To the widow or widower, silence becomes the sound of loneliness, the voice of vast open space deprived of every form of life. It is the cruel neglect of the heart and mind’s passion for auditory stimulation, that fosters feelings of captivity to one’s self.
To the busy soccer Mom who has spent the whole afternoon on the baseline listening to the cheers and jeers of opposing teams and their sometimes anxious, sometimes jubilant fans, silence is the welcomed sound of peace on the battlefield.
To the worshipper, silence is like the aura of their inner sanctuary. It is the welcomed sound—or soundlessness—of fellowship with God in the throne room of their tranquil heart.
Most of us can relate to the silence that accompanies loneliness, and the welcomed silence that we anticipate at the end of a noisy day, but perhaps few have discovered the joys of meeting God in the quietness of their heart, their inner sanctuary. Like the seafarer, we must learn to long for that haven of rest: “They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits’ end. Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses. He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven. Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! (Psalm 107:27-31)”
Yours could be the testimony of the hymn writer, “My soul in sad exile was out on life’s sea, So burdened with sin, and distressed, Till I heard a sweet voice saying, ‘Make Me your choice,’ And I entered the haven of rest.” And his resolve can be yours as well: “I’ve anchored my soul in the haven of rest, I’ll sail the wide seas no more; The tempest may sweep o’er the wild stormy deep, In Jesus I’m safe evermore.” He is waiting for you in the silence of your heart. “O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. (Psalm 34:8)”