"Do not be silent to me, lest, if you are silent I become like those who go down to the pit," so says a dejected David who feels forsaken in his direst needs.
What are we to do when heaven becomes silent and we think we are left to fend for ourselves? A prayer that goes unanswered for a long time. Or a prayer that came with an answer but contrary to what we had desired.
There are no easy answers. At best, life's complexities often drive us to great lengths of searching and reflecting. At worst, they leave us perplexed and questioning the very existence of God, and like David we feel consigned to a state of abandonment like the rest of the unbelieving world with no hope.
God's silence or the perception of such silence serves a noble purpose. Among others, it builds in us character and deepens our submission to His loving authority in a way that has never been done before. Heaven will not always be silent. It is in the fire of our suffering that His presence is made real. When that which has been divinely purposed in us comes to fruition we are renewed and reinvigorated. Let's listen in to David after a long time of waiting:
"Blessed be the LORD, because He has heard the voice of my supplications! The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him."
Hang in there. His grace is more than sufficient. In this Psalm, David references Jesus as a Savior and a Shepherd who saves and nurtures His people (verses 8,9). This particular psalm has blessed my heart today and I'm sure it will warm your heart too as you meditate upon it.