“How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?” Psalm 13:1
Invited to speak in another city, I plugged the address into my cell phone’s GPS system. The reassuring voice gave me step by step directions…until a vast countryside opened up. My cyberspace guide announced, “In 120 miles, turn right onto Farm to Market Road 234.” Silence. My eyes dashed from the road to the black screen on my cell phone. Had something gone wrong? Did I lose the signal? At last, the GPS’s voice sounded again. Relief washed over me. I was on the right path after all.
Often times in our earthly journey, do we not wonder why God seems so silent? We wonder if we are in His will, on the path He has chosen for us to journey. We may be tempted to stop, or try another way.
Perhaps God’s silence means He has already given us our marching orders and is waiting until we reach the point when we again need further instructions. Instead of second-guessing, perhaps we should be confident we are still following His will and stay the course.
Just as I am sure my GPS would have recalculated if I decided to veer off the chosen route, so can I be sure God will correct my path if I stray. Until then, perhaps His silence is to teach me trust, obedience and patience. Until He tells me otherwise, I should continue on the path He has set.
Further reading: check out Julie’s book of Bible studies on discerning God’s direction in uncertain times.
Dear Lord, You are my guide. You know the way. You have given me direction through Your Word, through the wisdom of other Christians, and through nurturing my trust and obedience in You. May I rest in assurance that You will guide my path, correct my direction if I stray, and lead me safely to my final destination into Your eternal presence. Amen.
Take Action
The next time you wonder why God is so silent, prayerfully recall the last instructions He gave you and keep steady, continuing on in faith that you are headed in the direction He wishes you to go.