SILENCE

I've been out for a few days because our team of pastors was at a Silent Prayer Retreat up north.  Two full days of spending time with God without saying a word to each other or anybody else.

I wasn't sure we could do it, but we did.

When we encounter the awesome power of God - in creation, for instance - all we can do is be silent. It's the only appropriate reaction.  Anything you say out loud ruins it.

We do that at other times in our lives that are special and yet far less momentous in the big picture than what God has done.

'What have we missed by being so busy - so noisy - so full?'

I remember the ending of Schindler's List at the movie theater.  People sat there in stone cold silence after the movie had finished.  Nobody moved for the longest time.  Silence.

I've walked thru the grounds of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C.  So quiet, even with hundreds of people milling about.  Same with the Sistine Chapel in The Vatican.  

When we've been the recipient of a super-compassionate act of mercy, we are silenced.  When they lay that first baby on your chest, fresh out of the womb, there isn't anything to say but look on in awe.

Sometimes silence is the only right response.

Revelation 8:1 says that 'Heaven fell silent for about half an hour.'  When was the last time any of us remained completely silent even that long -- unless we were napping?

What have we missed by being so busy - so noisy - so full?  Could we have missed experiencing the amazing presence of God in our lives?  Could we have missed His voice trying to speak to us?

"I wait quietly before God ... He alone is my rock and salvation ... "  (Psalm 62:1, 2)

"God's promise of entering His rest still stands ... "  (Hebrews 4:1)

"Be still and know that I am God."  (Psalm 46:10)

And be blessed.