A couple of weeks ago we had a silent retreat at our church. It lasted only a few hours, but it was a very moving time. We do a very poor job in this society of being silent. We turn on the radio as soon as we get in the car, or the t.v. as soon as we get home. It appears that we live in a society that has a fear of being alone with the silence.

I believe we were created to be in relationship - first with God, and then with others. To be in relationship with God, one needs to be intentional about it. We need to take the time to just sit and listen. Prayer or scripture may be used, journal writing is also a good way to connect, but it is the silence and the willingness to be still that opens the door to hear God speak.

When we give ourselves up to God, our spiritual life grows tremendously. We tend to live with the thought that "we want what we want when we want it," and there are many people sitting in churches today that have that mind thought. Having pastored for going on 33 years, I've seen so many people seeking out a church that will meet their needs. It is rare to find someone who seeks out a church because that church has a need that can only be met by them. Spend some time in silence with God. Don't talk, just listen to what He has to say. You just might be surprised at the changes in your life that time alone with God can bring.