Our Bible study group at work is currently reading Faithful: Heroes of the Old Testament and as we looked at Gideon last week, there was one question in the study that has remained in my heart. Priscilla asked, “When we feel God is ignoring us, could it be that His perceived silence is intended to point us back to His Word?”
Way to pierce our hearts with that one!
I have struggled lately in this area and I knew this message was for me because I felt convicted about my quiet time and prayer life. As we discussed it as a group, I realized that a couple of us are in the same boat.
I am learning that my biggest frustrations often come when I am spending more time with trivial things than I am in God’s Word. His perceived silence should get my attention and turn me to Him —not leave me frustrated with the idea of feeling like I need to figure it out on my own.
Maybe you have been in this silent season while seeking God for direction, answers or even healing. I want to encourage you to press on! I know it’s not easy and I’m right here with you cheering you on as we travel this road together but know that God desires the very best for you and He desires to speak to your heart, but you (and me) have to prioritize Him.
In order for us to hear what He wants to say to us, we have to be intentional in our time with Him and intentional to give Him the opportunity to speak.
It is easier said than done but I believe it is so important in our walk with the Lord.
God wants to see more of us excited to be in His Word and excited to be in His presence. He wants us to know that He hears us and sees every tear and frustration.
I believe that He wants us to know that His silence is our own perception; oftentimes because we are not receiving what we want when we want it. John Piper once said, “We are simply called to trust the promise more than the perception.”
So maybe His silence really isn’t silence at all because He is waiting for us to open the Word and allow Him to speak to our hearts.