In the previous article, I explored how the question, “How long, oh God, will you be silent over me,” can transform into a profound existential inquiry, especially when we continually ask it. I shared how we often raise this question when it feels like we haven’t received the support we hoped for from God, which could make our lives a bit easier. For this article, I’m excited to delve into another reason why people might find themselves pondering, “How long, oh God, will you be silent over me.” This question often comes up when individuals feel wronged in certain situations, particularly if others have embraced a misleading story about them without taking the time to listen to their perspective.
It can be very difficult to accept when people lie about you, especially when it happens in multiple situations at once—it can truly feel overwhelming. Sometimes, people might not tell the whole truth about you because your presence may seem like a challenge to the status quo. Interestingly, you don’t even have to say a word; just being around can make them feel uneasy. And if you decide to speak up, even if you’re not directly addressing them, they might still feel offended. On the other hand, if you choose to stay quiet, your silence can be perceived in unexpected ways. So, whether you share your thoughts or remain silent, it can undeniably feel like a no-win situation. During these times, we often find ourselves pondering, ‘God, how long, oh God, will you remain silent about me? How long will lies take precedence over the truth? Why don’t people ask the right questions, or any questions at all? Why do I have to feel this way when it seems that, no matter what I do, I am already judged by others?’
I want you to know that it’s really tough to find yourself in such a situation, especially when it feels like everything is happening all at once and you have nowhere to turn but to God. Even when you reach out to Him, it can sometimes seem as though He is silent. You might find yourself saying, and even praying, “God, can you just reveal the truth to them?” There are many meaningful reasons we might face experiences like this. One possibility is that it helps us nurture our spiritual growth and challenges what we think we know about God. We all want to be right, especially when we’re navigating the complexities of human conflict. While nobody claims that being wrong is okay, there are times when God gently invites us to find peace in silence, just as Jesus did. There’s a time for speaking up and a time for listening, yet it can be really tough to accept when falsehoods seem to thrive in the absence of truth.
We live in a world where sharing the truth, even when surrounded by lies, can sometimes feel a bit lonely. But remember, there will come a time when the truth shines brightly for everyone to see! Just like the steam rising from a kettle of boiling water, the truth finds its own special way of appearing. Even if it takes a little while for the water to reach its boiling point, that steam will eventually be visible. It may take some time for folks to discover the truth, but you can trust that it will come to light. When it is finally revealed, there might be some consequences, but that doesn’t change the beautiful fact that the truth has emerged!
Sometimes, we might also suffer for saying and standing for the truth. It’s natural to feel that when we stand firm in our beliefs and speak our truth, God should respond swiftly to our needs. But when we find ourselves facing delays, it’s easy to question whether we were on the right path. I want to uplift you with the comforting words of God. It says “Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you. They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator (1 Peter 4:1-5, 12-16, 19).
Your experience isn’t unique; many people have faced challenges in the pursuit of truth. Make sure that your suffering comes from standing up for God’s truth, rather than just your own perspective. If you’re enduring hardship for defending God’s truth in a world filled with deception, you might feel as though God is silent. But remember, that doesn’t mean He has abandoned you. You are following in the footsteps of Christ and many faithful witnesses who have come before you. While the answer might not resolve your question of “how long, oh God, will you be silent over me,” it can help change the way you view your suffering.
Another beautiful thought to reflect on comes from the Bible! Sometimes, we find ourselves in situations not just because of our actions, but because there’s a wonderful plan for our current circumstances that goes beyond what we can fully understand. I recognize that this might not be what we want to hear. For instance, think about what Paul shares in 2 Corinthians 1:3-5. He writes, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.”
Dear fellow pilgrim, we all encounter those moments that feel truly unimaginable, don’t we? Yet, it’s in those times, with God’s comforting presence beside us, that we discover the strength to bring solace to others when they need it most. The challenges we face now may not seem connected to the future needs of those who walk in our footsteps, but one day, we’ll have the opportunity to share our experiences with another traveler. Imagine saying to them, ‘You know, I once faced a tough situation. While your struggles may not be exactly the same, I believe in the God who guided me through my own challenges, and He’ll look after you too.’ Our moments of ‘tribulation’ come with a beautiful purpose—they prepare us to lean into God’s comfort and extend a kind hand to those who are going through hard times. This journey enriches our spiritual growth and enables us not only to sympathize but to genuinely empathize and offer true comfort to anyone who is in distress.
In the meantime, how can we navigate our feelings when we encounter lies and a lack of truth? It’s completely natural to feel compelled to share our truths with others, but what can we do when it feels like there’s no space to express ourselves? In these challenging moments, taking a step back, observing, and turning to the Lord in prayer is truly important. Ask Him to bless you with His incredible peace that surpasses all understanding. As He gently reminds us in His word, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid (John 16:33; 14:27).” Remember, true peace comes only from Him, not the fleeting peace that the world offers. It’s not just about finding comfort in sharing your side of the story; it’s about embracing the deep peace that God provides, which far exceeds any sense of vindication we might seek. If your heart feels troubled by everything happening around you,
- Please pray for those who speak against you.
- Pray that they come to know the truth, God’s truth.
- Pray for a change of heart that accepts the truth.
- Pray for humility to repent and seek restitution.
- If you continue to experience anxiety, fear, and uncertainty, ask God to grant you His peace that surpasses all understanding (meaning the peace that comes only from His presence. The peace that does not rely on what you know or don’t know. The peace that transcends human thought and comprehension. The peace comes from forgiving others, peace within yourself, and peace with God.)
- Ask the Lord to show you if there is anything you have done wrong.
- Pray that you come to rejoice in God. Focus your prayers on Him rather than the overwhelming situations surrounding you.
I pray that as you do all this and more, God grants you peace as you wait for Him to be vindicated.