MODERN :: MOVING :: MOTIVATING | WORSHIP WITH US @ 10AM SUNDAYS
off

Sound of Silence – Whispered in the Sounds of Silence

Even Jesus experienced the Sound of Silence. On that day when he was nailed to the cross with the sins of the world (past, present and future) placed on his soul, the Father turned his face away. Jesus knew why he had come; he knew that he was to be the sacrifice for the sins of humanity. He was not uninformed of the plan or the purpose…yet, when God turned away in that hour of overwhelming darkness, Jesus cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Even though Jesus knew the path he had to walk, he could not fully imagine or be prepared for the loneliness and pain of separation from God. He experienced that darkness alone, totally alone, so that you and I would never have to! How often do we feel that God has turned away, that he isn’t paying attention, but he is there and he does care. We must trust his purpose even if we don’t understand his plan. God’s ways are higher than ours, his thoughts are wiser than ours. Someday we too will understand it all!

Scriptures
Pr 19:21; Mt 27:22-23, 45-46; Da 3:17-18; 1 Co 13:12; 2 Co 5:21; Hb 1:13; Isa 6:5, 59:2; 1 Pe 2:24; Jn 3:16; He 13:5-6

Verse
Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. (Pr 19:21)
For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully even as I have been fully known. (1 Co 13:12)

Thought
It’s hard to understand how God could turn his back on Jesus, his only son. Jesus did everything God sent him to do, including death on the cross. Yet, in his greatest hour of need, Jesus was totally alone. God is holy and he cannot look at sin, so when Jesus bore the sins of the world, he literally became sin and God had to turn away. God could have called the whole deal off. Ten thousand angels could have come and delivered Jesus from the cross. But if God had given in to the certain agony he was experiencing, death, hell and the grave would not have been conquered and eternal life would not be ours through Christ. When God is silent, you may not understand the plan, but rest assured that there is a greater purpose in play; God is in control. Rest in his promises. Trust in his Word.

Questions
Identify a difficult time in your life. Did you feel God was near or far away? Were you able to pray and find comfort in God’s Word? Explain why or why not? How did Christian friends help you or hurt you during that time? Has anyone ever told you that some difficulty was because of sin or lack of faith? If so, how did you respond? What is the best thing a fellow Christian can do for you when life’s stuggles are getting you down? How do you comfort others when they ask, “Why has God forsaken me?”

Response
Search for some Scriptures that reaffirm God’s presence. Write them out in a notebook or journal along with the reference of where they are found. Listen to Christian music. Find a few songs that remind you of God’s abiding love and faithfulness. If and when the silence comes, go to your tried and true Scriptures and songs. Recite the Scriptures; listen to the songs. Fill your mind and soul with them. Allow them to reassure and comfort you while you trust God’s purpose through the silence.

Prayer
Dear God, thank you for presence. Help me find peace in your perfect plan and to trust your purpose no matter the circumstances. May I walk in your ways daily and allow your word to saturate my soul with the hope that comes only from you. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen!

About the Author