What should you say?
Because he did not know what to say, for they were greatly afraid. ~ Mark 9:6
Have you ever noticed how uncomfortable silence can make people feel? Sometimes the quiet lasts only a few seconds before someone rushes to fill the space with words. Not always meaningful words either. Often it becomes nervous talking, random thoughts, gossip, or even trying to draw attention back to themselves. Ironically, the unnecessary talking can feel far more awkward than the silence itself.
As we read through the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ life, we get little glimpses that Peter may have struggled with this tendency. In today’s reading, Peter spoke because he didn’t know what to say. Fear and uncertainty pushed him to react before fully understanding what was happening around him.
Then something powerful happened. God spoke over the moment and told them to listen to His Son, Jesus. In other words, He said: “Stop talking and start listening.” Another Gospel account says the disciples were so afraid they fell facedown to the ground. In the middle of their fear, God redirected their attention away from their own reactions and back to Jesus. This message speaks loudly to us today.
We live in a world filled with constant noise and opinions. Everyone seems to have something to say about everything. Yet many times, wisdom is found in quietness, in listening, and in paying attention to what the Holy Spirit may be trying to reveal.
Not every silence needs to be filled. Sometimes God is asking us to slow down long enough to hear what is really going on in someone else’s heart. Other times, He is trying to speak directly to us, but our own thoughts and words keep drowning Him out.
There are many moments in life when the best thing you can do in a conversation is pause and listen. Listen to the Holy Spirit. Listen to the person in front of you. Listen before reacting emotionally or blurting out whatever first comes to mind. So often, the right words come after we first become willing to be still.
Here are some practical ways to apply this truth and get started
- Pause before responding in conversations, especially when emotions are high
- Ask the Holy Spirit quietly in your heart, “What do You want me to say right now?”
- Become comfortable with silence instead of rushing to fill every quiet moment
- Focus on understanding others instead of preparing your next response
- Spend intentional quiet time with God each day, even if it’s only a few minutes
- Pay attention to gentle promptings or thoughts that bring peace and wisdom
- Practice being slow to speak and quick to listen throughout your day
If this feels difficult at first, start small. The next time you’re in a conversation, challenge yourself to pause for a few extra seconds before responding. Let the silence settle. You may be surprised how much more clearly you hear both the Holy Spirit and the people around you.
Today I want to encourage you to slow down, quiet the unnecessary noise, and become more attentive to the voice of God. You don’t have to force your way into every conversation or have all the answers. Sometimes the greatest wisdom comes when you stop striving to speak and simply listen to what Jesus is saying.
Today’s scripture reading: Mark 9:1-13
1 And He said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that there are some standing here who will not taste death till they see the kingdom of God present with power.”
Jesus Transfigured on the Mount
2 Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up on a high mountain apart by themselves; and He was transfigured before them.
3 His clothes became shining, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them.
4 And Elijah appeared to them with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus.
5 Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—
6 because he did not know what to say, for they were greatly afraid.
7 And a cloud came and overshadowed them; and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!”
8 Suddenly, when they had looked around, they saw no one anymore, but only Jesus with themselves.
9 Now as they came down from the mountain, He commanded them that they should tell no one the things they had seen, till the Son of Man had risen from the dead.
10 So they kept this word to themselves, questioning what the rising from the dead meant.
11 And they asked Him, saying, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”
12 Then He answered and told them, “Indeed, Elijah is coming first and restores all things. And how is it written concerning the Son of Man, that He must suffer many things and be treated with contempt?
13 But I say to you that Elijah has also come, and they did to him whatever they wished, as it is written of him.”
Journal:
- Do you tend to become uncomfortable during silence in conversations
- How can you become more intentional about listening to the Holy Spirit before speaking
- Have there been moments when slowing down and listening changed the outcome of a situation
- What distractions or habits make it difficult for you to hear God clearly in your daily life
The Daily Dose 