Click here to read the full article at RENEW.org: https://renew.org/the-sound-of-silence-being-still-and-knowing-god/
This an audio version of a written Article from RENEW.org
The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel 3:10, NIV)
I am really bad at silence. Like, just awful at it. I grew up in a family that couldn’t stand silence. Music had to be on constantly, or a movie had to be playing in the background, or someone had to be talking. For the most part, peace wasn’t about being quiet as much as it was about not being in conflict.
I didn’t realize this about me until my wife, Tristan, and I started dating. A few weeks in and I had talked about pretty much everything. I mean, EVERYTHING. I shared my embarrassing stories, my funny experiences, and discussed everything that was on my mind. I was desperate. I thought she was going to be bored with me if I couldn’t come up with new material. Surely there was going to be someone more interesting who would come along if I didn’t come up with something soon.
Finally, as we drove back to the college one day in silence, I said, “I’m sorry I am not much of a conversationalist. I can’t think of anything to talk about.”
Tristan gave me a look that I have seen many times since and said five words that I didn’t know I needed to hear: “It’s okay to be quiet…”
It feels weird to say this now, but I was floored. I had never thought of that. I had the freedom not to say anything. Just to sit there and be quiet. This was absolutely foreign to me, and it took me a long time to grow out of the pressure I felt to constantly talk.
Listen for more...
Join RENEW.org's Newsletter: https://renew.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/
Join RENEW.org at one of our upcoming events: https://renew.org/resources/events/
Get our Premium podcast feed featuring all the breakout sessions from the RENEW gathering early.
https://reallifetheologypodcast.supercast.com/
Be sure to like, subscribe and follow on social media!
You can find us on:
Instagram: @the.renew.network
Facebook: Renew.org
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RENEWnetwork
Twitter: @therenewnetwork
TikTok: the.renew.network
Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/RENEW
