Is SILENCE the gift you long for?

“How do we encourage reflection?”
“Oh my, this is a noisy world.”
— Mister Rogers response to Charlie Rose

Hey friends,

Do you ever feel like your mind is constantly buzzing — like you can’t turn the noise off even when you are alone?

Some missionary friends recently told me about a “silent retreat” they take regularly. Twenty-four hours of fasting and silence.
No food. No talking. No singing.
Just Bible reading, journaling, and listening for God.

I haven’t been able to slip away for a full day yet, but I’ve started adopting the practice in smaller ways — and it’s been unexpectedly powerful.

Here’s what I’ve changed:

I stopped listening to music, podcasts, and audiobooks while driving, painting, or doing yardwork.
Not because those things aren’t good — but because silence gives my soul room to breathe. I’m not saying I’m hearing the audible voice of God like Moses on the mountain, but in the quiet, there’s space for my heart to listen… and I’m noticing things I used to miss.

So I want to challenge you to try this:

Next time you have 30 minutes of mindless work, resist the urge to fill it with noise.
Skip the playlist. Skip the podcast.
Ask the Lord to speak — and just be still.

You might be surprised by what you hear in the silence.

Your Friend,
David

P.S. If you try 30 minutes of silence this week, would you reply and tell me what you noticed? I’d love to hear.