Ask any mother of a three-year-old in the “Why?” stage and she will tell you that silence is golden. But for the rest of us, silence can be a little disconcerting.

I remember having to adjust to the constant sound of traffic when I stayed at my grandmother’s house after they four-laned her road. Soon sleep became synonymous with cars whizzing by. When she renovated her home and added a well-insulated guest bedroom in the back, it was eerie to sleep in such silence.  I hadn’t realized how much the noise enveloped my sleep.

Or how much the sounds of children playing or even fighting can lull you into a comfortably numb stage. But let those same children go silent and you are immediately on high alert.

We need the audible reminders that all is well.

No one wants their world to go radio silent, that time between programs where only dead air is broadcast.

Yet, many times, we feel as if God has gone radio silent on us.

There are many reasons why this may be the case:

• His words are falling on deaf ears.

I know this one well, both figuratively and literally. I can’t hear out of one ear so I miss a lot of what is being said. But just because I don’t hear it, it doesn’t mean no one is speaking. I’m just not tuned in to that person.

Another thing that happens is that we don’t really want to hear what’s being said. We’ll ask the Lord a question and then stick our fingers in our ears in case His answer is something we don’t want to hear.

Take your fingers out and listen for His plans for us are to prosper, not to harm. What He wants for us may not be what we want, but it will always be what’s best for us.

• You’ve moved out of range.

You know the saying about when God is no longer next to you, YOU’RE the one who moved? This is true. He doesn’t move to get away from your sin; you move so you can sin more easily. No one stands right next to the Father and easily turns to darkness.

Think of your communication with God as being with a tin can phone. Sure, He can use satellite and reach you anytime, anywhere, but He prefers the old school approach. You can’t hear that voice on the other end of the tin can unless you’re standing pretty close.

• You’re being tested.

Job had every one of his blessings removed and was told time and again by those he loved to renounce God. Job couldn’t hear God at all during this time of testing yet he still knew He was there. He refused to lose faith.

It’s a tricky situation when you find yourself in the midst of a trial. You wonder if it’s of your own making. At best, you wonder why God doesn’t intervene; at worst, you feel forsaken by Him.

Just because you don’t hear Him doesn’t mean He’s not there. Trust Him. Examine your heart- see if there’s something that may be hindering your relationship with the Creator. If not, you may be going through a time of testing. Be faithful. These tests end with double blessings if you stay the course.