Radio Silence — GRITANDFAVOR.COM

“Don’t speak for me until you learn to listen to me”
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It’s been months since these words were spoken over my heart. I don’t remember who said it or what sermon it was from. But I remember the moment and how it pierced… DEEPLY. At first, I thought I was being punished. I resolved to tuck my head and work harder. I thought I had misrepresented God in some way. That I had spoken out of turn, used too many words, or failed to speak truth when truth was needed. Weeks passed, the inspiration stopped and nothing new was on the horizon. I began to apologize and beg for forgiveness, sure I had messed up. Nothing… nothing but radio silence. I would tell God what I needed and His response was always the same. I kept saying, “I am launching a new website and need fresh material” ...nothing. “God, content is the way to increase my following” … nothing. “God, I am doing this FOR you, to further your Kingdom, I can’t help you if you don’t give me words” … nothing. “God, it’s been months since I have posted, just give me some words, please” … nothing.” The dialog was one-sided and BRUTAL.
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Then… Ever. So. Slowly, the tide began to change. It was far in the distant sea but I could feel it coming. I started feeling less guilty and more rested. I began to see beauty in the flowers and feel the wind in ways I never had before. I began to give ZERO cares about who was following me on social media. And became passionately concerned about what my husband and kids were seeing. In reality, God wasn’t punishing me at all. He was restoring all that I had poured out FOR HIM over the last few years. Not just refreshing my blog but refreshing the very depths of my soul. He was springing up a well of NEW inside me. He was filling my cup with all the blessings He promised. This season has given me scriptures like Psalm 23:1-6 that reminds me that He is true to His word. He was letting me catch my breath, regain my focus and then sending me in the right direction.
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Sweet friends… don’t assume the silence means something bad –– just because it feels bad. Healing only comes when the surgery is finished. Sit still in your recovery… don’t fight it, because that is painful. Dare I suggest that you embrace it??  Allow God’s love to chase after you. Hesitate to add another thing to your schedule. Be patient with yourself as you learn. He is so patient with you. Listen closely for Him to speak. Oh, the power in His words! Walk away from what is good to make space for what is best. Did I mention be still?… because you should REALLY BE STILL.
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“GOD, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I’m not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure. You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing. Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I’m back home in the house of GOD for the rest of my life.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭23:1-6‬ ‭MSG‬‬