Biblical Characters Who Struggled with the Silence of God How long, O LORD, must I call for help? But you do not listen! “Violence is everywhere!” I cry, but you do not come to save. Habakkuk 1:2 “I cry to you, O God, but you don't answer. I stand before you, but you don't even look.” Job 30:20 A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “LORD, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.” Jesus did not answer a word. Matthew 15:22, 23a Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. Hebrews 1:1-2a What if this apparent absence of God is what creates in us a longing for God? Silence of God creates a thirst for God Why, LORD, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? Psalm 10:1 NIV How long, LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? Psalm 13:1 NIV You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water. Psalm 63:1 NIV About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”). Matthew 27:46 NIV Questions for Discipleship groups and/or personal study: Opener: Do you struggle with the silence of God? Go to the source: Rick mentioned a few biblical characters who struggled with doubt, do you identify with any of them? Read Matthew 27:46 How would you describe what Jesus is experiencing? What does it do for you knowing that Jesus felt forsaken by the Father? Live it out: Do you agree with Rick that if there’s no God, there’s no story of meaning for our lives? Why or why not? How has God changed your life and your story?