We are all close with the people we live with–maybe sometimes too close ;). Those treasured people know all our flaws, imperfections, annoyances and failures. God knows all of them too. But oftentimes, we think we can “hide” who we are from Him. We turn on music and the TV to drown out the insecure thoughts that come with silence. But when we embrace true silence, God’s voice may be clearer and more comforting than we expect.

Silence grows our intimacy with and understanding of the Father.

When we look at Psalm 62, we see David echo this when he says, “He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken.” After examination, we solidify our understanding that God ALONE is our refuge and place to run when we don’t have answers. 

I don’t know about you, but I don’t have all the answers. And I secretly fear being caught “unprepared” or “insecure” in life. This often comes when my perceived enemies and their voices creep in.

David wasn’t without enemies either–both physical and spiritual. They are mentioned time and time again in Psalm 62. But I also love that David says, “I will not be greatly shaken.” We won’t ever reach a place of spiritual perfection on this earth where trials and battles won’t affect us, and so we have to fight to retain our peace in God. 

Intimacy with God doesn’t mean we will never sin again. Rather, practicing the discipline of silence trains us to respond in trust. 

One of my favorite verses in the whole Psalm is this: On God my salvation and my glory rest. This is the declaration that any power we have within ourselves and any glory we obtain on this earth rest or hinge upon God. 

Now that we’ve discussed silence in three unique ways (if you missed parts one and two, click here), it’s important to apply. Here’s your takeaway:

Shut up, examine, and know.

Take a moment to strategize how you will react when God seems silent. Practice building in times of silence to better hear and respond to God and His Word. If our enemy can strategize against us, we can strategize against him.

You know how you respond when you can’t hear a direction from God. How will you combat that this week? Write it down. What spiritual disciplines will you commit to this year? Write it down. How will you implement rest and silence in your own life? Write it down. 

Silence can open up a greater understanding of God and His character. I pray you will commit with me today to “be still and know that He is God” (Psalm 46).