"Keep not thou silence, O God: hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God."
(Psa. 83:1)
As a young preacher I had an older pastor friend who would remain silent during most conversations, but when he did speak, it was worth listening to. Of course, such a person drove an impetuous novice like me up a wall.
Throughout the Bible, at certain times, we find a muted God. But the silence of God should not be always interpreted as His disapproval; it can mean the opposite. The wise man tells us, “There is a time to keep silence.” And God always follows His own teachings.
In the Old Testament book of Psalms, David spoke much of God’s silence. In the New Testament our Lord, if you’ll pardon the expression, gave the silent treatment to a number of people who came to Him in dire need (Matt.15:22-23). But never did He remain silent indefinitely. Sooner or later He spoke; and when He did, it was not with wasted words. And so it will be with you and me.
Between the two Testaments there is what Bible students refer to as, “The Four Hundred Silent Years.” An interval when God did not speak, though He was actively working behind the scene. Admittedly, that is a long period; kingdoms can rise, decline, fall, and be forgotten in less time. But when He did break His silence, it was worth the wait. For the voice that came from heaven introduced His Son to the world, “This is my Beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.”
"He that hath the Word of Jesus is able to hear His very silence."
(a first-century saint)
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