I don’t like long pauses when speaking. I’ll use filler words such as “like,” “uhm,” or “uhh.” The natural silence makes me uncomfortable. I try to think during these fillers and typically, not coming up with all I have to or want to say. There’s nothing wrong with fillers as they’ve become a part of our vocabulary. But great speakers or those I’ve heard interview well don’t use those filler words. They wait and think. They embrace what I perceive to be uncomfortable. They formulate thoughts without interruption.
As we walk with God, there are going to be moments which make us uncomfortable. Pauses in the regularly scheduled programming, where it is silent. Does that mean God isn’t there? No. In the silence we think God has abandoned us and therefore we start filling in the blanks ourselves with words and things/actions to fill up space that aren’t actually needed. They are moments of desperation to end the awkwardness with sometimes irrational decisions thought up in a moment’s notice.
We’ve all heard the saying, “The teacher is always silent during the test.” Teachers provide knowledge for us so when the time comes for the test, we are prepared. Jesus is our teacher who provides knowledge and wisdom so we are prepared to face this world so when the silence comes, we aren’t trying to do it on our own but according to God’s will and commandments.
We have become a people where action defines results. Psalm 46:10 tells us, “Be still, and know that I am God.” The word “still” means:
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Remain in place or at rest. Free from turbulence or commotion. Peaceful.
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At this or that time.
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In the future as in the past.
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In moments of silence God is giving us peace. If the Almighty can look down at our situation, quiet and at peace, who are we to not be able to do the same? Mark 4:39 reads, “Peace, be still.” He is working. God calms the storms in our lives but let’s not be like the apostles, fearful and having no faith. Jesus refers to the wind in that moment to be quiet. Even the elements must remain silent at times. We get caught up in the chaos of storms in our lives and all God wants us to do is slow down and rest. To not worry and to let Him handle it. There is something God wants us to see in peace. In the chaos we would miss it so God gives us that time to reveal something to us. Peace is a blessing God wants us to have (Psalm 29:11). We are to seek His peace (Psalm 34:14). How often we forget Jesus is with us in the boat, resting. It isn’t that He doesn’t want us to rely on Him but we have to not fear when waves start crashing in our lives.
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There is a time for everything. A time to speak and a time to be quiet. It’s an opportunity for the Holy Spirit to speak to us. When we pray, we need to keep quiet so God can speak to us. We have to ask Him to block out the noise and distractions so we can hear His voice and instructions. Having many voices going on at once can distract us which can lead us down the wrong path or we hear the wrong instructions and end up having to start over to do it correctly. He wants our attention so everything He has to tell us is clear.
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God is the same yesterday, as He is today, as He will be tomorrow. “Great is Your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:19-29 tells us His compassions never fail. Every morning they are new. Not some mornings. Not every other week like pay day. Not once a year like the day of atonement. What He has done for one, He will do for another and He is always consistent. He gives us hope that in our challenging moments, whether the silence or the chaos, He will be with us.
Take silence as a moment to rest. To reflect. To listen. Embrace the uncomfortable and know that Jesus is with you in the boat.