Shhhh....Be Quiet
(Discovering God’s Will Together; #6)
1 Kings 19:11-14
A. The word noise is derived from the Latin word for nausea
B. Most people consider noise an unavoidable part of life
C. Noise is also a significant spiritual problem; the antidote is silence
THE CALL TO SILENCE
A. We are easily caught up in the noise of our world
1. Unrealistic expectations
2. Performance Paranoia
3. Lack of Boundaries
4. Unhealed Wounds
5. Personal Isolation
6. Societal Pressures
B. If we’re not extremely careful, we’ll just get carried along!
1. Because our lives are so noisy, we can’t hear God
2. Silence is the response of awe
3. The impact of noise on our spiritual life is often invisible,
cumulative, and gradual
C. God calls us to be silent because it will enhance our relationship,
allow us to hear him speak, and nurture our soul
“Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
“I have stilled and quieted my soul...” (Psalm 131:2a)
“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place...” (Mark 6:31)
THE CHALLENGE OF SILENCE
A. Being silent is difficult. It is a spiritual discipline
1. The discipline of silence is making space for God in our life
a. We know a lot about God
b. We periodically talk to God
c. But most people have little experience simply being with God
2. The goal of spiritual disciplines is being with God
THE COURSE OF SILENCE
A. The Biblical place of silence and solitude is the desert
1. In the desert – we are stripped of all distractions
2. In the desert we are reminded of our dependence
3. In the desert God teaches life isn’t about doing something great for God
a. Ultimately, life is having an intimate relationship with God
b. Ultimately, life is not doing what God wants us to do, but being who
God wants us to be
B. Solitude, an intentional time to be alone with God, enhances silence
1. Silence and solitude is where we meet God, hear him speak
2. Solitude and silence is where we practice our waiting
C. Silence is indispensible to spiritual health and growth
1. Do it. Start slowly
a. Redeem the little solitudes of your day
b. Make your words are fewer, fuller and God-honoring
c. Set aside a few moments to pray, reflect on Scripture and
enjoy his presence
2. Keep on doing it. Persevere!