Hello ,

Turkish theologian Ziya Meral, writes: Where is God when millions of his children are being persecuted in the most brutal ways? 

Why does he keep silent in the middle of persecution but speak loudly in the middle of conferences with famous speakers and worship bands? I have prayed many times like Luther: “Bless us, Lord, even curse us! But don’t remain silent!”

Meral’s struggles eventually led him to consider Jesus’ own experience: “The greatest glory Jesus brought to God was not when he walked on the water or prayed for long hours, but when he cried in agony in the Garden of Gethsemane and still continued to follow God’s will. (He did so) even though it meant isolation, darkness, and the silence of God. 

Thus, we know that when everything around us fails, when we are destroyed and abandoned, our tears … are the greatest worship songs we have ever sung.”

Just because God seems silent doesn’t mean you and I should doubt Him or stop praying.

God’s silence isn’t a license for us to turn our backs on Him. Instead, it’s an invitation to press forward and seek Him even more diligently.

The psalmists modeled crying out to God. David said, “Oh my God, I cry by day, but You do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest” (Psalm 22:2, ESV).

There may be times when it seems that God is strangely silent, but He is always on His throne. Knowing this, how can we proceed with each challenge that we are presented with? 

May God lean in closely to each of us as we ponder this. 

Have a great day and God bless!

Pastor Mike / The Open Word