The Sound of Silence

I worry, at times, that all my interaction with God and His word washes over me without leaving something, a residue, behind. I rush to get a sermon finished. There are Bible studies to prepare and materials for discipleship to formulate. But, in all this, it can easily slide off of me.

I know that this is one reason the saints of old were so persistent in their demand that those who follow Jesus spend time with Him. It's in the combining of tasks with Jesus where something is lost. Oh, it's still valuable. It's still important, but I wonder if it is diluted.

One of our young men commented last night at our Men's Huddle (men's group) that he was concerned about this new regimen of prayer he has started. When questioned, he noted that in the silence and waiting on God a lot of ugly stuff about himself rears up - stuff that he'd rather not encounter or even consider.

I noted - for him and myself - that this is exactly what silence before God is supposed to do. It brings out the infection of our souls so that the Great Physician can treat it. It is not easy and it is not without its hurt and pain. But, it is necessary for spiritual health.

1 Samuel 25-26