As the sun sinks behind the jagged cliffs of the Devil’s Backbone (Shades State Park in Indiana), the forest around falls into an eerie stillness. The only sound is the rustling of the leaves, which suddenly feels more like whispers, as if the trees themselves are gossiping in hushed tones. The darkness presses in, and shadows stretch across the trail like long, gnarled fingers, beckoning you deeper into the woods. Now you begin to hear the sounds of the Devil’s backbone!
Every snap of a twig, every rustle of underbrush, makes your heart race. Was that a deer, or something… else? The wind sighs through the trees, and for a brief moment, you swear you hear something… or someone… breathing right behind you. The campfire flickers and crackles, casting long, dancing shadows on the rocks that seem to loom with ancient secrets.
Yet, despite the tension in the air, there’s an undeniable thrill! A wild, exhilarating mix of fear and fun, knowing that you’re surrounded by untold stories in the haunting beauty of the Devil’s Backbone, and fortunately, five other close friends who made the trip with you.
The Imagination Runs Wild in the Quietness
There are many reasons people fear the quiet. The silence at night is scary enough, but the fear of silence at any time can be haunting. Somehow, your mind starts imagining things that aren’t even there.
There is an uneasiness about the silence.
There’s something about silence that can make us uneasy. For many, the idea of solitude or stillness is intimidating, often accompanied by a sense of uncertainty. We wonder if we’re doing it wrong, if God is listening, or worse—what if He doesn’t speak to us at all?
So, in all of this, how in the world does one hear the voice of God?
Trust
It all starts with a relationship with God. Relationships are built on trust. Trust is built on competence, reliability, consistency, and predictability. I would say those key factors (competence, reliability, consistency, and predictability), all characteristics of God, make it pretty easy to trust Him. Or at least it should, right?
In our fast-paced world, where distractions are constant, it can be difficult to find a space for quiet moments. But solitude isn’t about “doing” it right. It’s about being still and open to hearing God.
Psalm 46:10 AMP
“Be still and know (recognize, understand) that I am God.
Peterson, in the Message Bible, says it this way, “Step out of the traffic!”
Is That You, God?
But I think that is exactly the issue. Most do not want to slow down enough to possibly hear from God. Why? Because…
- I will feel unworthy.
- or incapable of hearing from Him. I’m not sure I am close enough to God to hear Him speak to me.
- I am too busy.
- I need to stay productive and check off tasks. The idea of slowing down can feel like a luxury I can’t afford.
- What if He doesn’t speak to me?
- I feel unworthy or incapable of hearing from Him. My relationship with God isn’t as strong as others I know. And, I am not even sure God speaks to people today.
- I feel lonely, anxious, and even guilty at times
- I fear what might come up in my heart during moments of stillness. I feel I have unresolved emotions, sins, and/or difficult thoughts.
- I have racing thoughts and internal noise.
- It’s hard to concentrate and tune into what God may be trying to say, leaving me frustrated and distracted.
- God will make me do something I don’t like.
- I am not ready to change my life, my relationships, habits, or beliefs. The thought of change can be overwhelming.
When we enter moments of silence to listen, we often feel unsure. Our thoughts race, and we start doubting if God is there at all. But it’s in these moments of uncertainty that God is closest, drawing us into His presence in a way words or noise never could.
I Kings 19:11-12 MSG
Then he was told, “Go, stand on the mountain at attention before God. God will pass by.”
A hurricane wind ripped through the mountains and shattered the rocks before God, but God wasn’t to be found in the wind; after the wind an earthquake, but God wasn’t in the earthquake; and after the earthquake fire, but God wasn’t in the fire; and after the fire a gentle and quiet whisper.
God Is Perfect – Not Us
Remember, God doesn’t need our perfection.
I’m not waiting for you to get it “right.”
-God
He simply asks us to trust Him, to give Him space to speak, even if His voice isn’t immediately heard. When we quiet ourselves, we create room for Him to shape our hearts and strengthen our faith, even in the silence.
If you’re feeling unsure about solitude or listening for God’s voice, rest assured that you are not alone. God’s invitation is not to perform or measure up. It’s to trust, be still, and let Him work in the quiet. As you enter these moments of solitude, take a deep breath and release the pressure to get it right. Just listen, just be.
Jesus We Love You – Silent Night…
Challenge of the Week
This week, find just one day and take 10 minutes…okay, just 5 minutes. No phone, no music, no noise. Find a quiet place. Get the clutter out of your mind. And just be. Just be with God. You don’t need to say a thing. But just listen. So be it.
Prayer: Lord, help me to quiet my heart and trust in Your timing. I may not always hear Your voice, but I trust that You are with me in every moment of stillness. Give me the confidence to know that even in silence, You are at work. Amen.
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