Trust in the Silencing

Trust in the Silencing 

Head bowed,

eyes closed,

breath hushed,

ears reach

desperately in the darkness.

They grasp to touch a tone of Hope,

a still Voice among the starkness.

Burdens,

worries,

furies,

Can’t Wait!

The Silence resonates within,

revealing things we’d rather hide;

our faults, our fears, our secret sins.

he haunts,

and taunts,

even flaunts

failures.

The trickster obscures the treasure                                         

found in searching depths of the soul

taking glee in our displeasure.

he knows.

Faith grows.

Silence shows

the way.

Simply linger in the stillness,

learning to trust expectantly,

the Fullness found in emptiness.

Humbling.

Convicting.

Awakening.

Seeking

which weaknesses need strengthening.

We learn, as does HE, true nature.

For such, we trust in the silencing.

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“God is always found at the depths, even the depths of our sin and brokenness. And in the depths, it is silent.” ~ Richard Rohr

It is always an act of faith to trust in times of silence. It is never easy, or if it is, I haven’t reached that realm yet. When we pray and plead for the Lord to guide us, and yet we sense no reply, we tend to start panicking and doubts sneak in. The devil loves to whisper worries in that darkness: “God has abandoned you. You have failed Him so many times; no wonder He won’t answer your prayers anymore. He probably isn’t even listening! The heavens are brass to sinners such as you….”  

I have learned to ask God to shut Satan up when he starts mouthing doubts and fears into my mind. When all other prayers seem to go unanswered, that request is never denied. When Mom was in the hospital recently, she told me that during the dark, quiet of the night was when Satan would try to slip in and discourage her. She would pray, “God, the devil is knocking on the door again. Would you please get it and take care of him?” and He always did. The thought of Mom asking God to get the door just makes me smile; her simple, quiet, still waters-run-deep faith.  :-)

Remember always that God never abandons us. He promised to never leave us and unlike mankind, He does not break His promises. Now, he may step to the side and silently watch as we are tested, but He never, ever leaves us! How do I know? Because, so many times He has reached down and rescued me when I needed Him most; even when I rebelled and walked into a world I knew was wrong. All the times He has been there for me in the past have taught me that He always will be there for me in the future. I have faith and with faith comes trust during times of testing within the silencing.

So why does our loving Father sometimes choose to remain silent? Well, let’s think about what happens when the Lord doesn’t answer:

1.      I have a tendency to reach out in prayer more often

2.      My prayers become more intense; no nonchalant, “Please help me/guide me, Lord. Amen.” I lay out my whole heart and soul in my petition

3.      I slow down and take time to listen more intently, instead of praying and rushing away

4.      I search the Bible more, praying for God to guide me through His Word.

5.      I take a closer look at my own life and any stumbling blocks that may be in my path to Him

6.      I recall times past when He rescued me and praise Him for the past - and the yet to be

7.      I humble myself before a sovereign Lord

8.      In the end, when the silence passes, my faith is strengthened, my hope shown not to be in vain

All good things after all, wouldn’t you say? His silence returns our focus on what matters most…our relationship with the One who created us and loves us most of all. Trust in the silencing. Stay the course undaunted. Learn to welcome it as a gift that draws you closer to our amazing, omniscient God and be blessed!
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Most wise and knowing Lord, I praise You even during the times of silence. I thank You for the lessons taught in the soul-searching quiet. As my focus returns to You instead of the world, may my trust increase and my faith soar beyond measure. Time and again my hope is renewed in You. ~ Amen