Whenever someone asks me for a list of books I believe everyone should read, C.S. Lewis’ “The Screwtape Letters” is always on that list.
Lewis’ genius is on full display in Screwtape’s (the senior demon) thirty-one letters to his apprentice demon (and nephew), Wormwood.
As I was studying the Psalms this morning I happened upon David’s prayer for God’s help in Ps 62:
“For God alone I patiently wait…” (62:1)
The original Hebrew offers a more nuanced understanding:
“Only for God is there silence to my soul.”
Silence.
For a moment, consider the last time you were able to sit in silence.
Silence allows us to recalibrate, ponder, think deeply, meditate, and rest from mental exhaustion.
Silence brings our insane pace of life to a screeching halt, allowing us to consider our past and future words and decisions.
Silence allows us to listen to the “still, small voice” of God.
And that’s precisely the reason for the following counsel from Screwtape to Wormwood:
“…silence—how I detest [it]! How thankful we should be that ever since our Father (Satan) entered Hell…no square inch of infernal space and no moment of infernal time has been surrendered to [that] abominable force, but all has been occupied by Noise. Noise, the grand dynamism, the audible expression of all that is exultant, ruthless, and virile. Noise which alone defends us from silly qualms, despairing scruples, and impossible desires. We will make the whole universe a [kingdom of] noise in the end.”
It now makes sense why one of the things the gospel writers chose to include about the habits of Jesus was this one:
“But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray [in seclusion].” – Luke 5:16
Can you imagine the demand for Jesus’ presence? Thousands of people desperately trying to get to him every single day so he might heal their sick and dying loved ones. (Remember the men who lowered their lame friend through the roof!) Others in another long line needing his advice and counsel.
For example, place yourself on Main Street at Disney World on New Year’s Eve where every square inch of walking space is filled with people vying for a better position to see the fireworks show. Now, you have an idea of how Jesus must have felt. Everyday.
My friends, has your life become a “kingdom of noise”?
Put your phone away. Detox from the incessant noise of social media.
Learn from Jesus. Make time to join him daily and follow him to a “secluded place” so for a few minutes you can escape the cacophony of chaos known as life on planet earth and, once again, be able to hear the loving voice of God.
This is precisely what Screwtape is counseling Wormwood to not let you do.
Satan would much rather our minds be engaged with anything – everything – other than silence. Why?
God answers that question in his Word.
The prophet, Elijah, is on Mount Sinai when…
“…the LORD passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain…but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper (HEB: a voice, calm and soft).” – 1 Kings 19:11-12
Wormwood is soundly instructed to make certain we are surrounded with the windstorm, earthquake, and fire of noise.
Why?
Because, in silence, God is waiting for you. And he has much to say.
nick