Feedback

We all need feedback to know how well we're doing, so when God is silent it hurts those of us who are listening. I don't think God is ever silent to punish us. When I'm silent it's never to punish those I love, and God is love, so how could He want to hurt His people if I don't want to hurt mine?

When I'm silent, the old "it's me, not you" dynamic (not always a cliche) usually is at work. I need my silent times to grow, to think, to work out problems, or just to rest. God doesn't need silent times for the same reasons as I do. He has no needs because He is the fulfillment of all needs.

When we don't hear from God, maybe He's waiting for us to catch up--to grow, to think, to work out problems, or just to rest. After all, God is the ultimate teacher and a teacher can't be effective by talking all the time. Once a lesson has been explained and reviewed by the teacher, students must be allowed to practice the lesson on their own. When they've practiced enough (and a good teacher knows what's enough) then the teacher reviews once more and moves on.

Next time you feel God's silence, ask yourself what work He has given you to practice. When His silence is broken, you'll know it's just about time to move on.

Comments

[Yvette]

What a great post!
I love the silent times. At first I didn´t, but then understood that God never stops working in us.
It is during the times when we silent ourselves that God works and shows us more of Him.
Blessings