Gò0dNews for Kids
Silence
W
by Eliza McNelly
hat do you hear? Take a moment and say
sailboat for a deserted spot” (Mark 6:31-32). Although the
the things you’re listening to right now. It
Bible doesn’t explicitly say this was a “silent” spot, Jesus
could be rain, the TV in the other room, the
was leading them 1) away from the loud crowds and 2) to
conversation your siblings are having right beside you, or
a place where they wouldn’t have to be constantly talking
a number of other things. It’s hard to find a moment when
and ministering. You know who else needs rest? You do!
we aren’t listening to something, whether intentionally or
Take some moments in silence to rest from both listening
not. Either we’re seeking out noise—earbuds in, listening
and talking.
to music or Netflix—or the noise is finding us—the traffic as we walk down the street, the bustle of the grocery store.
2. Silence connects us to God. In Psalm 46:10, the writer hears God exclaim, “Surrender your anxiety! Be silent and stop your striving and you will see that I am God.” Often, when God calls us to be still or silent in Scripture, it’s an invitation to stop and think about how magnificent, real, and powerful our God is. When we are silent before God, we can practice giving Him our anxieties in exchange for His peace. 3. Silence helps us think through our words. Proverbs 10:19 says, “When there are many words, transgression and offense are unavoidable, but he who controls his lips and keeps thoughtful silence is wise.” It can be much easier to say the first thing that comes to mind than to be silent, can’t it? We all know what it’s like to be angry at somebody and want to tell them exactly how we feel; however, Proverbs advises us
How often do you find yourself in silence? No noise, just
to wait and be careful with what we say so that we don’t sin
you. Although we may want to fill our eyes and ears with
with our words. Although it takes discipline, it’s so much
something—anything—sometimes, it is a good idea to sit
better to be silent for a short time than to regret our words
in silence. Here are a couple of reasons the Bible gives as to
for a long time.
why silence is valuable: 1. Silence gives us opportunity to rest. You know
No matter how old you are, you can benefit from even just a few minutes of silence. Today, take some time to be
who needed rest? Jesus and His disciples. When Jesus saw
silent, whether you’re resting, connecting with God, or
that His friends were exhausted from their work, He told
thinking through your words.
where you can rest a while.’ They slipped away and left by
8 // March 2020
About The Author
them, “‘Come, let’s take a break and find a secluded place
Eliza McNelly works and serves at City Church in Chattanooga where her husband is the student pastor. She likes her coffee black, her music loud, and her waffles from Waffle House.
