"A great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then the voice of the LORD spoke to him." -- 1 Kings 19:11-13
It's possible to be alone and yet not lonely. Western culture equates noise with productivity. Factories are loud; construction is loud; airports are loud; and on and on. Silence too, however, can be productive. Noise is a sign of production externally. Silence is a sign of production inwardly.
The quieter we can make ourselves, the more clearly God can speak to our spirits. God's thoughts are constantly flowing through us, but often we push them aside in preference of noise. We are addicted to noise. Ipods, televisions, radios, and cell phones, anything that can distract us from the silence. We love distraction. Noise is spiritual junk food. It satisfies for only the moment and has no lasting value.
Spend time with silence. Make solitude your friend. God wants you to hear and understand his thoughts, but you must empty yourself of all other distractions. We often perceive silence as our enemy. This is because silence allows us to feel the true emotions trying to escape from our wounded souls. Rather than running from silence, run to it. Embrace solitude for a season, and allow yourself to feel your feelings. Feel your pain in order for it to run its course.
Use solitude as a tool for healing. Seek after silence even if only for a moment each day. Better yet, spend a day or weekend in silence and meditation. Experience your wounded emotions and then allow God to replace them with his love, joy, and peace.
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