Tell me if this has ever happened to you. You get out your Bible, your journal, and a cup of coffee, anticipating a deep and meaningful time with God. You find your chosen place to read, quiet your mind, and begin. The verses move past, but nothing earth-shattering jumps out. You re-read what you just read. Still nothing meaningful.
“OK God,” you think, “I’m finished reading now. I’ve even read everything twice. Time for you to speak to me… One, two, three go…” And still nothing.
This is where I am as I write this. My Bible and journal are open beside my computer. I’ve been at this for almost 30 minutes. My journal page is empty, and I haven’t heard a word from God. Is He mad at me? Is this some kind of test? Am I missing something?
Well, let’s go through the checklist. Have I done something that would prevent me from hearing from God? Not that I know of. Have I rushed through my reading or praying? Maybe, but I tried not to. Is God making some kind of point? I honestly don’t know the answer to that one. All I know is I tried to listen and He didn’t say anything.
As I have gotten to know God better, I’ve learned that every day doesn’t bring a life-changing revelation. Come to think about it, God has never seemed to be a conversationalist. He speaks when He has something to say. When He speaks, it’s important and memorable. But sometimes, He doesn’t speak.
I can’t explain why God sometimes chooses not to speak. But I know this: although God doesn’t speak to me every day, He hears me every day. I might not have heard something definitive from Him, but He has heard everything I’ve said or thought, and there isn’t a single detail of my life or my circumstances that have escaped His attention.
If you’ve taken the time to read, pray, and listen to God but haven’t heard anything, don’t worry or don’t get discouraged. He’s right there. He see you, He hears you, and He’s on the job. You haven’t wasted your time.