Have you ever been given the silent treatment? When I was growing up, we always knew when my mom was angry with one of us. She suddenly got quiet. Sometimes it was hard to tell who she was angry with until she did the laundry. If your laundry was left undone when she finished and she wasn’t talking, you knew you were in big trouble.
The silent treatment is a strong indication there is a breakdown in a relationship. Many of us practice the silent treatment with God. When things don’t work out the way we want, we get angry with Him and just stop talking to Him. We live life as if He moved away from us and then we want to know why He isn’t there for us. We need to realize the root of the problem.
God will never leave us nor forsake us [Deuteronomy 31:8, Joshua 1:9]. We always have access to Him [Ephesians 2:18]. He tells us in Jeremiah 33:3 He will answer us when we call to Him. If there is a breakdown in communication between you and God, He isn’t the problem. He is a constant, ever-present help [Psalm 46:1].
I’ve been known to say God must be southern because He is a gentleman. He is always there ready, able and willing to talk with you and come to your aid, but He will not force Himself on you. You must invite Him to be a part of your life and then you must be willing to allow Him to work.
He encourages us in Psalm 55:22 and 1 Peter 5:7 to come to Him and give Him our worries and problems. He wants to intervene, but He doesn’t want to be a 911 operator. He desires a relationship with you. In order to have a relationship, you must communicate with Him on a regular basis.
So where do things stand with you and the Lord today? Have you talked with Him lately about your life, your dreams, and your problems? If not, don’t you think it’s time to stop the silent treatment? He’s waiting…