Silence Of God
She sits alone in her room—dark circles under her eyes, tears running down her cheeks. Since her teenage years, God has been her fulfillment, but her heart still has gaps—empty places, hollow spaces, unmet longings. And she has prayed, oh how she has prayed for God to give her the desires of her heart. Or to take them away. One or the other. But neither has happened. Ten long years of waiting. “How long will you forget me?” she whispers. “Forever?”
We may celebrate the goodness of God during times of answered prayer and unexpected blessing, but sooner or later, we all face the silence of God. Israel did (1 Samuel 3:1). Job did (Job 23:1-9). Asaph did—crying to God all night without answer (Psalm 77:1-9). “Why do you hide when I am in trouble?” David prayed (Psalm 10:1). “Do not turn a deaf ear to me,” he demanded (Psalm 28:1). “How long must I struggle with . . . sorrow in my heart every day?” he cried. “Turn and answer me” (Psalm 13:2-3). Even Jesus experienced the deathly silence of the Father (Matthew 27:46).
What is God doing during His silence? Preparing the answer to our request? Maybe. Testing the depth of our devotion? Perhaps. Developing our character? Undoubtedly. Christian martyrs of old were sawn in two out of devotion to Jesus. Why shouldn’t we endure a little pain as we mature? Sometimes, however, we may never know why God is keeping quiet.
Thankfully, God does break His silence. He spoke to Israel (1 Samuel 3:4-14) and Job (Job 38:1-41); the morning finally dawned for Asaph (Psalm 77:11-20) and David (Psalm 28:6-9); the silence of Good Friday was followed by the shout of Easter (Matthew 28:1-20).
But, until she hears from God, that girl—representing so many others—sits in her room alone. Or is she?
Reflect
Recall a period of God’s silence in your life. How did you grow through it? How can you help others who are experiencing the silence of God? How will you be God’s comfort as they wait?
Taken from “Our Daily Journey”
