Alerts, notifications, and breaking news bombard us from the moment we wake up, not to mention the everyday demands and interactions of our family, work, and friends. Moments of peace and quiet seem like a foreign luxury, and we’re often left to simply take whatever we can get through mindlessly checking out whenever we can. But the vitality of our souls depends on regular moments of quiet time.
Of course, some people need more space for quietness than others. But even the most socially outgoing person benefits from regularly turning off the noise.
The noise competes for our attention and pulls us in countless different directions. We move from the stress of getting everyone out of the house on time, to traffic and managing work projects, global news of wars and suffering, and acts of evil much closer to home, financial woes and medical concerns, and the like – a list that can go on and on. These are important matters, many of which require our personal attention, but they all add up to a constant noise throughout the day that leaves us overwhelmed and disconnected.
Quiet time becomes our lifeline. It’s our chance to pause and reconnect with God and our very selves. Not only does the constant noise keep us distracted from God, who is our ultimate source of life, it dulls our awareness of our own souls and makes us more vulnerable to simply adopt popular opinions rather than discern what’s actually true and good. Quiet time allows us to live by faith and not merely autopilot.
To be sure, quiet time includes literal quietness. But it also includes moments of meaningful solitude and just being still. Whatever it looks like, it’s a chance to be refreshed and renewed.
In the end, the noise of life will continue, but you don’t have to let it overwhelm you. Find regular moments of quiet time to reconnect with God and your own soul.
Photo by Victor Caldas on Unsplash
