A Day-by-day devotional

March 11, 2023

Silence

Chronological One Year Bible Reading Plan: Deuteronomy 1-3

Scripture of the Day: Revelation 7:9-17; 8:1

If you write regularly, it is not uncommon to have bouts of what they call writer’s block. It is those moments when you sit on your desk, with pen and paper on hand, or the computer’s keyboard right at your fingertips, but nothing moves. You rock your brain for words but nothing forms. You feel like you’re on a dead end. Your brain goes blank. Silence.

In relationships, silent treatment would be the worst one could experience. When someone gives you the cold shoulder, oftentimes, it feels better to be yelled at, than receive no response or reaction. Silence is quite a powerful thing.

In the book of Revelation, which was recorded by the apostle John while on exile in the island of Patmos, talks about a scroll containing seven seals handed to the Lamb who sits on the throne (Revelation 6). Upon the opening of each seal, a judgment occurring on earth follows. However, upon the opening of the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour (Revelation 8:1).

Six judgments follow the opening of each seal. But upon opening of the last seal, silence followed.

Have you ever experienced having to hold your breath when on the verge of opening a surprise. Or probably, if you received a letter from the company you applied to? Or a university you want to study in? When you open the envelope, you hold your breath. Silence.

Silence also comes when there’s great anticipation. When we are hoping for something but we are not quite sure how it is going to turn out, we become silent.

A busy day would often be followed by a silent night. You work hard but when you go home, you are waiting to finally have a chance to shut down the noise of the day. There is always calm after every storm. Silence.

Remember when God created the heavens and the earth, as well as all that is in it? Ve did it for six days. But in the seventh day, He rested. Silence.

Evil may have gripped the world. We are living in a time when the loudness of terrible things not only ring in our ears but also echoes in our lives, in the society. All of us are waiting with great anticipation of the day when finally, silence will come.

We are looking forward to that day when heaven will be silent. Then, the justice of God against every form of evil follows.

Reflection: Although we are not physically at war, the earth remains to be a battlefield. For as long as we are living in it, there’s always the fight between good and evil; between right and wrong. We would always have to weigh – chaos versus silence. Which side are you in?

Prayer: Father, with great anticipation, we fall silent before your throne. Still our hearts amidst all the chaos we are experiencing in the world. We know thar time will come when you make all things new. Until that day, Lord, steady our hearts. Amen.