Isaiah 30:15 – This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it." (NIV)

Matthew 6:6 – But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. (NIV)

I called a medical clinic recently, hoping to refill a prescription for headache medication. The line to the physician's office was busy. I was asked to hold, and was left to listen to loud music while I waited. It was not even soothing music — and brought no relief to my already screaming headache.

Silence and solitude are not common words in our vocabulary today. There are loud noises screaming — from the alarm clock on awaking and the television while dressing and eating, to the noisy freeway on the way to where we will spend our day. Three elements — noise, hurry, and crowds — have made it almost impossible to have a few quiet words alone with God.

Now, I know that we are told to make a joyful noise unto the Lord. God loves music, especially that of praise, but He also loves balance. We need quiet time — silence and solitude — time to pray and talk with God.

Scripture gives us many examples of Jesus' withdrawing from the crowds so He could be alone and find solitude, stillness, and strength for His life. If Jesus, being the Son of God, needed prayer and time alone to renew His strength, how much more do we need to find time alone to pray and commune with the Father to renew our inner strength and to find a deep sense of contentment in life!

Prayer: Lord, help us to find quiet places to be alone with You and talk. Remind us that more talks alone with You will reduce our stress, make our lives more productive, and also draw us nearer to You. Amen.

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