The Power of Silence: Finding God in the stillness – Paul Alcorn
Next month, as part of my Formation year, I will be attending a silent retreat. Over the past few weeks, I have been reflecting on why the Director of Formation would require her students to participate in a weekend retreat dedicated to silence.
In today’s world, where noise is constant and busyness is glorified, the idea of sitting in silence can feel almost unnatural. Our schedules are packed with obligations, our minds cluttered with distractions, and our hearts weighed down by the pressures of daily life. Yet, silence is one of the most profound gifts we can give ourselves. It allows us to step back, reflect, and reconnect with what truly matters.
Not long ago, I came across an article by Tim Kreider titled The ‘Busy’ Trap, published in The New York Times back in 2012. His words struck a chord, especially this insight:
“The space and quiet that idleness provides is a necessary condition for standing back from life and seeing it whole, for making unexpected connections and waiting for the wild summer lightning strikes of inspiration – it is, paradoxically, necessary to getting any work done.”
In a world that glorifies hustle culture, this idea feels almost radical. But mental health experts affirm what Kreider so eloquently expressed – silence created by stillness isn’t just restful; it’s essential. It gives our minds a chance to reset, helping us gain clarity, reduce stress, and cultivate mindfulness.
We often think that being constantly busy equates to productivity, but true creativity and meaningful work stem from those quiet moments of reflection. So maybe it’s time we stop wearing “busy” as a badge of honour and start embracing the power of stillness instead.
But silence generated through idleness is not just a tool for mental wellbeing; it is also a gateway to spiritual growth. In stillness, we become more aware of God’s presence. Though God is always with us, the noise of our daily lives often drowns out His voice. We are quick to seek Him in times of trouble, in the words of scripture, or in the company of fellow believers – but how often do we simply sit and listen? How often do we pause and allow His grace to fill our hearts?
The story of Martha and Mary in Luke 10:38-42 offers a beautiful example of this struggle. When Jesus visited their home in Bethany, Martha immediately busied herself with preparations, ensuring that everything was perfect for their guest. She was fulfilling what she saw as her duty – offering hospitality to Jesus. Meanwhile, Mary chose a different path. She sat at Jesus’ feet, listening intently to His words.
Frustrated by her sister’s lack of help, Martha turned to Jesus and asked,
“Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her, then, to help me.”
But Jesus, in His infinite wisdom, gently rebuked her:
“Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things, but few things are needed – indeed only one. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”
Poor Martha! Was she wrong to want to serve Jesus? Absolutely not. But in her focus on service, she missed the most important aspect of His visit – simply being with Him. She was so preoccupied with doing that she forgot the power of being.
How often are we like Martha? We fill our schedules with work, commitments, and endless to-do lists, believing that productivity equates to purpose. But in doing so, we may miss the presence of God in our lives. Perhaps what we need is to take a step back and be like Mary – setting aside time to sit in silence, to listen, and to be fully present with God.
So, how can we incorporate silence into our daily lives? Here are a few simple practices, which I have tried with mixed success over the years:
- Start Small: If silence feels uncomfortable, begin with just a few minutes each day. Find a quiet place, close your eyes, and focus on your breathing. Allow yourself to simply be.
- Limit Distractions: Turn off notifications, step away from screens, and create a space free from interruptions. Silence is most effective when we eliminate external noise.
- Embrace Solitude: Take walks without music or podcasts. Drive without the radio on. These small moments of quiet can help cultivate a deeper awareness of God’s presence.
- Reflect on Scripture: Spend time reading a passage from the Bible slowly and thoughtfully. Instead of rushing though, pause to meditate on its meaning, pray about how it applies to your life, and sit in silence, allowing God’s word to resonate in your heart.
- Schedule Silence: Just as we schedule work meetings and social events, we must also prioritise time for silence. Whether it’s in the morning before the day begins or at night before bed, make space for stillness.
As we navigate the busyness of life, let us not forget the importance of simply being. Silence is not a luxury; it is a necessity. It is in the quiet moments that we gain clarity, find peace, and draw closer to God.
Just as Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen, may we also choose the better part—a life attuned to God’s presence, nourished by His grace, and enriched by the power of stillness.
Let us not be so distracted by doing that we forget the beauty of being. In silence, we do not simply escape the noise; we enter the sacred space where God’s voice can be heard most clearly.
Grace and peace,
Paul