Well then, how about taking just 5 minutes of silence to connect with yourself. Or just 5 minutes in silence sitting close in front of, facing, your partner, with your eyes open – or closed – and just be totally present, in the moment, in silence, to connect with your partner. Do it and I guarantee it will do something special for you.

Have difficulty with any of this? Then reach out to someone you believe can help, maybe a trusted friend or a competent counsellor. Some pretty awesome things, even miracles, have been experienced throughout history because individuals chosen to seek, experience, and appreciate silence. As a result, they and others enjoy themselves and life more, the world is a better place, and heaven is the richer. The Creator has given each of us everything we need to shit out everything and to be silent for a purpose that honours Him. Believing is a beginning and key to living a life of freedom and peace on a daily basis – check it out and experience these truths for yourself.