Embracing the Echo of God's Silence (06/28/'24) -Message

Embracing the Echo of God's Silence Beloved brothers and sisters, Today, I want to share with you a profound truth: God's silence doesn't mean God's absence. In our fast-paced world, filled with noise and constant activity, we often find ourselves yearning for clear and unmistakable signs from God. We desire His voice to thunder in our lives, to provide direction and affirmation in ways that are undeniable. Yet, we must remember that silence is God's language, a gentle whisper that transcends the clamor of our daily lives. Consider this: His speech is silence, an intimate and serene form of communication that goes beyond the limits of our words. All else is but a poor translation of His divine essence. In this sacred silence, God invites us to grow deeper in our faith, to explore the depths of our relationship with Him. As scripture reminds us, "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed" (John 20:29). Faith flourishes in the unseen, nurtured by the quiet trust in His ever-present love. Reflect on the story of Elijah, where God was not found in the wind, nor in the earthquake, nor in the fire, but in a still, small voice (1 Kings 19:11-12). This is the mystery of His presence, the paradox of His power in solitude. God's word is solitude, a sacred space where we encounter the fullness of Christ, where His silence speaks volumes. Even in the moments when we feel forsaken, as Jesus did on the cross, crying out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46), there is a profound silence that holds us. This silence does not signify God's absence but invites us into a deeper communion, a more intimate understanding of His love and purpose for our lives. In the echo of His silence, we find our faith affirmed. We discover that God's presence is not always in the grand and spectacular but often in the quiet, unassuming moments where His still, small voice guides us. It is in the silence that His love is found, His guidance revealed, and His power felt in the stillness of our hearts. So, let us embrace the echo of His silence. Let us find solace and strength in the quiet moments, knowing that in them, we encounter the true essence of His presence. In the silence, we hear His call. In the stillness, we know His love. May we, as a community of believers, cultivate a deep appreciation for God's silent communication. Let us listen with hearts open to the gentle whisper of His guidance and embrace the sacred stillness where His love resides. In Christ's love and grace, Pastor Steven G. Lee (June 28, 2024)