The Journey of Silence

“How long, LORD, must I call for help, but you do not listen?”- Habakkuk 1:2 Have you ever felt, like Habakkuk, that your cries to God are falling on deaf ears? Does God seem distant? Do you feel He’s abandoned you in your time of need? What should we think and how should we react when God seems distant? Here are four things to remember when enduring God’s silence: 1. You’re not alone. People like Martin Luther and C. S. Lewis have written about the spiritual crises they’ve endured after seeking God’s comfort and feeling His absence. In the Bible we find kings, from David to Jesus, feeling similarly forsaken by the Father (Psalm 22:1 & Matthew 27:46). We can take comfort in knowing that we’re not the only ones who have gone through such experiences, and that the silence is not necessarily a reflection on the quality of our faith or our relationship with God. 2. It’s temporary. Feelings of distance from God are a temporary trial. As Peter said, “In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials” (1 Peter 1:6). We must get through the temporary trials to be rewarded with eternal blessings from our eternal God. 3. It’s for a reason. Peter told us that trials come so they can prove the genuineness of our faith. “These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold; though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world”(1 Peter 1:7). God puts us through trials to test and strengthen our faith and our reliance on His mercy. As John MacArthur said: “As one of God’s children, you are promised His presence, though for now you feel alone and without help. Rest in knowing God your Father has good reasons for bringing you into your trial. He is committed to making you holy, even if it means taking away your happiness for a time.” 4. You’re being heard. Even when God seems to be a million miles away, He is always closer than our breath. He hears you, so don’t be afraid to be bold and ask, like Habakkuk, why your cries are going unanswered. Keep praying and know God’s silence won’t last forever. Remember, our suffering under God’s silence has a purpose and can be used to help us grow in faith and obedience.