The Sweetness In Silence

Once upon a time, I knew a lady whose life was everything but silent, within. She would seem very quiet on the outside but on her inside, she was very noisy and unsettled. That lady was me. Friend, the virtue of silence isn’t all about looking quiet and salient externally. There is also a great need for our internal environment to have an aura of quietness and peace. Remember, peace and gentleness are fruit of the Holy Spirit. (Galatians 2:22-23)

As I type this post, I’m in the company of divine melody- the symphony of trees and breeze, clicking sounds of my keyboard and burblings of water. Here, it’s just me, my thoughts, and the Holy Spirit of course. I’m basking in the sweetness of silence.

Dear One, do you recognize the sweetness in silence?

May I ask? When last did you consciously engage in the art of silence? When last did you choose to say nothing but calm your nerves and mind, just to listen? Listen to nature; hear the birds chirp, the cocks crow, the cracklings of dried leaves. When last did you listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit?

Many of us like to talk and talk. We love to be heard. We always love to make sense. Nevertheless- truth remains, sometimes the best sense you and I can make is done in the state of SILENCE. Have you ever said/typed some words, and then felt very foolish afterwards? I have, too many times. Do not misunderstand me. There are times to NOT be silent. For example, it’s absolutely wrong to be silent when there is need for the truth to be heard. As Children of God, it is needful to know when to speak and when to seal our lips and…keep shut.

Although you and I cannot totally control what goes on around us, our internal environment is ours to control, with God’s help. Your external environment depending on where you are based, contributes a lot to your sanity and level of focus. Some persons are so used to noisy environments to the extent that quietness is foreign to them. How disturbing! Being born and bred in one of the busiest places in Africa (Lagos – Nigeria), I have had my fair share of noise pollution. (Trust me- I love my dear Country, nonetheless.) Disclaimer: Not every part of Lagos is noisy.

Have you ever heard of the scripture, “If your body is single, your body will be full of light?” (Matthew 6:22) Total focus brings light. Light gives clarity. When we are illuminated, we discover hidden secrets/treasures we never knew existed. If we are constantly in the midst of noise, it will surely tamper with our focus. Have you noticed? God speaks and reveals Himself to people who are still.