Solitude and Silence Are Not Immediately Satisfying
"I said, "I will guard my ways that I may not sin with my tongue; I will keep a muzzle on my mouth as long as the wicked are in my presence." I was silent and still; I held my peace to no avail; my distress grew worse, my heart became hot within me. While I mused, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue:" Psalms 39:1-3 NRSV
The Psalmist knew first hand the practice of solitude and silence. "I will keep a muzzle on my mouth" provides us with beautiful imagery of the Psalmist's pursuit of silence and the anguish it often brought with it.
"It (solitude and silence) is not an easy place to be, since we are so insecure and fearful that we are easily distracted by whatever promises immediate satisfaction. Solitude is not immediately satisfying, because in solitude we meet our demons, our addictions, our feelings of lust and anger, and our immense need for recognition and approval."(1)
But if we can fight back against the temptation towards immediate satisfaction. No matter how distressing solitude and silence initially feels, if we will sit in this place long enough - we will hear the words of Jesus "Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid (Matthew 14:27).”
Be encouraged, follower of Jesus, just keep showing up to solitude and silence, and the light will soon push back the darkness.
Notes:
(1) Henri Nouwen, Bread for the Journey: A Daybook of Wisdom and Faith (New York, NY, HarperCollins Publishers, 1997)
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