Silent Time

Have you ever felt trapped in a situation that seemed hopeless? Whether deserved or not, times in jail can be desperate, whether literally in prison or in a transferred sense. But the Bible offers powerful examples of how God's presence can transform even the darkest circumstances.

Have you ever felt that God has turned away from you in times of need? Throughout history people in the end got blessed, who were longing for God's presence and relying on his goodness, despite having to go through temporary difficulties.

For everything there is a season, for joy and for sadness, a time to be quiet and and time to speak out. For everything there is an appropriate time appointed by the Lord, Ecclesiastes 3 [1 - 7] For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance. A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak.

Despite all the cultural differences between regions and countries, as well as between the past and today, one thing we have in common: everyone needs to eat and drink to nourish the body. Some suffer scarcity being locked in hold captive. Others have more than enough in abundance. Praise the Lord and give thanks every time you have a meal to enjoy. And yet, food and drink will ultimately not be the most important things. Romans 14 [17]: The kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. God's kingdom is not food and drink alone, but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Everyone of any background who humbly puts faith in the eternal creator God and receives his blessing will already find here peace and joy and contribute to justice, which all will be perfected in heaven. 

It can be terrible to be left alone. In ordinary life it can be hard to be left alone, and how much more in serious crises and difficult situations. People may leave us behind. And sometimes it might even feel as if even God left us alone. But God never leaves us. For example the psalmist prayed in Psalm 33 [22]: I was terrified and thought, “They've chased me far away from you!” But you answered my prayer when I shouted for help. I had said in my alarm "I am driven far from your sight". But you heard my supplications when I cried out to you for help.

Who cares for you? Do you have anyone who cares about and for you? Praise the Lord, if you are blessed with caring persons such as among family and friends, who care and provide for you, who intercede and support. But even if you feel totally alone, as if no one would care at all, still, there is a strong provider, the Lord himself. He does not simply fulfill all our wishes, often we have to wait and go through times of trouble and hardship, yet the Lord has a good long term plan to guide us through all that, to prepare us for his kingdom of glory. He is the strong provider for all kinds of needs, some examples are given in Psalm 107 [4 - 21]: Some of you were lost in the scorching desert, far from a town. You were hungry and thirsty and about to give up. You were in serious trouble, but you prayed to the LORD, and he rescued you. At once he brought you to a town. You should praise the LORD for his love and for the wonderful things he does for all of us. He has satisfied a longing soul, and has filled a hungry soul with goodness. Some of you were prisoners suffering in deepest darkness and bound by chains, because you had rebelled against God Most High and refused his advice. You were worn out from working like slaves, and no one came to help. You were in serious trouble, but you prayed to the LORD, and he rescued you. He brought you out of the deepest darkness and broke your chains. You should praise the LORD for his love and for the wonderful things he does for all of us. Some of you had foolishly committed a lot of sins and were in terrible pain. The very thought of food was disgusting to you, and you were almost dead. You were in serious trouble, but you prayed to the LORD, and he rescued you. By the power of his own word, he healed you and saved you from destruction. You should praise the LORD for his love and for the wonderful things he does for all of us.

This life here on earth alone has a lot of questions. And beyond that the question may be asked: Will everyone enter heaven? Jesus warns that not everyone who claims to be his follower will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do God's will, for example in the gospel to Matthew 7 [21]: Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of the Father who is in heaven.” And in order to remember, that message is also put into various pictures, for example the distinguishing between sheep and goats. And in another example the 10 bridesmaids: Matthew 25 [1 - 2 + 13]: At that time the Kingdom of heaven will be like this. Once there were ten young women who took their oil lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and the other five were wise. And Jesus concluded, “Watch out, then, because you do not know the day or the hour". 

What do you hold on to, that you should let go? It might be to give up unhealthy habits such as smoking. Or to turn off the TV on time in order to get sufficient sleep. Or to stop using abusive language that takes energy from family members, friends and colleagues and rather taking own responsibility for one's life and happiness. Or it might be to give back something stolen. Or simply to stop being angry and spreading a bad mood. Whatever it might be, Jesus encourages us to give up those things which he has shown us individually in everyone's situation. To let go the matters that are not healthy, which are not good for the future. And rather to follow Jesus, to serve God and to share the good news. Because what benefit would it be, if someone gained this whole world but lost one's soul? It is worthwhile to think about that and the topic is also addressed in the gospel to Mark chapter 8 [34 - 38]: When Jesus had called the people to himself along with his disciples, he said to them "Those who want to follow me need to say no to the things they want, pick up their crosses, and follow me. As my follower, you have to give up your own ways, setting aside selfish interests. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? Do not be ashamed of me and my message among these unfaithful and sinful people, says the Lord. If you are ashamed and deny the good news, then the Son of Man will be ashamed of you when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. 

When driving a conventional vehicle, it is important to be concentrated. Have you ever been in critical situations of driving while being sleepy? Like a driver of a small older car who was tired but nevertheless driving on the highway with high speed and without noticing it he fell asleep for a short moment. When he opened the eyes, his car was very close to a huge truck, an extremely dangerous situation. Praise the Lord no accident. The driver of that small car had learned the lesson, stopped the car at the next service center, took a short rest and quick excercise before driving on. It is important to notice one's own tiredness as well as that of others, not just to ignore it. Sometimes there are deeper issues in life: more serious types of being tired, burn-out or depressions, as well as seemingly unsolvable health issues, conflicts and strife in family or at work, financial trouble or other difficulties. Then it is important to notice one's situation, to talk openly to others, to oneself and to talk to God in prayer. John 6 [35]. The Lord is the great provider who gives strength in weakness. Not all problems might be gone immediately, but we have a clearer view being aware of the grace and friendship of the all-knowing Lord who has a good longterm plan for everyone throughout unpleasant as well as throughout pleasant times of life as the way towards his eternal kingdom. Isaiah 40 [29]: He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless.

When was the last time you felt overwhelmed by fear or uncertainty, wondering how you could possibly face what lies ahead? Throughout all kinds of situations, God encourages you to remain calm and trust in His promises, even when the world around you seems threatening.