Why is God silent?

Even in God's silence, there may be a purpose: He wants to teach us and redirect our attention back to Himself. Scripture tells of times when God was silent. David cried out but felt he received no answer. Job also thought he could not find the Lord's presence. During the approximately 400-year period between the Old and New Testaments, there was no prophet speaking to Israel. Sometimes we do not receive an answer from God when we expect it. At such times, it is helpful to remember a few truths: He wants to direct our attention to Himself. God does not always answer in the time we expect. A delay can help shift our focus from the answer we want to God Himself. He gives us an opportunity to examine our hearts. When we feel distant from God, we can consider if there is unconfessed sin or resistance in our lives. The goal is not for God to reject us, but to restore our fellowship with Him. He teaches us to trust Him. If we only love God when we feel our prayers are being answered, our relationship is based more on feelings than on faith. He teaches us to better recognize His guidance. As we pay attention to God's Word and commune with Him, we learn to better understand His truth. Whatever our situation, we can remember this: God's silence does not mean He has abandoned us. Even if we do not see what He is doing, He may be at work in our lives.