The Difference Between Being Silent and Being Still is Your Audience

 

Being still and being silent are two different things. Being still is just exactly what God needs us to do when we aren’t listening to him. Being silent is something we may choose instead of reacting right away. Silence is something that may come with grace and mercy. It also happens when we are just plain stupefied . Funny thing, silence. It sometimes tells you absolutely nothing, and sometimes it truly speaks a thousand words. There is something to be said about silence.

Silence as a tool is quite effective. When verbally attacked in any type of message, we have the ability to not respond. When general questions or commitments are asked of a group, not speaking up is an option. When we know our words will not best represent our heart- we can always opt for silence as our response.

Once in a while, it can be used as a way to end a conversation or accusation. When someone doesn’t like something you have said or done, even if it was in truth, they will likely speak up. Knowing we do not have to answer to someone when they are angry is a big relief. When using silence as a tool for self-preservation, we protect ourselves from the consequences of emotional reaction. We also allow ourselves to have some breathing room while we decide our next course of action. Most importantly, we enable ourselves the choice to walk away and just let it go.  No response can be the very best response. It can save you heartache and confusion. By not speaking up during a crisis or heated situation, you may be able to buy yourself some much needed time to think and pray. When emotions run high and passion runs deep, our response to judgements, opinions and blame can be harsh. Responding off the cuff in any of these situations can unravel fast.

No response can be the very best response. It can save you heartache and confusion. By not speaking up during a crisis or heated situation, you may be able to buy yourself some much needed time to think and pray. When emotions run high and passion runs deep, our response to judgements, opinions and blame can be harsh. Responding off the cuff in any of these situations can unravel fast.

It can save you heartache and confusion. By not speaking up during a crisis or heated situation, you may be able to buy yourself some much needed time to think and pray. When emotions run high and passion runs deep, our response to judgements, opinions and blame can be harsh. Responding off the cuff in any of these situations can unravel fast.

By simply being quiet while someone else says their piece, we have the opportunity to listen. When you stop talking you can have your brain listen at 100% instead of preparing a weighty response. You may just be surprised at what you hear. Maybe the person speaking is upset about something else. There may be something going on in their life out of their control. What if their words are the culmination of other things that have gone wrong in their life?

It’s ok to take the silent road. It is acceptable to stand quietly while others create chaos and uncertainty. It is alright to take a moment for yourself to put pieces together and have a clear understanding. In any situation with family, friends or audience, the silent path is a good practice. Silence is proving to be golden after all.

The difference between silence with people and being still with God is your audience.

Being silent solves problems of the people communication variety.

Being still means to stop all action in a situation and just listen and wait for God to move you.

Sometimes, waiting on him is hard. We are a population of people who like to fix things quickly and get things checked off our list. We are so accustomed to running at a high rate of speed when we are asked to come to a stop it can be difficult to obey. Being still is all about obedience. There are a lot of things God can ask of us, this one is super important.

When our heart is in disarray, and our thoughts are scattered, we need to learn how to sit and focus on the things he whispers. There are things we miss by staying so busy with the things of this life. We have a lot of technology and about everything is on demand. Let’s face it, waiting is not our strength.

However, when we are prompted to do just that, we must do it well. Shutting off the technology noise is one way. (GASP, and BREATHE) I know how dependent we are. I have a cell phone with twenty-four-hour access to email, blog, social media and lots of other things I need to make my writing world go around. However, I do take a break from these things to just be still. Here is what being still looks like for me.

No radio, television or computer turned on. The phone plugged in somewhere I cannot hear it, and the  washer and dryer taking a much-needed rest. The windows are open; I am home alone. I sit with a cup of coffee and just relax, relishing in the quiet moment I have worked hard to provide myself. I pray or nod off or just stare into space. I will admit, I do keep a pen and notebook close by, in case something he whispers needs to be recorded. Sometimes he speaks volumes to my heart. Normally there are tears for one reason or another. Once in a while, it is completely silent and I am provided rest.

Being still takes practice. It does not happen naturally the first time you try it. Getting into a habit of taking a moment for yourself to just be still will change your life for the better. Some use it to meditate, some use it to refresh their mind and soul. I use the still moments to reconnect with the father above, in the hopes of keeping myself in sync with the Holy Spirit and the path set before me.