The importance of silence and solitude (Full Version)

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Liveloved -> The importance of silence and solitude (7/9/2008 2:46:04 PM)

I came across this quote from Mother Teresa of Calcutta that I thought others might appreciate hearing and responding to.

We need to find God, and He cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature---trees, flowers, grass---grow in silence; see the stars, the moon and sun; how they move in silence. . . the more we receive in silent prayer, the more we can give in our active life. We need silence to be able to touch souls. The essential thing is not what we say, but what God says to us and through us. All our words will be useless unless they come from within---words which do not give the light of Christ increase the darkness.

So how are you doing in making room for silence and solitude?



Calea37 -> RE: The importance of silence and solitude (7/9/2008 4:38:05 PM)

I love my quiet times! My favorite is first thing in the morning when I can just sit in the quiet and pray, meditate, etc...

I have been reading a book that talks about how rushed and busy our society is now with all of the multi-tasking and things that we are "doing" constantly. The saddest part is that we often feel GUILTY for just taking time to sit in quiet, but it really is so important!

Zephaniah 3:17 "The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."

Thanks for the reminder that it is not only ok to quiet ourselves, but also essential!!



Little_1 -> RE: The importance of silence and solitude (7/9/2008 4:51:13 PM)

God tells us: "Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 47:10). There is definitely a time for quietness and stillness before God in the Christian walk, i.e. a time to refrain from activity and wait upon God.

Many people are afraid of the 3 S's:
'Stillness', 'Silence' and 'Solitude' and have to have a radio, CD player or television on - even if it is for background noise only - just anything to block out the silence! I know many non-Christians who are like this. Stillness and quietness unsettles them a lot.

I often have my quiet time early in the morning when the house is still and quiet or even later in the evening (when everyone has gone to bed) for this same reason. I cannot meditate on God's Word when it is noisy. I like my daily appointments with silence and solitude before God and I really appreciate having the opportunities for such.



SinnerSaved -> RE: The importance of silence and solitude (7/9/2008 5:10:33 PM)

1 Kings 19:11-12

And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.



SinnerSaved -> RE: The importance of silence and solitude (7/9/2008 5:17:21 PM)

My point, of course, is that we need the silence and solitude in order to hear the still small voice...



Liveloved -> RE: The importance of silence and solitude (7/9/2008 7:04:22 PM)

Thank you all for confirming YOUR need for silence and solitude. As a reformed busy person, God has made me a person who thrives in silence and solitude. What a wonderful Lord we have. There is no greater pleasure in my life than taking my cup of coffee, Bible, journal and pencil to the front porch to spend time with the Lord. What do I do? others ask. Even those of us who know that this is so vital, life itself, wonder at times. . . what do I do? I sit. I listen. I read. I commune. I speak to Him about what He is doing. And I enter into all of that. . . of Him.

What do I do?

The busy world does not understand. He does.



SonInMe1 -> RE: The importance of silence and solitude (7/9/2008 8:31:51 PM)

I read a Louis Lamore noveil once that addressed this issue...

A seasoned trapper took on a tenderfoot. They were out in the wilderness for a long time. An old friend of the trapper's came by. The young man, who had not seen anyone but his older friend in months was talking up a storm.

When the friend left the younger man asked the older man why his friend said so few words. He replied....Yep thats right, but when he does say something, listen because it will be important.

Too many people talk too much. If you eliminate gossip and non-edifying remarks, course joking and selfish sentiments, there really isn;t that much to say. I see people with cell phones in their ears almost constantly.

What do they have to say for an hour and a half?



Walker311 -> RE: The importance of silence and solitude (7/9/2008 11:24:55 PM)

quote:

We need to find God, and He cannot be found in noise and restlessness.


I don't think so! I watched the penguin movie. Even in the midst of thousands of squaking male penguins protecting the baby between their legs (in subfreezing cold), the mother can find her baby and her mate.

In this world of noise pollution, we can miraculously connect with God and find spiritual sustenance.



FROGkissin -> RE: The importance of silence and solitude (7/10/2008 2:25:23 AM)

It has been my personal experience that God's voice can reach me in all circumstances. It is in the stillness, however, that (among other things) we find rest with the Spirit of God. There is much to be gained from the concept of Sabbath. I mean spiritually catching our breath in the midst of the chaos of humanity.



Liveloved -> RE: The importance of silence and solitude (7/10/2008 4:26:06 AM)

I don't disagree with either of you, Walker and FROGkissin, that we can connect with God in the midst of any and every circumstance. We can. And I'm sure we're all thankful that we can because alot of life can be noise and busyness.

But Mother Teresa is speaking of finding God in the way where our soul is nourished and satisfied with Him. And she is saying that this requires coming apart, stilling the noise without and within, to drink in the Living Water.

Even Jesus had to spend this time apart with the Father. There was something very necessary in what He demonstrated for us.

Anyway, those are my thoughts.



conrack50 -> RE: The importance of silence and solitude (7/10/2008 4:51:21 AM)

My first real activities is spending time with the Lord every morning and listening to soaking.net at the same time.
The internet has become my study guide with the Lord's help.
My devotionals are here, also the forums.
I have found that in the few times I had something drastic happen(once there was no coffee in coffee maker---made hot water..DUH) I seemed to be misplaced all day long.
When the sun rises, I'm in my swing with my bible and journal thanking the Lord for the birds singing, his skies, his clouds, his trees and even his hummingbirds.

I have gained so much knowledge about the Lord on the net.
I can't thank the Lord enough for Crosswalk and the other sites I visit.

I give you all the honor, praise & glory that you so richly deserve Lord.
Without you I am nothing and I'm not going back to nothing!
In Jesus name, Amen

Connie Lou



deliveredarling -> RE: The importance of silence and solitude (7/10/2008 9:14:00 AM)

Oh the silence! I absolutely love it! To be alone...... in a word-awesome.
My life prior to becoming sold out, was terribly, terribly chaotic. Total busyness, focus on everything that was not of God. Anything that would keep me from the silence and keep the chaos going. Fear was in the silence. Fear of having to see who and what I really was. Fear of the Unknown. The more sober I got, the fear actually increased! I couldn't stand it. I was covered in shame, blame and guilt. When I became able to look into the mirror, I became able to turn to my Father. I was along time before I could be still and know that He is God. During the silence, I came to know His love for me. I gave Him the sins of my past. In the silence I surrendered. In the silence He gave me new life! He speaks to me anywhere I go, but it is in the silence and solitude that I relish Him and feel the closest. How important is it? For me, It is a daily requirement, sometimes more than once, especially when the whirlwind of life starts turning. I need the silence and solitude to stop and focus on Him to give me the solution or at least the next step.



Liveloved -> RE: The importance of silence and solitude (7/10/2008 11:21:34 AM)

quote:

I have found that in the few times I had something drastic happen(once there was no coffee in coffee maker---made hot water..DUH) I seemed to be misplaced all day long.


Oh, Connie, you're my sister indeed! About a month ago we had a power outage. It was a brown out. You could get low level light/power but nothing that took lots of energy (like the pot that heats my water for my coffee press). I was lost.[sm=smile-l.gif]

I called my 96 year old neighbor to find out if she was having power problems. And I lamented not being able to make my coffee. Her words of wisdom were, "Go to Kwik Trip and buy yourself a cup of coffee!" HA
Me, the spoiled cheapskate, never buys a cup of coffee. . . so never even thought of the possibility of going out and getting it!

Anyway, after she told me how to solve my problem, I remembered our local food coop sells coffee and they had the exact kind I'd have been brewing at home. So I went there and got my coffee.[:)]

But it took my 96 year old neighbor to help me. And then it really never seemed like the day was right. My time with the Lord was disturbed by the change and it seems you can't go back and recapture quiet time. Once it's gone, it seems to be irretrivably lost.

Thanks for sharing your life with us!



Liveloved -> RE: The importance of silence and solitude (7/10/2008 11:27:54 AM)

quote:

Fear was in the silence. Fear of having to see who and what I really was. Fear of the Unknown.


You're speaking true words, DD. I think what you found to be true, lived and are sharing IS exactly the reason so many do not come to the quiet. It is fear based indeed. In the light we can not hide. We are exposed. We see ourselves just as Isaiah saw himself and knew what a wretched man he was. But it is then and only then that we can truly see and know God. But Perfect Love casts out fear. He has for you. He has for me. He will for anyone who comes to Him. Thanks for sharing your story and your love of silence! Bless you, DD![:)]



Little_1 -> RE: The importance of silence and solitude (8/30/2008 11:04:25 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Liveloved

I came across this quote from Mother Teresa of Calcutta that I thought others might appreciate hearing and responding to.

We need to find God, and He cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature---trees, flowers, grass---grow in silence; see the stars, the moon and sun; how they move in silence. . . the more we receive in silent prayer, the more we can give in our active life. We need silence to be able to touch souls. The essential thing is not what we say, but what God says to us and through us. All our words will be useless unless they come from within---words which do not give the light of Christ increase the darkness.

So how are you doing in making room for silence and solitude?


Stillness, Silence and Solitude are 'S' ential for growth [:D]

Good thread and one which God brought me back to this week. Thanks LL



PastorPatricia -> RE: The importance of silence and solitude (8/30/2008 12:33:52 PM)

I love quiet and solitude but it's been really hard to find this summer, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren (I must be really old - just 65 and feel 25) I'm looking forward to school starting and everyone back into a routine which doesn't include coming to the lake to stay with grandma and grandpa. I love my family but I do miss the opportunity to sit in the silence of the lake and forest and soak in God's peace. I find my sermons come easier and are more effective when I can sit and learn from the Lord.
Wishing you all a quiet peaceful fall!



Liveloved -> RE: The importance of silence and solitude (8/30/2008 3:31:19 PM)

quote:

Stillness, Silence and Solitude are 'S' ential for growth

Good thread and one which God brought me back to this week. Thanks LL


You're welcome, Little_1! I've been needing/craving my 's's this week. Things have been happening that have disturbed my times of 's' and so yesterday I spent much time there. And then people 'dropped in' most of the afternoon. I am thankful the Lord gives me what I need when I need it.[:)]

BTW, how do you 'resurrect' an old thread? Seems like a Jesus thing . . .

and real58, are you training your grandchildren in quiet? I'm 53 so beyond parenting and not yet grandparenting but many friends insist thei little ones have times of quiet as well. Learning to still themselves is a very important lesson for children as well. Many have an hour of quiet/no talking alone time in their rooms with the door shut. Anyway, just a suggestion for the future. And I just visited with one of the moms and she said her little ones miss it when their schedules are disturbed as well. That was very encouraging for her to hear them acknowledge their need for quiet. Bless ya and happy fall back![:)] LL



Little_1 -> RE: The importance of silence and solitude (8/30/2008 5:04:28 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Liveloved

quote:

Stillness, Silence and Solitude are 'S' ential for growth

Good thread and one which God brought me back to this week. Thanks LL


You're welcome, Little_1! I've been needing/craving my 's's this week. Things have been happening that have disturbed my times of 's' and so yesterday I spent much time there. And then people 'dropped in' most of the afternoon. I am thankful the Lord gives me what I need when I need it.[:)]

BTW, how do you 'resurrect' an old thread? Seems like a Jesus thing . . .


I was looking back to find a thread about the difference between faith and trust and I came across this thread in the process. Because the Lord had challenged me to spend more time with Him this past week, I thought this thread seemed so appropriate to read.

I was so exhausted after a difficult previous 2 weeks that I needed to draw aside and rest a while in the Lord's presence (quite apart from my normal day-to-day activities) and spend more time with the Lord to examine my life before Him as well as gain strength.



slimon11 -> RE: The importance of silence and solitude (8/31/2008 1:05:07 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Liveloved

I came across this quote from Mother Teresa of Calcutta that I thought others might appreciate hearing and responding to.

We need to find God, and He cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature---trees, flowers, grass---grow in silence; see the stars, the moon and sun; how they move in silence. . . the more we receive in silent prayer, the more we can give in our active life. We need silence to be able to touch souls. The essential thing is not what we say, but what God says to us and through us. All our words will be useless unless they come from within---words which do not give the light of Christ increase the darkness.

So how are you doing in making room for silence and solitude?

What a beautiful quote Liveloved. This thread is encouragement to those of us who are quite, maybe loners, in real life. I sometimes think, I should be doing more, talking about God more but, then again I wouldn’t know Him so well without my quite times where I can be alone with Him. Thank you!



Liveloved -> RE: The importance of silence and solitude (8/31/2008 8:14:04 PM)

quote:

I was looking back to find a thread about the difference between faith and trust and I came across this thread in the process. Because the Lord had challenged me to spend more time with Him this past week, I thought this thread seemed so appropriate to read.


But where did you find it? When I look back at 'old' threads, there are only a limited number (two pages?). Are there archives somewhere that we can access? or was this thread recent enough to be on the two pages?



Little_1 -> RE: The importance of silence and solitude (9/1/2008 1:19:16 PM)

At the top right hand side of each particular forum page there is a bit which says: "Display topics from last:" - if you click on the arrow and use the drop down pick list, it lets you choose from 30 days, 90 days, etc

Hope this works.



Liveloved -> RE: The importance of silence and solitude (9/1/2008 11:28:39 PM)

quote:

At the top right hand side of each particular forum page there is a bit which says: "Display topics from last:" - if you click on the arrow and use the drop down pick list, it lets you choose from 30 days, 90 days, etc

Hope this works.


Cool. Thank you, Little_1. I am not much of a computer person and I don't really 'mess with things' I don't understand so had never noticed I could do that. Anyway, thanks! LL



Focusing -> RE: The importance of silence and solitude (9/3/2008 3:41:01 PM)

There are seasons where a little bit of time in silence each morning is enough, and He has the rest of my day covered ... an easy dance in perfect rhythm with Him.

Then there are other times, like now, when I'm spending more time in silence seeking after Him ... feeling a bit lost. Not as if I have lost my footing, but life and memories and the unknown of the future are all swirling around in my mind ... and I ask God, "What is it? Where are You leading me? Which way am I suppose to turn?"

The silence and solitude are so important ... but what do you do when you feel at such a loss as to which way to go and you don't seem to hear what God is telling you?

I'm listening, but I'm not hearing Him. [&o]



Liveloved -> RE: The importance of silence and solitude (9/3/2008 3:57:36 PM)

You stay in the silence and dance, focusing. Sometimes you're dancing alone. But it is only your awareness that is without Him because He is always with us.


Isaiah asked this same question, "Who is among you that fears the Lord, that obeys the voice of His servant, that walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God.

And that is our answer as well. Trust and rely and wait. . . and I'd add dance. It's a beautiful reminder that our dance partner is just allowing us some time but ALL is well and goodness will be the outcome. Bless ya![:)] LL



Little_1 -> RE: The importance of silence and solitude (9/3/2008 4:38:28 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Focusing

There are seasons where a little bit of time in silence each morning is enough, and He has the rest of my day covered ... an easy dance in perfect rhythm with Him.

Then there are other times, like now, when I'm spending more time in silence seeking after Him ... feeling a bit lost. Not as if I have lost my footing, but life and memories and the unknown of the future are all swirling around in my mind ... and I ask God, "What is it? Where are You leading me? Which way am I suppose to turn?"

The silence and solitude are so important ... but what do you do when you feel at such a loss as to which way to go and you don't seem to hear what God is telling you?

I'm listening, but I'm not hearing Him. [&o]



I thought of the following when I read this post and I hope it will encourage you Focusing:


1 Kings 18: 41-45
41 And Elijah said to Ahab, "Go, eat and drink, for there is the sound of a heavy rain." 42 So Ahab went off to eat and drink, but Elijah climbed to the top of Carmel, bent down to the ground and put his face between his knees.

43 "Go and look toward the sea," he told his servant. And he went up and looked.
"There is nothing there," he said.
Seven times Elijah said, "Go back."

44 The seventh time the servant reported, "A cloud as small as a man's hand is rising from the sea."
So Elijah said, "Go and tell Ahab, 'Hitch up your chariot and go down before the rain stops you.' " 45 Meanwhile, the sky grew black with clouds, the wind rose, a heavy rain came on and Ahab rode off to Jezreel. 46 The power of the LORD came upon Elijah and, tucking his cloak into his belt, he ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel.



It did not look like anything was happening! But Elijah did not allow himself to grow faint-hearted and he perservered in his hope despite negative feedback from his servant! Finally, the answer came - in the form of a tiny cloud at first which got steadier larger and larger until it burst it's contents......

Perhaps like this, the answer is already on the way. Keep looking and listening like Elijah and don't give up - the answer will surely come and when it does I don't doubt that it will unmistakeable. [:)]



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