Oh, You're Still There!

Hear my prayer, O LORD, listen to my cry for mercy. In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me. Psalm 86:6-7 (NIV)

When my grandson was around four years old, I had been on the phone talking to him when he suddenly stopped talking, turned away and began speaking to his mother about something that came to mind. I remember that in that moment I got to share in the experience of the innocence and wonder in his life. It was such a beautiful moment. When he had finished speaking to her he came back on the line and listened. He said, “Pepa isn‘t there. He hung up.” I chuckled and said, “No, I’m still here.” He giggled in happy surprise and said, “Oh, you’re still there!”

Most of us have experienced moments, or even seasons, in our lives where it felt like God had hung up on us. We wonder, "God, are you listening?" When He is quiet it can be very discouraging, and we can even wonder at times if there is something wrong with us. Why would the Lord ignore us? Has the line between us been severed? Has He stopped caring?

Jesus said He would never leave us or forsake us (Heb. 13:5). Both words, leave and forsake, can carry meanings of desertion and rejection. Neither define God for He always remains and accepts. As I remained with my grandson in my silence, my presence was still with him. Silence does not necessarily mean abandonment. In times when God is silent on my line, I take it as His commendation that He sees I have come far enough in my faith to rest in His Strength when He just wants to listen. His plan for my life always remains strong and in effect.

His love for us is much greater than any love we can hold for a precious child. Just because we do not hear Him does not mean He is not there. His ear is always open to our cry. For you personally, He has always known every word you will ever speak in your lifetime and hears every cry of your heart. His plan and work in your life is always current, up to date, and sound. It is still happening in the quiet times. David speaks to this saying, “You know when I sit and when I rise, you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways” (Psalms 139:2-3).

We may at times take His silence as absence, rejection, or even disapproval and believe our thoughts and prayers are thudding into impenetrable ceilings of disregard. It is just the opposite.

This is when He makes us giggle with delight in those golden moments as we hear His tender voice say, “No, I’m still here and I am listening.” Silence does not mean He is not there; it means He is hearing us. The very God who holds the power of Creation in His hands (Col. 1:16-17) has your name written on His palms (Is. 49:16). He hears and sees your need. Jesus promised, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matt. 28:20). Trust in that dear child. Trust in that.

Maranatha,

Ken