Why Are You Sleeping O Lord?
Silence….Have you ever found yourself in a continual state of waiting? God has gone silent, even though you cry out to Him in desperation and devotion. With impatience, you want to give God a nudge and say, “Wake up!” Why are you sleeping, O Lord?
Be Honest with God
I have felt the sting of God’s silence and inaction. Thankfully, in both the Old and New Testament, I find stories with this same predicament. I am not alone. How do you respond when God appears to be sleeping? I’m learning that it’s OK to express my deep desires and frustrations to God. Deep need calls for a deep response. So, let’s go deep with our Heavenly Father.
Clinging to God
Even though God appears silent to my pleas, I’m contending for my husband right now. As my sister, Michelle, says, “I’m storming heaven.” I’m crying out to the Lord and asking God to release Steve from the burden of chronic pain and depression.
In Genesis 32:26 we find Jacob wrestling with God. But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” Jacob was determined. Even though the wrestling match left him injured with a disjointed hip, Jacob wasn’t giving up. Similarly, I’m clinging to God and won’t let go until He answers my prayer. Awake, O God!
Why Are You Sleeping, O Lord?
In Luke 8:22-24, we find the disciples frustrated with Jesus. He had fallen asleep in the boat. The disciples literally woke Jesus from a deep sleep. He awakened and calmed the wind.
One day he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side of the lake.” So, they set out, and as they sailed, he fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water and were in danger. And they went and woke him, saying, ”Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm. Luke 8:23-24.
Likewise, I believe Jesus can also calm the raging, continual pain in my husband’s head. Why are you sleeping, O Lord? We need you!
For the Sake of Your Steadfast Love
I love the emphasis we find in the psalmist’s appeal in Psalms 44:26. Rise up, come to our help! Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love. For God’s sake and honor, I am asking God to act. I want the world to know God, His mercy and loyal love. Why are you sleeping, O Lord?
Dear Father, Son, and Spirit, I don’t understand your silence, but I do continue to trust You. I plead on behalf of my husband. Awake! Act! Deliver! In your precious name. Amen.
Questions to Consider:
- Share an area in your life where God is currently silent.
- Are you OK with expressing raw emotions to God? How do you do so?
