December 4 - The Silence of God

Have you ever felt that God was silent in your life? I have. As people of faith, we long to know God's voice, His thoughts toward us. We read His Word, we pray, we plead, we cry out, we seek Him in places where we think He might be more easily heard, and yet there are times when He seems to be silent.

I have always been fascinated by the time period in the Scriptures between the O.T. and N.T. I am amazed by the idea that God was silent for almost 400 years. That He did not speak to HIs people, not one word to His prophets. How could that be?

Whether for good or bad, I sometimes equate silence as a rejection of my opinion or even me as a person. Think about it. In a conversation when we share an opinion we are often looking for someone to affirm us, to agree with us or at least support us. When no one does, silence can feel lonely and isolating.

But, silence from God, now that is a new level of isolation. I wonder what the people thought? Did they do everything they could to get back into favor with God? Did they try to please Him? Did they beg Him to once again speak through His prophets?

As I have read and reflected, here are my thoughts. (Disclaimer here: I am not a Biblical scholar.) God was getting ready to make the boldest statement He had ever made. During the time of silence, He was setting the stage. He would send His only son down to live with us in human form and He wanted us to be able to look at the enormity of that act. Even though He knew our human minds could not comprehend it, God becoming man was the only way we would "listen" to His message.

We are in the middle of the story my friend. We know the beginning and we know what will happen in the end. All that remains is how we choose to live out our chapter. So, when God seems silent, your circumstances do not mean He is absent. Watch for the ones He sends your way that need grace, mercy and love. Choose each day to find ways to show kindness. When you pray, listen more and talk less.

Remind yourself that God's greatest period of silence birthed His greatest gift ever. Immanuel, God is with us even in His silence.