If silence is indeed golden, then most of us are poverty-stricken.

Our lives are full and running over with audible stimulation. Most of the sounds that travel the neuro-highway from our cochlea to our brain insert themselves into our lives without our permission, often drowning out the more pleasant sounds we would rather here.

The cacophony of noises that we hear stands as evidence of our crowded lives, busy schedules, and high-pressure routines. From the annoying sound of the 5:00 a.m. alarm to the anchor’s sign-off on the evening news, sounds invade every moment of our days.

But what of solitude and silence? Although God created us as people in need of fellowship, He also placed within us the need to withdraw and listen. Even Jesus needed time to withdraw and refocus himself. Here are a few examples.

Mark 1:35 – Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.

Mark 6:46 – And when He had sent them away, He departed to the mountain to pray.

Luke 4:42 – Now when it was day, He departed and went into a deserted place.

John 6:15 – Therefore when Jesus perceived that they were about to come and take Him by force to make Him king, He departed again to the mountain by Himself alone.

We fill our lives so full that we leave little time, or no time at all, to withdraw and be quiet with God. We find ourselves weak because we neglect times of silence and solitude.

For thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: “In returning and rest you shall be saved; In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” But you would not. – Isaiah 30:15

We cannot go and go and go without ever stopping. So, log off the computer, turn off the cell phone, hide the TV remote, and leave the iPad on the table for a few minutes each day. Be still and quiet before the Lord. Shut everything down and reduce your existence to nothing but you and God. You cannot afford NOT TO do it.

Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. – Psalm 4:4

He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. – Psalm 23:2

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! – Psalm 46:10