Mat 27:14 “Jesus kept silence–not a word from his mouth. The governor was impressed, really impressed.” (The Message)
Today’s message may seem contradictory to what you’ve always believed. Most of us need to actually “say” something to be encouraging. But I’d like to say that silence can also be a big encouragement to many people. I am not talking about failing to show appreciation; I am simply saying that there are times when silence is golden and it means more than a myriad of words.
Jesus’ silence when falsely accused “impressed” the governor. Why? Because it is a human tendency to always defend ourselves. Not so with Jesus. His silence had more meaning to the governor than any defense Jesus might have given on His behalf. This is why Pilate was convinced that Jesus was innocent! (see Luk 23:4)
I remember the night my dad passed away. A somber message from my brother was left on our answering machine in the middle of the night. It was all I could do to make the necessary arrangements for my wife and I to fly to Belgium and to make arrangements for my mother-in-law (bless her) to fly out from California to take care of our son who was sick with the flu. I didn’t completely comprehend at the time that my dad was gone. It wasn’t until I saw him lying lifeless in the hospital that it hit home. That’s when my tears poured forth. I didn’t know the Lord at the time, and I thought he wouldn’t be able to enjoy the pleasure of sight any longer. My world had seemed to crumble.
Many people came to give me their condolences. They filled the air with meaningless words. I know they meant well, but my state of mind was not such that I could appreciate their words. The ones who were the most annoying were the ones who made long speeches. Didn’t they understand I couldn’t grasp what they said? I was living in fog. I felt empty and completely discouraged, and all of these well-meaning friends were keeping me from grieving!
However, there was one person and one person alone who made a difference as I struggled to cope with the loss of my dad. That person had insisted of coming with me to Belgium, but she never uttered a word. Instead, she held my hand when I needed a presence. She hugged me when I needed comfort. She even held me in her arms when I tried to fall asleep at night, although later on I found out that this kept her from sleeping herself. She cried when I cried. This person’s presence made a whole difference to me. Her silence meant more to me that the hundreds of encouragements I verbally received. This person was my wife. By silently caring about me, she helped to turn my world right side up again.
I would like to encourage any of you who find yourselves in the situation where you need to console someone, just be there. Hold them if they need comfort, cry with them for their loss. You being there will mean the world to them. Many years may pass by, but they will always remember that you were the one who really mourned, the one sent by God to help them out of the state of fog their mind was in. Your silence will be golden and will be perceived as the best encouragement they could have ever received.
The same is true when we pray. How often do we give endless monologues that end up with us still not knowing God’s will for our situation? God’s Word is clear on this:
Zec 2:13 “Quiet, everyone! Shh! Silence before GOD. Something’s afoot in his holy house. He’s on the move!” (Message)
We need to be quiet to be able to hear His voice! Prayer is not a monologue, it’s a dialogue and we need to wait and listen to God’s response. No wonder that so many people hate praying. Who likes monologues? I don’t know of many people who do. However if you let God talk with you, you will hunger for more of these conversations with God.
I love my moments when I am in dialogue with my Heavenly father. The best way for me to do so is to go for a power walk with my Forever Friend. I always come back from my walk enriched and blessed. The more I listen to Him and the less I talk, the more blessed I am.
Psa 65:1 “Silence is praise to you, Zion-dwelling God, And also obedience.” (Message)
When we are in communication with God, and we take the time to listen, our silence is considered by God as a praise offering. It also shows our obedience because it shows that we want to hear His voice. We want to know His will. We care for His directions in our lives. We realize that He is the One who makes a difference in our world. He is so awesome.
My Heavenly Father holds me, too, when I need comfort. He cares for me way beyond anyone on this planet. And He cares for you in the same way! Will you go for a power walk with God right now? Listen to His voice. Wait on Him. You will be amazed to His revelations. He wants to have a relationship with you. Go for it and enjoy it! Silence can be golden!
In His love,
Rob Chaffart
Answers2Prayer Ministries, www.Answers2Prayer.org
(To access the entire “Encouragement” mini-series, please click here.)