Morning Silence

One of my favorite days of the week is Sunday. Sunday is the day that I “get” to fellowship with others and worship corporately at my church. It is also the day that I like to go to the gym and get a good workout in, take a hot shower, and then watch some football.

This particular Sunday, I got up to get ready for church, looked out of the window, and noticed that the pavement was wet and that it was cloudy and drizzling. As I stared out of the window watching the rain hit the street, I thought about staying home in bed and watching service online. I could visualize myself in bed with my pajamas on, sipping a hot cup of coffee and eating a bowl of greek yogurt with honey. This seemed like a really good idea.

After much thought, I decided to get dressed and head out to church. I made sure that I had my umbrella as I walked out into the garage and got into my car. I backed out of the garage and onto my driveway. The windshield wipers began to move back and forth as I drove down the street. I started to notice that my radio hadn’t come on as I turned to get on I-85N. I pressed the arrow button both ways, hit the home button, and even attempted to turn it off and then turn it on again. It came back on but there was no sound. Frustration began to set in as I tried to get my radio to play. I could see the radio station but the radio wasn’t playing any music. There was silence in the car.

As I drove down the expressway on my way to Impact Church, I began to be more aware of the sounds that were around me. I heard the rain hitting the hood of the car. I was able to hear cars and trucks whizzing by me. I also heard the windshield wipers rubbing back and forth against the glass of the windshield. This was the first time in a long time that I had been in the car without any music playing. It was different. I was out of my comfort zone. It felt strange but at the same time, I welcomed the opportunity to just be still and listen.

I turned into the parking lot of the church and began to think. I thought about how important it is for us to not just talk to God through prayer but how important it is that we take time out to listen. The act of listening must be intentional. Communication with God is more than just about us talking and asking Him to supply our desires. We must take time out of our busy schedules to listen to what God has to say to us as He speaks to us through His WORD. We must embrace and welcome quietness. We must be still, silent, and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to us. 

Psalm 62:1-2

My soul waits in silence for God only;  From Him is my salvation. He is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold: I shall not be greatly shaken.

Let us be still, quiet, and listen.