Keeping Silent

Let him sit alone in silence, for the Lord has laid it on him.

Lamentations 3:28 (NIV)

I really like the first part of this phrase from Moses found in Exodus 14:14, which says: “Keep silent.” Most Christians much prefer the second part because they directly associate it with the victory that God will grant them without their having to act. This same phrase from Moses can have another meaning. It can be interpreted as keeping silent in the midst of trials because they come from God for our transformation and spiritual progress.

A Christian should not blame God or question His inactivity in his problems, or complain about what he is going through. He should rather pray to God to ask Him to reveal to him what He wants to teach him through these trials or circumstances. Often, the situations we go through are permitted by God for our good. This is exactly what this verse, or even the whole chapter, tells us. Man must keep silent before God when he faces difficulties.

Keeping silent does not necessarily mean saying nothing at all. It means not rushing to say that God has abandoned you or that He is punishing you for your sins. You can enter God’s presence to converse directly with Him and ask Him to help you see things more clearly and guide you so that you do not succumb. Whatever situation you are facing, remember that God is in control. If you do not have the strength to pray, be silent and wait because sooner or later He will act on your behalf.

May the grace and peace of God be with you all.