Devotionals for the Heart: Silence

Trusting God When He is Silent 
A devotional by Kerry Sue Teravskis

“Be still, and know that I am God!”

—Psalm 46:10 (NLT)

A good test of a deep relationship is the ability to sit in silence together for long periods of time with no one being uncomfortable or trying to fill the gap with words. There is an understanding, a comfortableness, acceptance, and trust within the confines of the moment, or moments.

Some are more naturally inclined towards silence, while others have a daily quota of words to spill and have the need to spill them. Neither is wrong, just different. It is in the learning and understanding and knowing in a relationship where true love is found.

For many years this verse in Psalm 46:10 has quieted my heart. But today it took a turn. I had looked at the first two words, the command “Be still”, and was content and challenged with them. For one who is ready to go and enjoys being busy, this command is a necessary reminder of how important it is to stop and be still. And that it is okay to do so. Even required in our walk with the Lord.

However, the verse continues, so do the commands. And know that I am God. What does it mean to know God? Can one ever truly know Him? Can He be known?

According to the Blue Letter Bible and Strong’s Concordance, to know is "yada" in Hebrew. It means to know, perceive and see, find out and discern. What is interesting is the psalmist, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, does not say, “Be still and listen.”

Why?

I will not be able to answer that fully, or even by halves, but when the obvious is not stated in Scripture, we should pause. The obvious would be: Stop, be still and listen for God has something to say. Or: Settle down and quiet yourself so you can hear God. But we are told to know God.

When you are getting to know someone new, what do you do? You spend time with her/him. You invite that person to coffee, an outing, or over for dinner. Maybe you spend time with other couples or families. You find common ground, likes, interests. Shared memories, laughter and sorrows make for a good friendship. This all takes time, however. Some friendships form quickly and a lifetime bond is formed, while others develop over time, with the intensity deepening.

Would it be any different with our Heavenly Father? No, as He is our Father, our Abba (Daddy). He wants to spend time with us and will invite us on those coffee dates, those adventures which make for great memories. It is in the process we get to know God. There can be small chat, deep conversations, and shared silence. And it is good.

Even if the silence gets a little long, He is still there. He is still enjoying our company and He is still in our lives. Let us not run, panic, or question this silence. Jumping to fear causes doubt to creep in which pushes love and assurance out. Nothing changed in the relationship between you and your Father. A span of time without words is just that—a span of time without words.

Love and acceptance are still present. Mutual desire to be together has not shifted. Shared memories intact. A settled comfort has occurred, nothing more. Let us not read into it more than we should, nor over-analyze the silence. God is here, near and enjoying you.

Are you in a time of silence with God? Are you still before Him? Are you learning to know Him more? Is it getting uncomfortable? Hold on dear one. Allow the silence of God to speak.

Be content in His Presence knowing He is content in yours.

Let’s Pray: Father God, thank You for my relationship with You. You care about our relationship, so much so, that You will deepen it by silence, by opportunities for me to know You more. I do not want to rush them, skip over them or dismiss them in my hurry to move on with life. You are my life. In the stillness, may I know You more. Thank You for teaching me and growing me more in You. In the Name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Can Anybody Hear Me?” by Meredith Andrews. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: "Not for A Moment" by Meredith Andrews. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

As a wife and Marmee to three adult children and one brand new daughter-in-love, Kerry Sue’s life is very full. She met her husband in college and served in the mission field with him for a few years before settling down back in the United States of America to raise their family.

Kerry Sue’s family was a homeschooling family for 20 years and they enjoyed it immensely. For the last 23 years they have lived on a small farm in Northern California where they have raised many farm animals, along with growing and preserving their food. Kerry Sue’s family farm has been a great source of enjoyment and a place to host many family gatherings. She maintains an open-door policy for dear friends—old and new.

Following and serving Jesus Christ is an integral part of Kerry Sue’s life as well as her family’s.

Whether it’s singing in our church choir, teaching children or leading and lecturing at a women’s Bible study, Kerry Sue loves to demonstrate her love for Jesus by giving to Him in service. She’s been a blogger for more than eight years, a Bible study writer for two years, and a devotional writer for about one year.

Kerry Sue writes about finding God’s Sovereignty in our pain and suffering.

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Connect with Kerry:
Blog: https://www.sovereignblog.com/home
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kerry.teravskis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ksteravskis/