When heaven seems silent

"And when Saul inquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets" (1 Sam. 28:6).

As a Christian I can hardly think of anything worse than God not speaking to me. In Saul's day God spoke through dreams, prophets and Urim. Urim was like a casting of lots that would reveal a yes or no answer from God. It was not like rolling dice in the sense that there was an understanding that the outcome was controlled by God not chance.

Today God primarily speaks to us through his word. Although Urim is not a New Testament practice for knowing God's will, God can and does use circumstances to speak to us. God can use a dream and he most definitely speaks to us through others. However, God's word must remain the final authority for knowing the mind and will of God. But like Saul heaven can go silent on us. Heaven went silent on Saul because when God did speak to Saul he repeatedly did his own thing. When God called him on it he made excuses or blamed others for not listening and obeying the Lord's instructions.

Has God spoken to you about areas of your life that you have yet to do anything about? And now your seeking direction from God and your wondering why God seems silent? Does your time in the word seem like a barren desert? Perhaps the reason you can't hear from God is that he has decided to cease speaking to you until you obey what he's already directed you to do. Does heaven seem silent? Examine your heart. Repent of your disobedience without excuses. And obey what God has already said for you to do.