Today’s Reading, Job 32-34
Focal Scripture: Job 34:29 “But when God is silent, who can declare him guilty? When he hides his face, who can see him? Yet he watches over both individuals and nations,”
If you have ever been in a relationship you have probably experienced the silent treatment. Possibly, you were on the receiving end or you were the one that decided to give it to the other person. Either way silence has a purpose and it also creates a reaction. If you were the one who initiated the silent treatment it was to get a point across to the other person. If you are receiving the silent treatment it can be confusing and very frustrating. You have questions and are often not sure why the silence has begun.
In today’s reading we see the declaration that God can remain silent. Job knows this because he has been asking questions of God and even challenging his character. Jobs friend reminds him that when God is silent, he is justified and even declared innocent. God may even hide his face from his followers. However, even if he does, he still looks over individuals and nations. Why? Because he cares, even though his voice is silent.
If you have been a believer for a long time you probably have experienced the silence of God. It doesn’t mean he is not listening or that he doesn’t care. What it does mean, is that God is not giving an answer in the time frame that we expect. This time of silence really stretches your faith. It pushes you to trust the Lord and have faith that he will answer you when the time is right. It also exposes our frustrations and at times our demanding attitude of Christ. He is not a genie and doesn’t respond at our command.
If you are in a season of silence I encourage you to not lose hope. The Lord will respond, but be aware it might be with grace and mercy or it could be with judgment and teaching. His response will address whatever our hearts need at the moment. If we are overwhelmed and still growing in our faith he will be more gentle. If we are like Job and question his character he will judge us appropriately.
Either way the silence is a great teacher and revealer. Let us not question the Lord when answers seem far way. He has a purpose and that purpose is to grow our faith. Take heart today and grow spiritually. God knows what he is doing and you will be molded into a more mature believer.
Tomorrow, I plan to read Job 35-37
