WHEN GOD IS HARDER TO FIND THAN WALDO
What are some reasons God stands far away?
"O LORD, why do You stand so far away? why do You hide when I am in trouble" (Psalm 10:1, NLT).
First of all, He is God and I am not. He doesn't owe me an explanation and this side of eternity, I might not understand it if He gave one. It was David, "a man after God's own heart," the writer of the majority of the Psalms, and the greatest king of Israel who asked this question. If he didn't know, I'm certain I won't fully know either. God, in His infinite wisdom, chooses not to reveal all the reasons. I'm going to share a few that He has revealed to my finite spirit.
When God is silent, He wants you to dig deeper and search harder. There are layers of wisdom, riches, and love for those who are willing to "search for Him with all their heart."
When God is silent, He wants to show His glory. No one begins a fireworks display with the grand finale. A grand build-up with anticipation is necessary for wonder. The miracle of the water turned to wine shows that Jesus saves the best for last and always makes the wait worth it.
When God is silent, He wants to see if you are desperate. This desperation caused David to say "O God, You are my God; I earnestly search for You. My soul thirsts for You; my whole body longs for You in this parched and weary land where there is no water" (Psalm 63:1, NLT). Who appreciates water more? Someone with a water dispenser in their refrigerator or someone in a "parched and weary land?"
When God is silent, He wants to make certain there is no doubt. When His dear friend Lazarus was sick, He intentionally not only waited for Him to die, but also for him to begin to stink. I love the NLT, but there is something fun about the word "stinketh" in the KJV! Jesus wanted to leave no doubt. This wasn't a mistaken diagnosis. Jesus said, "Lazarus is dead. And for Your sakes, I'm glad I wasn't there, for now you will really believe" (John 11:14-15, NLT).
When God is silent you can be certain there is a reason. It is always for your good, your growth, or His glory. Wait for Him--not passively, but desperately. It will be worth it.
