Daily Bible Reading Plans to help you read and understand God’s Word

Scripture Reading: Psalm 59:1-17, Psalm 60:1-12, Psalm 61:1-8, Psalm 62:1-12, Psalm 63:1-11, Psalm 64:1-10

One of the first times I observed Lent was through logging out of Facebook for forty days. Imagine the context: Facebook was a novelty; it was only available to college students. When my husband and I met nearly ten years after my first foray into practicing Lent, he made an astute observation about my habits: I didn’t like silence. In the car, during my quiet time, while working out, no matter what I was doing, I wanted background noise. At first, I defended my habits. After all, what’s the problem with listening to worship music or learning through podcasts?

However, as I began to consider his observation, a deeper truth surfaced. I felt afraid of what might come to my heart and mind from years of unprocessed grief and trauma. The disdain for silence wasn’t the only place this showed up; it also manifested through an endless need to keep a full schedule, all in the name of serving Jesus.

I began to make small changes, such as a quiet car ride or Bible study without worship music. And now, as Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, emails, and other online distractions vie for my attention, I check in with myself and take breaks. With three children and a home to manage, I prayerfully consider commitments so I don’t overextend myself.

Even as I write this devotion, I have quiet piano worship music playing, so some habits die hard. Just last week, I sat down to make a list of my commitments and ask the Lord, “What needs to stay? What needs to go?” There is no arrival at perfection in the pursuit of sitting with God. There is only progress and a way forward with Him. Filling the silence in our lives with constant white noise only stifles our ability to hear from the Holy Spirit, yet isn’t this what we most yearn for?

The psalmist wrote in Psalm 62:1, “I am at rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him.” The ESV states it this way: “For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation.”

Would I have admitted years ago that I needed to simply sit and be with the Lord? No. But God, in His tenderness, helped me to see how I am prone to quench the Spirit (1Thessalonians 5:19). Oftentimes, when in distress, we will run away from the root issue. The psalmist shows us how to instead run to the Father—to pour out our hearts before Him and see Him as our true refuge and strength (Psalm 62:8).

So, friend, do you have an unmet need for silence with Him? A time in which you need to pour out your heart before Him? You won’t regret it. The most beautiful paradox in the Christian life is that while Jesus satisfies, there is always a deep longing for more of Him. Sit in silence with Him, and let Him speak to you. You might be pleasantly surprised at what you hear.

Written by Jessica Mathisen