The silences of God

"O God ! Do not keep silence. "Psalm 83. 1

The first chapter of the book of Genesis reveals to us that it is through the word that God created the universe. The ten creative words testify to the fact that his desire is to communicate. After having created Adam and Eve, he communicates with them in all harmony. But their disobedience will disrupt this relationship and the silences of God become a sign of disapproval.

Some examples show :

After the failure of Sara's faith, then that of Abraham and the birth of Ishmael, God keeps silence for thirteen years. How long were these years when Abram no longer heard the voice of God ! What a contrast with this time when it is repeated : "The Lord said to Abram," "The word of the Lord was addressed to Abram" (Gen. 12: 1-7; 7, 8, 13).

Let us confess our weaknesses to God, for the silences of God are painful for someone who has known his communion.

- More serious is the case of Saul in rebellion against God. He questions God, but God keeps silent (1 Sam. 28. 6). Saul recognizes this terrible reality : "God has withdrawn from me and no longer answers me" (1 Sam. 28, 15). God only expects His repentance to come out of His silence.

The people of Israel have gradually turned away from God to devote themselves to idols, and God says to him : "Have I not kept silence, and this for a long time, and you have not feared me ?" (Es 57, 11). A silence of disapproval, certainly, but also perhaps a sign of the mercy of him who, patient, does not yet chastise.

- But the most impressive, the most incomprehensible, the most painful silence is that of the cross where Jesus said to God : "I cry in the day and you do not answer" (Psalm 22: 2). The angels had acclaimed his birth, God had made himself heard at his baptism and had approved his ministry. Now God is silent. For Jesus "carries our sins", he is "made sin". For three hours, God forsakes him, he "is deaf to his tears" (Psalm 39:12), "he closes his prayer" (Lam.3: 8), he "keeps silence" (Psalm 28: 1) with regard to him who lived in his communion.

The silence of the cross is unique. It leads us to worship !

Source (To pleasing the Lord)