The Transformative Power of Silence—Opening God’s Workshop in Your Life

Discover how silence and intentional habits create space for divine inspiration, empowering you to emulate Christ and unlock your potential.

Entering God’s Workshop

In recent weeks, I’ve reflected on the power of silence and pondering in deepening my connection with God. It reminded me of a book I read years ago, God Works Through Silence by Robert A. Russell. As I revisited its pages, these words leapt out:

“By withdrawing your conscious thought from the relative world and centering it in the One, you open the channel through which your needs are supplied, your desire granted, and your spiritual claim will be met.”

This truth is profound. By entering the silence and aligning our thoughts with God, we create space for His divine workshop to operate within us. The book further teaches:

“No matter how persistent the disease, how intricate the problem or how devastating the lack, the moment you enter the Silence and find within yourself the equivalent of your desires, conditions will begin to improve.”

Inspired by these principles, I have sought to align my desires with God’s will more earnestly. This has included responding to a prompting I’ve received for years: to keep up my Mongolian language skills. Leaders from my missionary service in Mongolia often urged us to continue studying the language, and I now see how the Lord’s plans may unfold as I obey this counsel.

Habits That Anchor the Soul

In addition to reviving my Mongolian studies, I’ve implemented what Maurice Harker, author of Like Dragons Did They Fight, calls “MANPWR habits.” These daily practices build spiritual strength and discipline, and I’ve had the privilege of apprenticing under Maurice to better understand and apply them:

1. Minister to someone each day.

2. Take Action and remain Accountable for my goals.

3. Say No to poor habits, replacing them with New and righteous ones.

4. Engage in heartfelt Prayer.

5. Write down my inspirations and plans.

6. Read scriptures and uplifting books.

These MANPWR habits have not only helped me overcome poor habits but have also laid the foundation for what I call “Celestial Habits.”

Celestial Habits for Spiritual Growth

The concept of Celestial Habits came to me years ago after hearing a Church leader teach about the following words of Christ:

“When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first” (Matthew 12:43-45).

This leader asked, “Do you want to know the solution for not being overcome with seven more evil spirits after you’ve cleaned your house and got square before the Lord?” He then answered: good habits.

From that day, I began calling them Celestial Habits—standards that keep you focused on righteous action. Derek Mills, in his insights on personal transformation, emphasizes the futility of setting overwhelming goals that beat you down when you fall short. Instead, he advocates for creating daily standards and living them one day at a time. Similarly, Celestial Habits focus on doing today what brings you closer to God.

When you shift to an offensive approach—creating something meaningful each day—you empower your thoughts and actions. For example, publishing a blog daily has not only strengthened my resolve but also opened the floodgates of creativity and divine inspiration. Such habits make it easier to fulfill the Lord’s admonition to “let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly” (Doctrine and Covenants 121:46) and enjoy the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost.

In this state, you become more than someone who dreams of being like God—you actively begin emulating Christ, striving to do greater works, and drawing nearer to Him day by day. As Robert A. Russell puts it:

“The Law is Infinite. But it can give to you only what you can take, and you can take only what you really are.”

Silence—A Tool for Creation

Silence has become a powerful ally in this journey. I now often work in silence or with instrumental music to allow active inquiry, pondering, and planning—where I was accustomed to listening to wholesome music with words, like Christian Rock. I reflect on how to serve, create, and give back, allowing my thoughts to dwell on virtuous and noble ideas. In doing so, the adversary loses his ability to distract, and I am strengthened in my ability to think and act independently.

The fruits of this practice have been remarkable. My thoughts are clearer, my creative energy is flowing, and my joy has deepened. I am learning, as Christ exemplified, to balance work and reflection, action and stillness.

Reflect on how silence and daily habits can create space for divine inspiration, helping you align your thoughts and actions with God’s will. As you strive to emulate Christ, you will unlock creativity, clarity, and joy in your life.

In the next post, we’ll explore how personal stewardship and intentional living help you magnify your gifts and fulfill the measure of your creation. Subscribe below for Christ-centered insights and tools to guide your journey.