The Hour of Isolation

I know what it is like to face divine silence, to not hear God’s voice for a season. I have walked through periods of total confusion with no apparent guidance, the still small voice behind me completely silent. There were times when I had no friend nearby to satisfy my heart with a word of advice. All my patterns of guidance from before had gone awry, and I was left in total darkness. I could not see my way, and I made mistake after mistake. So often, I wanted to cry out in desperation, “O God, what has happened? I don’t know which way to go!”

Does God really hide his face from those he loves? Is it possible that he lifts his hand for a short time to teach us trust and dependence?

The Bible answers clearly, “God withdrew from him [Hezekiah], in order to test him, that He might know all that was in his heart” (2 Chronicles 32:31, NKJV). We may assume that we have a pure heart, but any issue of trust or pet sins that we may be harboring will quickly be revealed as we wrestle with God’s silence.

You may be going through a flood of trials right now. You know what I’m talking about when I say the heavens are like brass. You know all about repeated failures. You’ve waited and waited for answers to prayer. You’ve been served a cup of affliction. Nothing and nobody can touch that crushing need in your heart.

That’s the time to take your stand! You don’t have to be able to laugh or rejoice, because you may not have any happiness at the moment. In fact, you may have nothing but turmoil in your soul, but you can know God is still with you, because Scripture says, “The Lord sat enthroned at the Flood, and the Lord sits as King forever” (Psalm 29:10).

Soon you will hear his voice. Don’t get excited. Don’t panic. Just keep your eyes on the Lord. Commit all things to your heavenly Father. You will be assured that you remain the object of his incredible love.