Silence...

   Once when I was in college I went to a class. I sat down and waited for class to begin. The professor came in, put his books down, stood behind the desk, and looked at us. The class quieted down and looked at the professor after about a minute of talking. The professor just looked at us and smiled. After a while people began to look around. Some people started to giggle. Others kept looking at the clock. The professor kept smiling at us and was still quiet. 
   I just sat there thinking what is our professor up to? Then I figured it out but I didn't want to ruin the surprise for anyone else. Just like I don't want to ruin the surprise for you, yet. 
   Another time I was at work at Jimmy John's. One of the managers had a tendency to call group meetings, especially when she was stressed. She called us over one day when another manager, named Betty, was also working. We all went over and the manager said, "team meeting." Then she was quiet. All of us were quiet as well, all of us except Betty. Betty said, "what's going on? Why isn't anyone talking?" Betty continued to talk and giggle.

   Why did the class and Betty giggle? It is because they thought something was odd: silence. Why is it that we do not like silence? Is it because we like to talk? Is it because we live in a loud world? I do not know but I know there are people who need noise no matter what. Yet, in the Bible we are told we should have silence and solitude. Matthew 6:6 says "But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you." 
   Why will we be rewarded if we go into our rooms and shut the door? First off we are to humble ourselves instead of trying to make ourselves look good in front of others. Second, we are having a conversation with God. You may be saying, "I don't hear God when I pray." Well how do you pray? 
   Prayer is a conversation. That means that 2 people must be involved at least. Most of the time when we pray we do all of the talking. If you were out with a friend and your friend did all of the talking and did not give you a chance to talk, would you try to even say something to that person? God wants to talk with us. I'm not saying that you will audibly hear God. You may have a thought that comes from him, a friend may relay a message to you from him, or you may see something that comes from him. God does speak... but sometimes we are not listening. That's why we need to have silence and solitude. We must spend time with God just like we would any other friend. 
   So, does silence scare you? Do you ever have quiet time with God? If you don't, what can you do to spend more time with him?

   Matthew 6:6, Luke 6:12

   Image found here.