“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer!” (Psalm 19:14).

There is a kind of silence that goes beyond not speaking ill of others: it is inner silence, especially about oneself. This silence requires a person to control their imagination—avoiding repeatedly reliving what they heard or said, or getting lost in fanciful thoughts, whether about the past or the future. It is a sign of spiritual progress when the mind learns to focus only on what God has placed before it in the present moment.

Scattered thoughts will always arise, but it is possible to keep them from dominating the heart. We can set them aside and reject the pride, irritation, or earthly desires that feed them. The soul that learns this kind of discipline begins to experience inner silence—not emptiness, but a deep peace in which the heart is sensitive to God’s presence.

This mastery of the mind, however, is not achieved by human strength alone. It comes from obedience to God’s powerful Law and the practice of His perfect commandments. They purify our thoughts, strengthen the heart, and create within each soul a place where the Creator can dwell. Those who live this way discover an intimate communion with God that transforms everything. —Adapted from Jean Nicolas Grou. Until tomorrow, if the Lord allows.

Pray with me: Lord my God, I thank You because You care not only about my actions but also about my thoughts. You know everything that goes on within me, and yet You call me to be with You.

Teach me to guard inner silence. Help me control my mind, so I do not lose myself in useless memories or empty desires. Give me focus on what truly matters—obedience to Your will, the faithful service You have placed before me, and the peace that comes when I seek You sincerely.

Oh, most holy God, I adore and praise You because You draw me near, even when my mind wanders. Your beloved Son is my eternal Prince and Savior. Your powerful Law is like a protective wall that guards my thoughts and purifies my heart. Your wonderful commandments are like open windows that let the light of heaven into my soul. I pray in the precious name of Jesus, amen.