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When God is 'Silent'

There are times that most of us feel that God is silent.  Meaning a sense of unanswered prayer(s,) spiritual dryness or a perceived lack of guidance and intervention in one’s life.  Some even feel abandonment.  This is not at all unusual for most people who believe in God.  What’s most important during such times is one’s response.  Humanly speaking it is easy to lose perspective in a relatively short period of time when we feel abandoned by God, even if we know intellectually He is present.

What not to do!  From the book of Exodus, chapter 32, Moses had gone to Mount Sinai, leaving the Israelites without his guidance for 40 days (Ex 24:18) to be with God and to obtain the Ten Commandments that were given to him on two stone tablets in which were inscribed by God, Himself!  Sometime during these 40 days while Moses was with God, the people became fearful without Moses to guide and comfort them.  Motivated by fear they go to Aaron, Moses' spokesman, suggesting that he make them gods (not to fully replace God) so they would have something visible and tangible to follow.  Aaron goes along with their request and suggest that they bring all their gold and he melted it, making an idol cast in the shape of a calf (Ex 32:4).  In doing so Aaron and the people explicitly violate the first and second commandment which he and the people had already received from God verbally through Moses (Ex 20:23).  And as is the case when idolatry happens, immorality almost always follows!  Exodus describes their immorality as “out of control” or “running wild” (Ex 32:25) which violates the seventh commandment. 

When Moses returns and sees the calf and that the people were out of control he confronts Aaron.  Aaron’s response is typical of man when caught red-handed, Aaron admits to what he did, but does not take full ownership!    Telling Moses what the people had asked of him, stopping short in that the gold that he melted, formed itself into a calf – ludicrous! NOTHING is created by itself!  Exodus 32:4 already recorded the fact that Aaron made an idol cast in the shape of a calf!  

All too familiar!  When God feels silent in our life, it is easy to drift into putting our faith in something visible and tangible to follow rather than God… which is idolatry.  Be it a relationship with another person, our work, our money or a number of other things!  The story above serves a clear warning that we are NEVER to have other gods in our life!  

You can be sure that God is always at work and has our best interest in mind. Read Jeremiah 29:11 and Psalm 139:17-18.  When we think otherwise and act out this wrong thinking it almost always leads to spiritual, emotional and practical consequences.  Throughout Scripture from Adam onward, when man turns his back on God, the consequences are never good.

What to Do!  When God is silent we are encouraged to “Not let your heart be troubled; believe in God… (John 14:1). And remember: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).  If you are in the midst of silence, hang with the TRUTH and remain faithful!!!  

An MCHA Stop~n~Think - 01.30.2026 - Courtesy of  MCHA Ministry Coordinator Tim Chastain