Bridgeway Christian Church

I was just talking the other day to two different folks here at church about why it seems that when we pray, God seems so silent.  It was interesting because my responses to each of them were different yet both seemed to ring true (wow, shocking...God may have more than one reason for why He does things??? who would have thought?)

When answering the first, I said something to the effect that it's likely that silence in prayer is likely an effect of the Fall of mankind.  In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve got very intimate interaction with God that was free flowing and easy as a conversation with a literal person in front of them (and indeed God was, as He came walking through in the cool of the day - which by the way where was He coming from?  Why not just teleport over there?  Oh well, that's another blog).

But then when mankind said no to God by eating the fruit of the forbidden tree, things changed. They didn't just change in our soul and spirit, they didn't just change in the curse of the world, but things dramatically changed relationally with God and in a sense God pulled back and grew more quiet.  It went from walking and talking together to seeming random comments from up above (i.e. talking to Cain about killing Abel - clearly God didn't fully talk back and forth about what kind of sacrifice to give, becaue Cain got it wrong, and yet it seemed God was very clear about the killing of his brother).

So, perhaps the distance that we feel with God is all part of that process. Perhaps the silence of God and the sensation that we are having a one way conversation is part of the frustration that was forced by our rebellion. Perhaps God is just as frustrated that He had to pull away in order to show proper boundaries and not enable our sinfulness.  Perhaps it's just as irritating to God to not speak freely with us as He desires to in His heart.

Perhaps God is in an essence saying, "My child, I want to talk with you freely as much as you want me to talk with you freely, but right now it's not proper.  Know this, I have not abandoned you. I have said many things through the years, things that you must know for life and godliness (in the Bible). I have shared with you the basics of our relationship, but for now I will be quiet.  However, due to my desire to be with you freely, I have shortened our 'distant time' to about 85 years (life span avg.).  This short span is irritating for both of us, but eternity is long and full.  We will have forever to talk freely. I long for that time.  Until then, know that I love you and know that I am with you always.  Know that I'm listening to your cries. Know that my silence does not indicate my involvement or care.  Know that my love for you doesn't wane. Know that my eyes are upon you.'

In my second conversation I found myself coming up with a totally different perspective.  Praise the Lord that I God reminds me to seek HIm freshly with each new conversation because rarely is the last answer I gave appropriate for my next conversation.  Anyway, here was my thoughts the next time...

"God refuses to encourage our ‘speed spirituality pathway’ where we want Him to run at our level and periodically check in with Him to get what we need and then we are off again (kind of like the runner in a marathon who wants someone to run alongside to give them a cup of Gatorade which they guzzle down and throw to the side, never slowing down).

At some point, God will say ‘sit down, shut up and wait’ – because what I’m about to say and what I’m teaching you right now is only able to be absorbed in the slowness.”  It's not a rude thing, it's not a situation of anger, it's about reality and demanding humility.

In our busy lives I believe that we sacrifice spiritual growth in a significant way.  I believe that there are some things (like the transcendance and power of God) that can not be obtained by us being in control of our schedules.  I believe that there are things (like humility) that cannot be obtained on the run.  I believe, honestly, as much as it irritates me too, that God withholding His voice and not being our Genie, is intensely beneficial and actually vital to our spiritual growth.

So, what is the real reason that God is silent at times, and generally quiet to HIs kids?  It seems that a good Father communicates.  If I talk to my kids tons and guide them all the time verbally (and we are a verbal being), then why do I picture myself as 'dad of the year' when God gets the 'runner up' award?  What am I missing?  Is it rude?  Is it disconnected like it feels?  Do we lack the ears to hear?  Is it an effect of the Fall of mankind?

Hmmm, someone much smarter than I will have to answer that...