SILENCE BECKONS

“Therefore, I am now going to allure her. I will lead her into the wilderness
 and speak tenderly to her.” (Hosea 2:14)

This Scripture passage from the Old Testament book of the prophet Hosea has always beckoned me, drawn me in, and given me comfort. It comes to mind as we are now deep into the Lenten season, and spring is beginning to show forth glimpses of the splendor to come.

Wilderness is one of the words that is used to describe the Lenten journey. God draws us into the wilderness with its uncertainty and unpredictability. We are asked to enter into this space, enter into silence. Perhaps we have felt that silence beckoning us—God alluring us. Other translations of this passage speak of God attracting us, enticing us, and leading us into this space of the unknown where He may speak to us in the silence. I’ve heard it said that God’s native language is silence. Something to ponder since we live in a very noisy world. 

I’m also struck by what the passage says that God will do when we enter into this wilderness, this silence. He will speak tenderly to us. Other translations tell us that God will speak comfort to us, speak kindly to us, speak persuasively to us, and speak to our heart. All things which allure us and encourage us to take the risk of entering into this space. We are not to be afraid of the silence. God promises to be with us. His strong hand gently leading us and showing us His love and His way.

Lent can be a time to stay put. To sit in the unknowing, the pain, the confusion—to hurt with Jesus. Joining our pain with His. Waiting. Surrendering.

I think of Mother Mary and her ongoing fiat—her “yes” to God— “Let it be done unto me.” That is a statement made out of complete trust in the loving goodness of God. We are called to stay small and to be acted upon. It’s a relief and a comfort to sense that we don’t have to take the lead and figure it out. We can rest and wait for our Redeemer to act. He will come. He promised! That is the Easter. “Alleluia.”

As we continue in this Lenten season, so rich in so many ways, I pray that we can all sink into life, live and learn from the depth of each experience, ponder it all with the Lord at the end of each day.

Another Scripture passage that comes to mind during this season is:

“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5)

We are healed!  That’s God’s desire for us. Let’s hear Him speak tenderly to us: “It is finished!”
Then, let’s live it out—with His love, wisdom, and power.

Photo credit: Cathy Raney, Hot Springs Village, Arkansas–God’s country