Religion column: God's voice can be found in silence

"Be still and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth" (Psalm 46:10, KJV).

Many voices compete for our attention. The demands of employment, family obligations and other activities seldom leave a quiet time in our busy schedules. Finding a quiet time is important for our bodies and souls. Let's get alone with God and keep silent.

After all, life can only be lived one day at a time. We can only wear one thing at a time. We can only accomplish a task one at a time and it takes some silence.

The business of the day has a way of dominating the mind at bedtime and deprives sleep. Silence will calm the mind and restore inner peace.

Listen to the story of how Elijah found the voice of God: "And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice" (1 Kings 19:11-12, KJV).

I cannot hear God's voice unless I relax and keep silent. Neither can I find peace or comfort unless I keep silent before God.

Great productivity arises from keeping silence before God in prayerful meditation. Quiet before God brings peace.

There is a time, however, to be vocal. Certainly a voice needs to be heard in objecting to prejudice, unfairness and mistreatment of our fellow man. Remaining silent where sin prevails is exhibiting approval. Legalizing sin does not make it harmless. Our voice surely should be heard in defense of human rights and freedom.

Keeping silence is a virtue and affects physical health. Noise pollution has been known to destroy hearing.

I often see signs in doctors' offices that say "Relax." That is humorous to me because it's hard for me to relax in a doctor's office, but keeping silence and focusing on "The Great Physician" soothes the soul and calms the mind in any circumstance. Whoever said, "silence is golden" realized a great truth. Wrong words hastily spoken can cause many wounds. Words carefully chosen bring harmony.

I complained to a preacher one time that I never did hear the voice of God. He replied, "No wonder, you talk too much." He was right.

I am specifically designating quiet time before God to maintain balance in a restless world.

Find a quiet place in your busy day. Focus your mind on God and let his peace minister to you. Keep silence before him. You will find a treasure. It's another beautiful gift.

"Be still, and know that I am God."

Portales resident Joan Clayton is a retired teacher and published author. Her e-mail address is: [email protected]