The Sacredness of Silence
Have you ever experienced deafening silence? Waiting to hear a word, any word, from someone you love? The nation of Israel was desperate to hear a word from God. Between the last book of the Old Testament and the Gospels in the New Testament, the Israelites experienced four hundred years of earsplitting silence as they waited in hopeful expectation for their coming king. The weary world was ready, but God’s voice was no where to be heard.
Yet, God was working. In the sacredness of silence, He was carefully crafting the world for the arrival of the Messiah. He was shaping and forming the political, social, and linguistic conditions necessary for the rapid dissemination of the Gospel. Every jot and tittle was put in place, just as He had planned from the very beginning.
Then it happened. Imagine Mary and Joseph sitting in the quietness of a clear, starry night. An occasional bleating of sheep and the soft mooing of a cow echoed inside the damp and dusty stall. The musty smell of hay filled the air when suddenly, after four hundred years, God whispered. And just like that, Jesus was born. In the hush of the night, Mary and Joseph joyfully welcomed their little baby boy into their lives. They knew. They knew this was no ordinary child, but truly the Son of God. The Word was made flesh and came to dwell among those He loves.
Light came to the darkness, bringing life and hope to broken bodies and hurting hearts. A new day, a new kingdom, and a new beginning was offered to anyone who would receive him. God’s silence was replaced with Truth and Grace and the world was changed forever.
When we experience times of resounding silence, we often think we’ve been forsaken. God’s seems out of reach and out of touch. Yet, nothing is farther from the truth. As He did with Jesus, He’s orchestrating events we cannot even fathom.
Two years ago we were impressed to leave our cute little Florida beach house and move farther north to be closer to life-long friends and family. I use a wheelchair for mobility which makes housing a bit of a challenge. After a year long search to find a wheelchair accessible house, we found nothing. Confused and weary by God’s silence, we threw up our hands in exasperation.
We were shocked when we unexpectedly discovered a house clearly designed for a wheelchair located in a different town from where previously searched. It was empty and ready for us to move into immediately. Our hearts rejoiced when we realized God was working this out all along. Silently, He arranged circumstances that led to this life-changing move. And it’s been a perfect move in every way.
Is God silent in your life right now? Are you in a season of darkness while you wait for answers? My friend, in the mist of the chaos and confusion, you can be assured God is working. He never sleeps or slumbers. Lean into the sacredness of His silence as you learn to trust Him. He loves you. His name is Emmanuel: God with us. You may not hear His voice, but you can always trust His heart!
What About You?
Describe a time in your life when it appeared as through God was silent. Or perhaps you’re going through this time right now.
Explain how you felt during this time.
How can you find the sacredness in the silence? What Scriptures gave you hope?
What was the outcome of your season of silence?
