Today’s Scripture
“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” – Luke 5:16
The Spiritual Practice of Silence and Solitude
In a world full of noise—constant notifications, the hum of background chatter, and the pull of social media—it’s easy to forget the importance of silence and solitude as a spiritual practice. I’m an introvert and get easily overwhelmed by too much input and stimulation. A few years ago, I would have told you that I actually crave silence. You know, silence is golden and all that. But I’ve come to realize this isn’t accurate for me. What I crave rather than silence is actually the noise of my choosing. I don’t necessarily want silence, I want to binge my favorite Netflix show in peace. I don’t actually want solitude, I want to be with the people I choose. I even sleep with a noisemaker at night because the silence of a room can seem deafening. What an interesting juxtaposition.
But silence and solitude as spiritual practices are actually less about our physical space (though it’s an important component) as they are about the posture of our souls. Generally, many of us are likely uncomfortable with these practices.
Our modern culture prizes productivity, multitasking, and constant connection, making the thought of truly quiet spaces seem foreign, even counterproductive. Yet, these spiritual practices—silence and solitude—are crucial for our sanctification and our growth in holiness.
The call to silence and solitude is not one of isolation for isolation’s sake, but a deliberate choice to quiet the distractions of the world and create space to listen to God.
Jesus, the Son of God Himself, practiced these habits regularly. In Luke 5:16, we see that He often “withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” If Jesus, in His perfection, needed these moments of solitude to center Himself and connect with the Father, how much more do we, His followers, need them?
The practices of silence and solitude are not about filling the void with our own thoughts, ideas, or plans, but about opening ourselves to hear from God.
When we enter into these practices, we are intentionally stepping away from the noise and hurry of life to be with God.
It is in the silence that we can experience the stillness of His presence, and it is in solitude that we can be reminded that God’s work in us doesn’t need to be hurried or rushed.
In fact, as we observe God’s work throughout Scripture and read the accounts of the life of Jesus, we find that God is never in a hurry… even as a human.
In contrast, we are often in a hurry and oversaturated with noise. Therefore, we are uncomfortable with silence and stillness. We might even find ourselves restless, anxious, stressed, or distracted when we attempt to sit still. Our minds race with thoughts of tasks we haven’t completed, conversations we need to have, and the noise of our daily lives. But this discomfort is precisely why these practices are so important. They train us to listen—to let go of control and allow God to speak in the stillness. The process of quieting our hearts is part of what God uses to refine us.
Silence and solitude have a profound impact on our sanctification because they are opportunities for us to be still before the Lord and to remember that, ultimately, He is the One holding it all together. Our souls need the opportunity to reflect, repent, and listen to His voice without distraction. In the quiet, we can hear God’s gentle whispers, feel the weight of His love, and be convicted by His Spirit. Without these practices, we risk becoming so overwhelmed by external noise that our ears are no longer tuned to His voice.
I think of this practice as similar to the experience of radio back in the day. Those of us of a certain age can remember when it was necessary to tune out the static so the radio station could be heard clearly. But heaven forbid we go under a bridge or through a tunnel. That meant our chances of a clear channel were lost for those seconds due to the interference. It became a game for me to see how finely I could tune the station so there was no static and the sound of my beloved Atlanta Braves baseball game was crystal clear. And so it is with the voice of God by His Spirit in our lives. When we’ve not tuned our hearts to His voice, we succumb to the static of the noise around us.
Sanctification isn’t just about doing the right things; it’s about becoming the kind of people who can hear and respond to God’s voice without interference. Silence and solitude train us to tune out the distractions that hinder our ability to truly hear God. In these quiet moments, we find clarity, peace, and growth.
If silence and solitude feel uncomfortable or intimidating, take heart. As with prayer, these are not practices of perfection, but progress. It’s okay if your mind races at first; it’s okay if you feel restless or distracted.
The point is not to get it perfect, but to simply show up and create space for God.
Start small—perhaps five minutes a day—and gradually build it into a rhythm of your life. God will meet you in that quiet space, and through it, He will shape you more into His image. The goal is not to flee the world, but to find God in the midst of it. Silence and solitude allow us to recalibrate our hearts and minds so we can engage with the world from a place of peace and purpose.
Today’s Challenge
Take five minutes today to step away from all distractions. Find a quiet space and sit in stillness, simply being present before God. Ask Him to speak to you in the silence and to calm your heart as the noise and interference are held at bay. Practice making this a daily habit, allowing the quiet to deepen your connection with Him.
Today’s Prayer
Lord, I confess that I often fill my life with noise, and it’s hard to sit in silence. Yet I know that in the quiet, You are present. Help me to embrace these moments of solitude and stillness, not as a duty but as an opportunity to be shaped by You and, then, eventually, as a delight. Teach me to listen for Your voice in the silence, and in doing so, help me grow in my faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
