Why is having times of quiet important?

Psalm 40:1I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry.

Having times of silence and solitude is important because the ability to wait quietly for something is evidence of a strong character and vital faith. Waiting on the Lord means having the patient confidence that what he promises for us now and in the future will come true. When we can wait quietly for God to act without becoming agitated, we show that we fully trust God’s timing.

Psalm 46:10“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.”

Times of silence and solitude are important because they prepare us to hear and recognize the voice of God when he speaks.

Mark 6:31-32Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat. So they left by boat for a quiet place, where they could be alone.

Times of silence and solitude are important because they help us balance our lives. Jesus understood the importance of spending time with people, and likewise the importance of rest and reflection. Life should have a balance of work and rest, investment in people and quiet time for restoration.

Isaiah 30:15This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength.”

Times of silence and solitude are important because they help us renew and restore our fellowship with God. Longer stretches of quiet time with him help us tap into his strength and hear his voice more clearly.

1 Kings 19:10-13Elijah replied, “I have zealously served the Lord God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.” “Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And a voice said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

Times of silence and solitude are important because God can use such times to prepare us to hear from him. Sometimes we must spend time in his presence without feeling the need to verbalize a prayer, simply to enter his presence and listen, ready to hear him speak to our hearts. If we do, he promises to get our attention.

Psalm 62:1-2, 5-8I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken. . . . Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. . . . Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.

Proverbs 4:23Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

Times of silence and solitude are important because the best time to prepare for temptation is before it presses in on us. We should train ourselves in the quieter times so that we will have the spiritual wisdom, strength, and commitment to honor God in the face of intense temptation.

Hosea 2:14“But then I [the Lord] will win her [his people] back once again. I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her there.”

Times of silence and solitude are important because God often leads us to secluded, out-of-the-way places to help us hear him.