Silence and the Day of the Lord

Zephaniah 1:1-7

It is said that “silence is loud.” This is not just a mere metaphor but has been proven medically. When the brain doesn’t register a certain amount of noise, then it can produce Tinnitus. Tinnitus is a condition that causes a ringing or buzzing in the ear that can be random or in some cases constant. It really is common among people with hearing loss.

We have become accustomed to so much noise in our world today. Even living out in the country like I do, it is still hard not to hear a plane, train, tractor, or even a tractor trailer. Even most people today have on ear buds and is listen to a playlist or book on their phone or tablet. When we do get those rare occasions of being alone we just feel uncomfortable with not having someone or something to listen to. Especially in difficult times when we want to pour out our complaint, or hear words of encouragement, the silence seems to magnify the problem even more as we have nothing to distract us from our situation.

Zephaniah’s prescription for enduring the day of the Lord is “To be silent before God.” In difficult times we always advise God’s people to pray; to seek the Lord. This is good advise but there comes a point in time when what has been done is done and there is no changing it. The day of the Lord is coming for Judah and the surrounding nations and the only thing that God’s people can do is sit silently before him and let him have his say.

In the years proceeding Zephaniah’s time wickedness had its day. The priesthood had its opportunities and squandered them and their day has come to an end. Now it’s God’s day and his instruments of chastening are on their way, and God’s people must endure it. God said he is going to “Sweep the land,” meaning that he is going to wipe away all of that which has been sinful, rebellious, and idolatrous . He is going to remove everything that defiles. But yet this message is not one without hope. He promised that he will preserve his faithful and restore everything that has been lost. (3:14-20) In other words the day of the Lord in this case was a time of purging and starting over.

In our time, secularism seems to be having its day. The church has had its day for many decades and like the priesthood of Zephaniah’s time, we too have squandered good opportunities. This is a time when God is shaking and purging his church. So we need to remember that God will have his day and his say, and in these moments we have to sit silently and let him speak.

Anyone who has ever sat in on a trial knows that when the judge walks in there is reverence and silence. He or she has the authority to execute justice and judgement according to the law. Just as in Zephaniah’s day, the day of the Lord had come and all that the people could do was be silent while he executed his judgement. If there are any words uttered in prayer by his people during a time like this it should be “Thy will be done!”

Many are saying that our day is a day of darkness, much like the day of the Lord. Who knows? But if there was a time for us to accept things we don’t have the power to change it is now. It is a good time for us to get use to the silence and let God have his say so.

My challenge is that whatever is overwhelming you today, that you try to silence the voices of doubt, despair, and unbelief. Give no place to the devil and his demonic lies and accusations. Sit still and know that God is God. Listen for his still small voice and fill your mind and heart with his exceeding precious promises.

Pastor Robby