When God Seems Silent

Has God ever seemed distant or maybe silent in your life?  Are you experiencing a personal trial or can remember a time of struggle where God seemed distant?

In the Bible there was a period of 400 years that passed between the Old and New Testaments where God was 'silent.'  Yes, 400 years of waiting for God’s people. We think we’ve got it bad when we have to wait in line at the grocery because once again we got in the line that doesn’t move.  Now, in all seriousness though, there are times and seasons in our lives when God does seem distant (though He is closer than we know) and we wonder what in the world He is up too.   Anybody?

Watch this though, 400 years passed and finally we learn from the book of Luke that some things are beginning to happen.  Really good things.   God took an outwardly hopeless situation and He did what can be called--a reversal.  It’s His specialty really, because out of this seemingly hopeless situation, He starts to enfold the greatest announcement in all of history.  I think someone just needs to hear that.  Think about it; 400 years had passed, that is a very long time to wait!   Yet, out of this period of silence came our Messiah, The Lord Jesus Christ. 

Friends, we serve a God who thrives in turning hopeless situations into something quite redemptive.   Maybe you are waiting for a promise of God.  Perhaps you’ve prayed the same prayer for months and possibly even years.  Friends, we can trust Him.  Look what it says in Galatians 4:4, “But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship (emphasis added by me).”  What does this mean? It means God knew exactly what He was doing in that 400 years.  He had an appointed time for His Son and you better believe He has a timing for you and all of history.  My friends worship the King today, worship Him because He is at work, even though you cannot see it, He is and His plan is good!  Don't give up on God and your seemingly hopeless situation, you never know what He is up too!  

Sitting at His Feet

“Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:42

I have had a lot of time lately to just sit.  This is time that I would not normally have, but I’ve been given a gift; the gift of time.  Do you know what I’ve discovered in the quiet?  I need Him.  I need Him desperately. We all do.

I believe we all need time to get away, to be alone, and to work out some things with the Lord.  If nothing else, just to sit at His feet and be lavished by His Love!  To be nourished by His Word and Spirit.  To do the very things are souls were created to do, to worship Him.  We are foolish to think our souls don’t get a little messy at times.  In fact, the more I realize my need for Jesus, the more I see my own depravity and propensity towards sin.  It’s a beautiful thing really.  Jesus continues to show me the places in my heart that need some work; the lack of love, the selfishness, the pride, etc.  You’re probably wondering how this can be beautiful.  It’s beautiful because it is here that redemption and restoration begins as we realize just how frail we are. We finally step aside, and Jesus takes His place and Jesus is more than welcome to be our all-sufficient Savior!  We cannot do it alone.  It’s time to lose ourselves completely to Jesus Christ.  Are you ready to be lost so you can be found?  I am.  And I’m not talking about salvation here, though I could be, but I’m talking about a lifelong journey of losing ourselves to the Lover of our souls.  As God reveals each piece, we surrender, so that He can put the puzzle pieces together to make a beautiful mosaic.  That beautiful mosaic is who you are in Christ.   

Stop.  Did you hear me…I said stopJ.  Slow down.  Sit at His feet. Take time.  Be alone.  Be changed. 

Lord Jesus, You alone are our all-sufficient Savior.  Take our feeble efforts to follow You and grant us the strength and courage to soar on wings like eagles.  Fill our hearts with eternal praises; for You have surrounded us with songs of deliverance!  Jesus, we surrender…all.  Be glorified in us.  Amen.