There is a lot of noise in our life. Everywhere we go, we are bombarded with noise: cell phone chirps and rings, music coming from radios and speakers, TVs and monitors blaring the latest talk show or news program, and the list goes on. In an effort to “stay connected” we are never devoid of noise.
Yet silence is necessary. It helps us to focus. It gives us time to think. It makes us pause. In 1952, composer John Cage wrote a piece of music entitled 4’33” (four minutes, thirty-three seconds) in which the performer remains silent for four minutes and thirty-three seconds. But the performance is far from silent as the audience becomes aware of ambient noise (air conditioning, coughs from the audience, whispers, traffic, etc.). The piece invites both performer and listener to be introspective. Of course, for those who don’t know what the piece is about, the silence is uncomfortable. People shift in their chairs. They want some kind of noise to interrupt their thoughts.
The same thing happens in church. When the priest pauses for more than ten seconds, people become disturbed. They want music, words, something, anything—because the silence becomes unbearable. We are so used to the noise of everyday life that when it is gone we become irritated. Yet we need to be silent in order to hear the voice of the shepherd.
God speaks to us in whispers. God speaks to us in the silence of our hearts. If our lives are continually filled up with noise, we may miss what God is saying to us. Sheep hear the voice of the shepherd; but if they become distracted by other sights or sounds, they may wander away. If we allow the noise of the world to occupy our thoughts, we too run the risk of wandering away from God.
Here’s some suggestions: 1. Schedule some “silent time” every day. Perhaps you may want to go into your yard or take a walk and commune in nature or simply sit in a chair. 2. Turn off the phone, the TV, the radio. Don’t listen to music. Simply sit in silence. 3. Try to ignore the ambient noise: ticking clocks, birds twittering, ambulance sirens, etc. 4. Begin by asking the Lord to open your heart, that you may more intently listen to his voice. 5. Control your breathing—inhale while praying the words, “Lord Jesus Christ Son of the living God” then exhale and pray the words, “have mercy on me a sinner.” 6. Repeat this several times. As you enter into this mantra, let the Lord speak to you and listen intently. 7. See what happens.
The length of time does not matter. Start with 5 minutes and gradually increase the amount of time. You will be surprised at the changes silence makes in your life. Allow yourself the luxury to hear the voice of the Good Shepherd in order to become more like him so that we might have life and have it more abundantly.