In addition to building our spiritual strength, the silent periods represent a proving ground for our walk in Christ. The silent periods give us an opportunity to live out the Word that we have been taught.
The Bible says in Psalm 119:105 that: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
Therefore we must begin to trust God’s Word as a guide for our lives. The voice of God that we hear in prayer or in preaching will always confirm His written Word. In order for us to really mature, we must meditate and then rely on what He has already told us through the scriptures. The silent periods in prayer will help make the correlation and connection between His Voice and His written Word. Furthermore, there is a transition that must take place in our spirit concerning God’s Word. It’s one thing to memorize the scriptures and it’s another thing to know His Word. The word, “know” in the Bible means to be intimate with.
“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” St. John 8:32
In other words, you shall be intimate with the truth (of God’s Word), and it will take you to freedom! God’s silent periods are times to trust and become intimate with the details of His Word. This proving ground is a place where powerful development occurs.
When you are at Bible teaching or studying your Word, a deposit is made in your spirit. The Bible says, “…faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
That Word you have on the inside will become a part of your character when it is lived out through a test of your faith. These tests are needed in order to allow the Word of God to be internalized. Many times God, will remain silent in our prayer so that this process can be consummated. It is here that real learning takes place.
I am reminded of when my daughter was learning mathematics in elementary school. We would sit at the kitchen table and go over her math problems. I would help her up to a certain point. I knew that if I worked every problem for her she would never learn. Walking her through a few equations to a certain point and then letting her try was the way to help her. When she got to the point where I thought she could work on her own, I stopped helping her. My not helping her was the best help for her. She had to grow up and do it on her own. In spite of her cries of frustration, “Daddy, help me,” my silence was for her advancement.
One of the principles that I learned a few years back is that while God is training us there is much dialogue and interaction. But when you are going through a test or a battery of tests, God is silent. The teacher is always silent while the student is taking the test. God’s silence is golden.
An excerpt from “Let Us Pray” by Lyle Dukes, pgs. 80–82
