Is Silence a Friend?

I recently made a trip to attend a Christian retreat for men in Brownwood, TX.  Men attended from both the states of Texas and New Mexico.  The drive is about 170 miles each way.  When I left the house to begin my drive I turned on the radio to listen to music or sports talk.  The stations did all right until a reached a certain mileage from the metroplex.  Once the stations were no longer clear I began to search for new local stations.  I remember at one time that when I pressed the "seek" button on the radio it never stopped.  No stations were available.  I simply turned off the radio.

It was interesting to note how my mind focus shifted from listening to music or words to that of what scenery was in front of me or paying closer attention to the thoughts in my mind.  I needed to be open to the silence on the road.  When all other sounds are quieted I am always amazed at the increased noise of thoughts inside my own head.


We sing a hymn at our church entitled, "Come and Find the Quiet Center."  It is a hymn about prayer.  There is one line in the song that simply states, "Silence is a friend that claims us."  Is silence a friend?  Silence is a balance of making room for God and paying attending to the noise of our soul.  Growth can come when we allow silence to enter regularly in our life.  It is important to reflect, pray, discern in the silence.  Silence and wrestling with the thoughts that consume our minds is not necessarily easy, but can be fruitful to our growth and connection to God and others.  Silence enables us to step out of the pace of daily life that often time seems faster than we can keep up with each day.

Scripture says it powerfully and concise, "Be still and know that I am God."  I am thankful for the silent spaces of our communal worship.  I am thankful for the silent moments I create for myself each week.  In a world filled with noise and activity, our soul truly needs the friendship of silence from time to time.

Grace and Peace,

Rev. Chris Wilson