We live in a world where we are constantly being barraged by noise and messages. From radio broadcasts, news channels, music in elevators, stores and most business, to the rings of our phones and the constant chatter around us in our workplaces or restaurants there is constant racket.  There doesn’t seem to be an escape and it can begin to wear on you.

I recently read a book entitled Golden by Justin Zorn and Leigh Marz which was a study on the benefits of silence and how it can improve our lives. I also did some additional research which supported this premise and focused on how silence has a positive effect on our psychological and mental health. I always knew this was true for me as I relished the 45 minutes of alone time I had before my daughter got home from school.  My house was completely silent as I decompressed from my hectic day in the classroom. This book and other research told me of the many benefits of silence.  Silence encourages mindfulness which reduces anxiety, quiets racing thoughts and calms the nervous system. It can boost brain growth as it helps to develop new cells in the hippocampus. Silence can help decrease stress by lowering cortisol adrenaline levels which change blood pressure and blood circulation to the brain helping the brain to reset and allowing us to slow down. The brain needs time to think, reflect, and rest to adequately process data.  It needs time to file away already learned information and make room for new knowledge. Quiet time gives your brain the time it needs to file this new material. Silence aids concentration and focus which allows our brain to work at its full capacity and give us a sense of peace.

When I was elementary school age, I remember singing the Doxology on Sunday mornings. It contained the words, “The Lord is in His holy temple, the Lord is in His holy temple, keep silence, keep silence, before Him”. I remember the music having kind of a haunting sound and I liked it.  In retrospect, I’m pretty certain I thought the song probably meant that we were in church so we needed to be quiet.  The Doxology (along with my dad’s stern looks) helped me to “keep silence” while I sat in church.

There are many verses in the Bible that tell of the benefits of keeping silent. Many relate to listening to instructions, removing ourselves from conflicts and controlling our speech. My favorite which I think is all encompassing is Ecclesiastes 3:7 which tells us “…a time to tear and a time to sew; a time to be silent and a time to speak…”.

While silence is good for the health of our minds and bodies, it is especially beneficial for our spiritual lives. This is a time we can spend building a stronger bond with God. I’m sure many of you, like me, pray in silence. A lot of what I found in my research supported why this works so well. Silence quiets racing thoughts, decreases stress levels, helps the brain reset and slow down and helps us to concentrate and focus, ultimately giving us a sense of peace. Silence and prayer bring me peace. I don’t think that’s a coincidence. It’s a “God Thing”. Silence is golden, God’s unconditional love is golden and sometimes we just need to keep silent,  avoid distractions and listen to the Lord. Thanks be to God!

Patty