Daily Devotion: In Silence, God is Working by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Isaiah 55:6-13 KJV

Key Verse:  "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord."
- Isaiah 55:8 KJV

As believers, we often find ourselves perplexed by the silence of our Heavenly Father. This will often bring uncertainty and doubt, wondering if God is still at work in our lives. It seems as though He has withdrawn His presence, leaving us to navigate the storms of life. It’s natural to feel this way when we’re facing challenges or when our prayers seem to go unanswered. But let us not be fooled by the illusion of His absence, for in God's silence, He is working wonders beyond our comprehension.

Proverbs 17:28 reminds us, “Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.” This verse teaches us that sometimes, God’s silence is not a lack of activity, but rather a demonstration of His wisdom and prudence. Just as a wise person knows when to speak and when to remain silent, so too does God.

Zephaniah 3:17 assures us that even in the midst of silence, God is still at work. It says, “The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.” This passage highlights God’s presence and activity, even when we don’t feel His immediate response.

Psalm 28:1 encourages us to cry out to God, even when it seems He is silent. We are reminded to pray. “Unto thee will I cry, O Lord my rock; be not silent to me: lest, if thou be silent to me, I become like them that go down into the pit.” This psalmist’s plea serves as a model for us, urging us to persist in prayer, even when God’s response seems delayed.

Revelation 8:1 says, "And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour." This provides a striking example of God’s silence being followed by action. After the seventh seal was opened, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. This brief period of silence was followed by the pouring out of God’s wrath upon the earth. This passage reminds us that God’s silence does not necessarily mean that He is inactive; rather, it may be a preparation for a greater work.

Consider the story of Hannah in the book of 1 Samuel. For years, she endured the pain of childlessness, pouring out her heart to the Lord in silent sorrow. Her husband, Elkanah, encouraged her, saying, "...why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? am not I better to thee than ten sons?" (1 Samuel 1:8). Yet, in her silence, Hannah was not alone. The Lord was listening, and in His time, He granted her the desire of her heart, which was a son named Samuel.

As we navigate God’s silence, let us remember these truths:

• God’s silence is not a lack of activity, but rather a demonstration of His wisdom and prudence.
• God is always at work, even when we don’t feel His immediate response.
• Persistence in prayer and faithfulness to God are essential, even when His silence seems prolonged.

Let us take comfort in the knowledge that God is not confined by the limitations of human understanding. He is our ever-present help in times of need (Psalm 46:1). His ways are higher, and His thoughts are beyond ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). In the silence, He is at work, molding us, shaping us, and preparing us for the tasks that He has ordained for us. May these verses encourage you to trust in God’s sovereignty and goodness, even when His silence seems to stretch on. For in the silence, God is always working, and His purposes will prevail. He is preparing a greater work in our lives.

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