Ruth Haley Barton wrote a book titled, “Invitation to Solitude and Silence;” an invitation to a deeper intimacy with our heavenly Father. I read the book a couple of years ago and appreciated the focus. Recently I have been reflecting on that idea of “Solitude and Silence.” We live in a busy, noisy world and it seems that most of the people I meet have difficulty with both solitude and silence. I have sometimes found myself a bit critical of those who needed to fill their days with noise.
I find that I do not mind solitude - I enjoy my early morning runs – alone. I can work with no one around. I really don’t mind silence. I don’t run with an I-Pod and I rarely have music playing in my office. I enjoy the quiet. However, solitude and silence do not guarantee intimacy or even a connection with God.
Connection and intimacy with our heavenly Father requires intentionality. It doesn’t just happen. Even though we are in a place of solitude and there is no noise, the noise in our minds can be so loud it is impossible to hear the voice of God. Noise from things left undone; noise from unresolved strained relationships – the “silent” conversations can be incredibly loud; the noise of hurtful remarks or an unjust decision. It requires effort to push those sounds – those voices – aside in order to hear the whispers of God.
I leave Friday morning for a personal prayer retreat – to spend time over the week-end in some solitude and silence. I am looking for rest from the regular noises; time alone to pray; time away from questions about ministry or marriages, strategies and problems; a time to simply connect and draw close to my Father.
