Day 23: Get Some Silence and Solitude
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One of my favourite movies is Cast Away with Tom Hanks. For me, it’s not a survival film — it’s a fantasy. Sometimes I wish I had his life: a beach all to myself, some peace and quiet, and a good mate like Wilson who doesn’t say too much.
There’s something within us that craves solitude. Sure, a deserted island has its downsides, but your soul still longs for silence. We’re wired to retreat from the noise and chaos — even if it’s just turning your phone off for an hour or walking along the beach at sunrise.
In an ever-connected world, we need to detach now and then. And if you feel guilty for taking that time, remember: Jesus often withdrew to quiet places to pray. If it was good enough for Him, it’s good enough for you.
Let’s Talk
We live in a world that’s constantly buzzing — notifications, traffic, endless chatter, and pressure to perform.
But somewhere in the noise, our souls get drowned out.
That’s why solitude isn’t a luxury — it’s essential.
Not isolation. Not disconnection. But intentional stillness.
It’s in those moments — when we switch off the phone, step outside, or sit in the silence — that something deeper awakens.
It’s often where God speaks.
In 1 Kings 19, Elijah is burnt out and overwhelmed.
He’s just had a major spiritual win, but now he’s scared, exhausted, and hiding in a cave.
He wants to quit.
And when God finally shows up, it’s not in a whirlwind, fire, or earthquake — it’s in a whisper.
Sometimes we’re waiting for God to shout down answers…
But He’s already whispering — we’ve just filled our lives with too much noise to hear Him.
And just like Elijah, the whisper often reminds us we’re not alone — even when we feel like we are.
God doesn’t just whisper comfort; He gives direction.
After the stillness came the next step.
So maybe it’s time to create space —
Not to escape your life, but to listen in a new way.
Scripture
The Lord Appears to Elijah – 1 Kings 19:9–18 (NIV)
And the word of the Lord came to him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.”
The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.”
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind.
After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake.
After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire.
And after the fire came a gentle whisper.
When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.
Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty... I am the only one left.”
The Lord said to him, “Go back the way you came… Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal.”
Practice for Today
Find 10 minutes today to step away from the noise.
Put your phone on silent. Close the laptop.
Don’t rush to fill the silence — just be still.
Ask, “Lord, what are You whispering to me?”
A Prayer for the Quiet Places
God,
The world is loud and fast,
but You are steady and kind.
Help me not to miss You in the chaos.
Help me make space to hear You —
even if it’s just a whisper.
Remind me that I’m not alone, and You are not far.
Amen.
