Silent Moments: A Journey of Faith

The Quiet Game was often played by the teacher in hopes of having just a few minutes of silence. When we spend time with our children or grandchildren, we understand clearly why a teacher hopes for a little quiet time. It is hard to find any peace and quiet as we go through our day—people talking, cars passing, music playing, phones ringing, and just noise from who knows where. Seldom is there silence during our day. We are blessed with the ability to hear, and we give thanks for it. Yet, at times, when there is silence, it can feel uncomfortable. In the Christian life, there are even times when God is silent.

We pray and read the Word. We join in discussions with friends and neighbors about God. But there are still times when God is silent. Our faith is strong, and our assurance is reaffirmed in the Scriptures. We are aware of verses such as Deuteronomy 31:6, which states, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified...for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you or forsake you." Yet, there is still silence. Why? Why was God silent at times in the life of David, a man after God's own heart? Why does it seem that God is silent in our lives when we are trying to walk with Him and grow?

Oswald Chambers wrote, "If God has given you a silence, praise Him; He is bringing you into the great run of His purposes. The manifestation of the answer (to your prayer or request) in His time is a matter of His sovereignty."

God's silence is not a curse or a sign of His rejection, nor is it a blunt "no" to our requests or prayers. It is a time when we must simply relax in our faith and trust in Him, remembering that He has our best interests at heart. He hears our prayers, knows our circumstances, and sees the empty cabinets and lack of money to pay the bills. But we must never stop believing. Never stop praying and sharing your heart with Him. Even when He is silent, He is working, and you will be blessed—in His time and in His way.