Silence is a discipline. From the day we’re born, we are invited to speak. As we grow older, silence is an indicator of anger, sadness, and even depression, so people tend to just keep talking. Now we have social media, that continuously fills the air with noise. However, here are 5 circumstances in which it is best to just be quiet:

February 14th is a day set aside for lovers. It is a great day for couples to reaffirm their love for each other and give gifts to express that love. If this day does not apply to you ... STOP TRIPPIN'!

As a pastor, I have found myself discouraged. Seeing larger churches across my city, the nation, and even the world, in person or on TV, I often find myself in the trap of comparison, wanting God to use me in a great way like I see Him doing for others. But along the way, I have picked up a few encouraging things to remember when I find myself discouraged.

“Let's not create another generation of men who aren't allowed to speak from their hearts and share their fears. Speak life into the men in your life …”

“Many of us guise dissatisfaction with misguided ambition, thinking that we will find peace and joy in a bigger house, finer car, higher paying job, or broader platform. None of those things will bring us the one thing that will shake that feeling: contentment.”

“What are you worried about today? Will it still be a concern 5 years from now? If it is something from your past, can you change anything?”

“We live in a culture that values things, talents, and gifts, while simultaneously neglecting people.”

“God doesn't intend for our differences to divide us. Even in mathematics differences and division are two separate operations.”

You have been given a gift; a function to serve in this world. God gave it to you, for reasons that are all His own. It is very easy to look at what's been given to you generically, assuming it is the same thing others have been given.

There were many moments throughout my childhood when I was reminded that I was bigger than other boys. That fact made me awkward around other people (thinking) I couldn't be cool, or ultimately accepted by my peers because I was a "husky kid".