Silence & Solitude
Silence & Solitude: Learning to Be Still with Ourselves and God
For many of us, silence feels uncomfortable. Being alone with our thoughts can stir up memories, regrets, and emotions we have spent years trying to avoid. The noise of addiction, stress, and everyday life can be a distraction from the deeper things we need to face.
But healing happens in stillness. When we slow down, step away from the chaos, and make space for God, we begin to hear His voice in ways we never have before.
Paul writes in Ephesians 3:17:
"Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong."
Being rooted in love happens beneath the surface, in the quiet darkness. It requires moments of stillness, where we let God’s presence fill the places we have tried to fill with other things.
Why Silence Can Feel Uncomfortable but Is Essential for Healing
Many of us are used to numbing pain with distractions. When we stop moving, stop talking, and stop filling every empty space with noise, the discomfort rises to the surface. This is why so many avoid silence. It can feel like a mirror reflecting back everything we do not want to see.
But God is not afraid of what we carry. He invites us to bring it all to Him.
In Psalm 46:10, God says:
"Be still, and know that I am God!"
Stillness is not about having an empty mind. It is about being fully present with God. It is about letting go of the need to have all the answers and trusting that He is already at work.
How Solitude Helps Us Listen to God’s Voice Above the Noise
Jesus regularly stepped away from the crowds to be alone with the Father. Even in the busiest moments of His ministry, He knew that silence and solitude were not luxuries. They were necessary.
Luke 5:16 tells us:
"But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer."
If Jesus needed time alone with God, how much more do we? Solitude helps us hear what is true. It quiets the lies of shame and fear and reminds us who we really are—loved, chosen, and being made new.
The world tells us we have to keep going, keep proving ourselves, and keep fixing our problems. But in solitude, we remember that our healing does not come from striving. It comes from God’s grace.
Simple Ways to Embrace Stillness, Even When It Feels Unnatural
If silence and solitude are new for you, it may take time to get comfortable with them. Here are a few simple ways to start:
Begin with Just a Few Minutes – Set aside five minutes each day to sit in quiet. Close your eyes, take deep breaths, and simply invite God into that space.
Take a Walk Without Distractions – Leave your phone behind or put it on silent. Pay attention to the sounds of nature and ask God to speak to your heart.
Use Scripture as a Focus – Read a short verse, like “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10), then sit in silence, letting those words settle in your heart.
Practice Listening Prayer – Instead of talking to God, sit quietly and ask Him to bring peace, wisdom, or direction. Trust that He is near, even if you do not hear anything right away.
Find a Quiet Place Regularly – Whether it is a room in your home, a park, or a chapel, create a habit of retreating to a peaceful space where you can be alone with God.
An Invitation to Stillness
God is not waiting for us to clean ourselves up or have everything figured out before we come to Him. He is already here, inviting us to slow down, breathe, and rest in His love.
Where might God be inviting you to embrace silence and solitude?
Whatever step you take next, remember this. You do not have to be afraid of stillness. God is with you, and His love is strong enough to hold whatever you bring into the quiet.
