Silence Is Golden - Crosswalk the Devotional - May 22
Silence is Golden
by Ryan Duncan
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. – Psalms 37:7
Recently, while vacationing in Ireland, I managed to visit an old monastery in a place called Glendalough. According to legend, the monastery was originally founded by Saint Kevin, a 6th century priest renowned for his wisdom and piety. Kevin’s fame as Holy had begun to interfere with his Christian walk, so he withdrew to Glendalough in order to pray and meditate in peace. The small monastery was built later by disciples who followed him, hoping the secluded valley would allow them to pray to God without distraction. Tucked away in a small valley, surrounded by mountains and a tiny lake, the silence in Glendalough was almost palpable.
It didn’t strike me until later how unfamiliar that silence was. After all, we live in a world that is filled with distractions: iPads, iPods, TV, Internet, movies... there are so many things demanding our time and attention, often at the expense of our time with Christ. Saint Kevin knew the value of silence, just like Christ,
Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. – Luke 5:15-16
Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, "Pray that you will not fall into temptation." – Luke 22:39
After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. –Matthew 17:1
The world is filled with so much noise, so much distraction, how often do we really get the chance to listen to God? I don’t know about you, but this is something I struggle with on a daily basis. Don’t allow the toys of this world to distract you from your Heavenly Father. Instead, the next time you pray, turn off your cell phone and find a place far away from your computer. Pray to God in the silence and listen to his reply.
Intersecting Faith and Life: When was the last time you found a quiet place to be with God? Take an hour to unplug from the world and spend time with Christ.
Further Reading
Matthew 4
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