Silence and fasting

[Drawn]

I have a quick temper. I know that this is part of my sinful human nature, and I daily struggle with it. Since I became a Christian about 13 years ago, God has done amazing things with my anger and has made me a more compassionate and calmer person. ANY good that comes out of me is from Christ living within me.

That being said, I blew up last night over something stupid and sinned against God. ("Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger." Eph. 4:26 ESV). I didn't do anything to hurt anyone physically, but I was.... well, a bit of a jerk. Afterwards, I felt the Holy Spirit leading me into a time of fasting for seven days, and also to take a vow of silence for 24 hours, so that God may deal more directly with me regarding my temper.

My question is this: do you think that a vow of silence is biblical? I can't find an example of someone deliberately taking a vow of silence in God's holy word. I don't want to do ONE SINGLE THING outside the will of God, and if this vow I have taken for 24 hours is not biblical, then I don't want to do it.

What do you think?

[EricH]

I think silence is a spiritual discipline. We are commended to be silent before the Lord. When I have practiced this it has made me aware of how much of my talk is useless. It also helpe me focus on God and hearing Him. I would recommend if you have never fasted for a long time before to see a doctor first

[nebula]

If you believe the Lord instructed you to keep quiet for a time, it's best to just keep quiet for a time.

What I have learned is that anger problems are a result of wounds in your soul. Dealing with the anger, then, is about dealing with those wounds.

But also, there is the element of habit and choice. I suspect that the Lord instructing you to be silent is about dealing with the habit/choice aspect of your anger.

I know that isn't the answer you were asking for, but I hope it helps you anyway.

[Drawn]

I think silence is a spiritual discipline. We are commended to be silent before the Lord. When I have practiced this it has made me aware of how much of my talk is useless. It also helpe me focus on God and hearing Him. I would recommend if you have never fasted for a long time before to see a doctor first

It's so great to hear my brothers and sisters expressing concern not only for spiritual well-being, but also for physical well-being as well. Thank you!

I have fasted before, and it's something that I am capable of doing safely.

[Drawn]

If you believe the Lord instructed you to keep quiet for a time, it's best to just keep quiet for a time.

What I have learned is that anger problems are a result of wounds in your soul. Dealing with the anger, then, is about dealing with those wounds.

But also, there is the element of habit and choice. I suspect that the Lord instructing you to be silent is about dealing with the habit/choice aspect of your anger.

I know that isn't the answer you were asking for, but I hope it helps you anyway.

Actually, you gave me something about which to think. Thank you. Would you mind being in prayer for me regarding this?

Thanks!

[Trusting Jesus]

The Holy Spirit will not lead you to do anything which is contrary to what we learn in the Bible. I cannot think of a reason that silence for 24 hours would be contrary to God's word, and may be a lesson in disciplin. You might tell the people around you that you are doing this so that they won't be offended if you don't answer when spoken to.

<>< ><>

Nathele

[nebula]

Thank you. Would you mind being in prayer for me regarding this?

[sheya joie]

Apparently there were times in the life of Ezekiel that the LORD had him be silent:

Eze 24:27 In that day shall thy mouth be opened to him which is escaped, and thou shalt speak, and be no more dumb: and thou shalt be a sign unto them; and they shall know that I am the LORD.

Also, David had this to say:

Psa 141:3 Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.

Hope that helps.

[kat8585]

I've never seen anything in Scripture about taking a vow of silence before the Lord. It would be like trying to pay for your sin yourself.

[Drawn]

Apparently there were times in the life of Ezekiel that the LORD had him be silent:

Eze 24:27 In that day shall thy mouth be opened to him which is escaped, and thou shalt speak, and be no more dumb: and thou shalt be a sign unto them; and they shall know that I am the LORD.

Also, David had this to say:

Psa 141:3 Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.

Hope that helps.

Actually, that does help. Thank you. I'm about 13 hours into this, and the Lord has shown me many mighty things. With my mouth closed, and my mind open, I have spent a lot of time in God's holy word and, like Elijah, I have been "undone", falling to my knees in tears and refusing to look up due simply to how holy God is. I've experienced this when fasting, but didn't know how amazing God's presence would be in complete silence.

A big "thank you" to you folks for your support and prayer.