"Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing. Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God--who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly--and it will be given to him." James 1:2-5
I started thinking about the power of silence. I think there are mixed views on how intro/extra-vertedness relates to personality types...but just the same, talking comes easier than silence does for me. If you were to be like me in this sense, consider the power that silence holds. When you want to say something mean, but you hold your tongue or you end up saying something kind. Maybe you could be the most encouraging part of that person's day.
Then going even further, your silence may be the key that God is looking for in your maturity. Silence can be hard and unnatural to us. We have lived for so long accustomed to sound that we miss so much in life, but we would never even know it. It takes so long to even notice if the Holy Spirit leaves because we are so used to the clutter, distractions, noise, and convenience. I write this not from a lofty mountain, but on the level ground alongside my readers. I get distracted and miss God at times. I hate it, but I do.
I just wonder if employing silence at strategic moments in my life will lead to fullness in Christ. Often throughout my life, silence has make me nervous, antsy even. I think partly that I was believing something about my childhood self that I didn't matter or that I would have to try hard to have the attention of others. I've renounced that because it's not true...I have received forgiveness from God for partnering with a lie from the enemy. I don't need to be nervous in silence or with space. I can be comfortable because I am sitting on the Father's lap. I have all I need. Noise adds clutter to the world, Silence brings peace from Heaven. Which do you choose?
I remember when I was in Basic Military Training. It was so foreign not having my phone every second of the day, then I had to adjust to possibly getting a phone call once a week (maybe). I would fall asleep to music or see the bright screen late into the night or hear my alarm vibrate me awake. I got used to a different routine of waking up to the speaker going off at 0445 each morning, physical training shortly after, cleaning the latrine, marching, morale, studying, classes, the BX shopping on Sundays, letter writing in class, finding time for Jesus near midnight... I began to have an internal alarm clock for the things that mattered. I grew accustomed to the silence more than the noise of social media or my phone's alarm clock. When I got to tech school and even back home after everything was finished, I was like a fish out of water. I was so overwhelmed by the world. The simplicity was so calming, but returning to my life felt like utter chaos. I missed my flight because I loved the community, the fight, and who I was with the Lord.
We can't stay in the honeymoon phase with Jesus or a significant other, time keeps moving. Life asks us to keep going with it. I wrestled with this when I returned.
Now nearly three years since I left for training, I am in love with Jesus. I have such a great life. I love my family and friends. I'm so blessed to be working full-time on base. I can write freely and am building my business. Even still, I think I use too many words sometimes. God knows my heart, but I'm often quick to speak and slow to listen. And truth be told there are times to be bold and others when we are to be silent and still. Friend to friend, take the adventure, learn to love & like your own company, and follow the Spirit always.
I wonder if my silence could speak, what would it say?
If the Holy Spirit were to use the silence, what would he say, reveal, or bring clarity to in my life...nation, and the world?
Friend, I encourage you to become comfortable with the noise and the silence. We live in this world and it is important to have the ability to be a vessel for the Lord which involves speaking, discernment, and engagement with the Holy Spirit. Yet, be comfortable with the silence. Listen. Linger with Jesus. It doesn't matter how long it takes. Spend the time.
Ask the Holy Spirit- what would you have the silence say for me by God's will? How would you use silence to bring you glory? Show me how the trinity works together through my silence. Without agenda. This is such an amazing journey and I'm excited for you.
All my love,
Chloe
Comments