SOUL CARE MATTERS:   Silence,   dan o’deens  5.11.2023

When we make time for silence, we can calm our body (senses), mind (thoughts), heart (emotions) and spirit (Imago Dei) which is the ultimate care for our soul (true self).  Learn more about ‘The Soul Paradigm, in my new book, A Healthy You.  The Bible talks a lot about silence and the importance of spending time with no noise, no interruptions. God says:

  • Silence is praise before you O God  Psalm 65:1
  • Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10
  • Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him. Psalm 37:7
  • In repentance and rest is your salvation. In quietness and trust is your strength. Isaiah 30:15

Sometimes I want to scream.  Sometimes I am looking for answers in all the wrong places.   Sometimes the answers are ‘seen’ in the unseen realm.   1 Corinthians 2:7-10 says, “No, the wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God – his plan that was previously hidden, even though he made it for our ultimate glory before the world began…’No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.’ But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit.”

Knowing silence was important to Jesus while he was here on earth, let’s follow his example.  Find a spot where you can be quiet for at least five minutes a day.  Meditate on God’s word and let him speak to you in the silence.  Don’t stop….keep doing this until it becomes part of your life rhythm and becomes a habit in your daily experience.

O that you would be completely silent, and that it would become your wisdom!  Job 13:5

“… the silence holds with its gloved hand the wild hawk of the mind.”  – R. S. Thomas

“We sit silently and watch the world around us. This has taken a lifetime to learn. It seems only the old are able to sit next to one another and not say anything and still feel content. The young, brash and impatient, must always break the silence. It is a waste, for silence is pure. Silence is holy. It draws people together because only those who are comfortable with each other can sit without speaking. This is the great paradox.” – Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook

“I’ve begun to realize that you can listen to silence and learn from it. It has a quality and a dimension all its own.”  – Chaim Potok, The Chosen