Today’s Tasting: Job 21-23
Job found himself alone—everything he owned and every family member gone. He complained to friends around him, “it’s not you I’m complaining to—it’s God…is it any wonder I’m getting fed up with his silence?” His friends answered his complaints and challenged his thought processes, “But who are we to tell God how to run his affairs…He’s dealing with matters that are way over our heads.”
Job answered and countered that he wanted someone to hear him and he had questions that needed answers, but God seemed silent.
Job’s friend counters again and offers the challenge to change your thinking, repent for anything you might have done and wait for the promise. “Are any of us strong enough to give God a hand, or smart enough to give him advice…You agree, don’t you, that God is in charge? He runs the universe—just look at the stars…Give in to God, come to terms with him and everything will turn out just fine. Let him tell you what to do; take his words to heart. Come back to God Almighty and he’ll rebuild your life…You’ll take delight in God, the Mighty One, and look to him joyfully, boldly. You’ll pray to him and he’ll listen; he’ll help you do what you’ve promised. You’ll decide what you want and it will happen; your life will be bathed in light.”
Today’s Nourishment: Is God with you even when you do not hear him? When He seems silent, God is still with you. Immanuel, “God is with us.”
Sometimes silence hurts. Silence becomes palpable and seemingly surrounds us, but we hear nothing. During these times, we may enter into a pity party or in a complaining mode, which is where we find Job in this passage. Job faced a time when it seemed as though God remained silent. He lost everything and wanted to enter a season of pity and grievous complaint.
How often have we bemoaned our situation, complained to all who would listen, and refused to enter into our own silence to hear God? We will face dark times, we will appear to lose. We will definitely be tested. Everyone, no exclusions, experience seasons of life similar to Job’s seasons. We will be tried and tested. Those who surround us may question our walk with Christ or our level of commitment to the things of God. We may even feel as if we are alone, but this is a siren call for us to draw near to God. He will then, draw near to us. Does silence hurt? It’s possible, but not necessary. Preparing yourself by staying in the Word and maintaining communication with our Heavenly Father in prayer is important and necessary.
How will you handle the silence? How will you remain encouraged even through your trials in 2015?
Sonyita S. Conner-Clemmons
Sonyita, I have found that when God seems silent, He is waiting for us to get out of the way to make it possible for Him to work. The late Jack Frost said, “When we act God waits, and when we wait, God acts.” Waiting rips up apart inside because of impatience. We want to see action. Lord, help me to handle your silence and recognize that you are working on my behalf. Thanks for the good word.
The question , does silence hurt, can be answered with a yes. It hurts because we are forced to come face to face with ourselves , who we really are . We are forced to look to our Creator . He says ” Be still and Know that I Am God. It’s in the silence and stillness that we find Him and what He created us for. Hallelujah!
Yes way too many times we think we know the better way but remember God’s ways are higher than ours. He has a purpose and a plan that we cannot see. That’s true He wants us still and looking up where He is high and lifted up trusting in His Sovereignty. If we could just realize how good God is and just how much He loves us and that He wants us to be able to live the best life we can in and through Him, which truly is the BEST WAY! Thank you Lord!!!!!!’
I have not dealt with the silence very well in the past. But, I am learning, as Carolyn, said. That God is waiting for me to move out of His way, so that he may do a work only He can do! Sonyita, thanks so much this timely reminder, I needed this!
Ladies, silence can hurt but as we learn to grow through trials and not just press or go through the pain lessens. Eventually silence becomes a reminder of God’s patience with us and His willingness to strive with us as we sometimes muddle through our lives. Keep in mind that silence can also be treasured and golden because the joy of having God directly speak to you will outweigh the pain, hurt and situations.
Thank you for your response.