I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!
[Psalm 46:10]
In the darkness I blinked, and realized I was completely awake.
The sun had yet to rise, but I woke up ready to worship.
Until…
I heard the whisper.
Be still, and know that I am God…
Today — do not speak.
Just listen, and be with Me, that I may know you.
There was nothing for me to say. So I didn't say anything. I just thought: "Yes, Lord."
Lying there I just kept my mouth shut and prayed. I listened. Until my bladder ached, the sun was out and it was time to head to the roof top squatty potties.
I bathed in silence.
I looked out over the village in silence.
I sighed.
I scribbled a quick note to my team leader, and nodded.
Something along the lines of silence fasting for the day, please let the team know…
2 things to ask for: please have someone bring me food and water…
and…re-wrap my injured ankle.
Thanks!
With her support and approval, I secluded myself to be still. I only ventured out once to get fresh air and sunshine.
This wasn't just a day of rest — it was a day to be disciplined and be still.
No internet.
No writing pad.
No communication.
No music.
Just silence.
- tune everything out but the voice of God.
- stop the heart from overflowing through the mouth long enough to let Jesus show you your thought life
- makes occasion for reflection, confession and repentance
- promotes prayer
- allows God to teach you new things in new ways
- makes room for others to speak
- creates space and boundaries
- helps reduce cravings for attention or the need to be heard by others, but redirects our petition to Jesus
- disciplines the inner man to worship and pray fervently and silently
God taught me that…
I'm listened to even when I'm not heard…
God knows my needs before I even ask…
there is power in silence…
…being silent doesn't mean being overlooked…
…allows me to trust others…
…and without words to be understood…
…and that silence stirs up compassion for those who suffer in silence.
So many people came to just sit in my presence even when I had no words to offer.
A smile and the slightest head bobble would suffice…
…the street kids came to shake my hand…
…the cleaning lady just sat next to me quietly…
…Erin walked by and blew me a kiss…
…Liz and Alex went out and got me lunch…
…Shayna and Courtney sat by as I ate lunch…
…Shayna assured me that Gandhi had also been silent and received much wisdom…
…Ramu brought me a little cup of chai…
…Beth came and read Scriptures with me…
…Emily walked by and shared a praise report…
…Aimee blew me a kiss also…
…many walked by smiling and just waving…
This felt so good and allowed me to receive love in a whole new way.
in silence
allowed me to listen.
I was refreshed with peace.
I was rewarded with wisdom.
I was refilled with great joy.
I was renewed in His love.
