The Masters begins today, and as golf fans, we love this “tradition unlike any other.” But this year’s tournament won’t be like any other Masters because it’s November and there are no patrons in attendance.
Although we're still going to enjoy the coverage on TV as the best golfers in the world tee it up, playing at Augusta National without the crowds cheering will seem strange.
Without loud applause for dramatic shots and only golfers and caddies on the course, the silence at the Masters will remain a key factor and storyline.
Here are a few of the headlines so far:
“No Spectators Means No Roars, the Magic of the Masters” (AP)
“Masters 2020: We Need This Silent Masters Now More Than Ever” (Golf Digest)
“Changes at Augusta National Make for Quiet 2020 Masters Tournament” (WWLP.com)
The question then becomes, how will the golfers be affected by the silence, and who will benefit most by not having the distractions, noise, and cheers?
Will they enjoy not having to hear the roar from another hole and worrying about what big shot someone else made?
Will a younger golfer or someone who has never won a Major before have a better chance to win with the spectators removed?
Who will take advantage of the calmer environment and who will be able to focus better because the course is quiet?
Watching how the golfers respond to the silence over the next four days will be intriguing. With that said, I wonder how our lives would be different if we experienced more silence.
What if we removed the noise, the distractions, and the worries we have about the “big shots” someone else is making?
What if we spent more time in quiet with just us and our “caddie”?
The truth is, there is so much value when we are silent before the Lord. It is beneficial to be quiet and focused on hearing God’s voice instead of the noise from the crowd.
Jesus set an example for us while He was here on earth. As Luke 5:15-16 (ESV) says, "But now, even more, the report about Him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear Him and to be healed of their infirmities. But He would withdraw to desolate places and pray.”
To fully enjoy the presence of the Lord, we have to be willing to pull away from the noise all around us and embrace silence. Let's long for Him, turn to Him, and rest in Him.
Psalm 62:5 (AMP) declares, "For God alone, my soul waits in silence and quietly submits to Him, For my hope is from Him." Psalm 62:5 from the Living Bible translation paraphrases the same verse: "But I stand silently before the Lord, waiting for Him to rescue me. For salvation comes from Him alone."
Psalm 37:7 (CSB) tells us to "Be silent before the Lord and wait expectantly for Him...."
Today and each day, let's find time to be silent with our Master!
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive me for being so distracted and focused on the wrong things. I'm sorry I fill the silence with words and worries. I pray I would embrace quiet time with You, so I can hear Your voice more clearly and enjoy Your presence. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What prevents you from silence?
How do you benefit when you experience silence?
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