Not Talking
Job 34:29–30, The Message
In the Old Testament there is a story about Daniel.
Daniel was praying /to God for help, but none came.
God was silent—so it seemed.
Daniel prayed and went /without food /for three weeks.
Still nothing.
Then one day he was standing /on the bank of the Tigris River /when [an angel /named Michael] appeared before him.
Daniel was scared /nearly to death, and fell /on his hands and knees.
Then the angel spoke /to him.
“Daniel ... consider carefully [the words () I am about to speak /to you,
and stand up, for I have been sent /to you.”
Daniel obeyed, standing but trembling like a leaf in the wind.
Then the angel said, “Since the first day ... your words were heard.”
God heard [Daniel] /the first time () he called out /to God /in prayer.
Even though God didn’t respond /right away, God heard Daniel.
God hears [us] /in the very same way, always listening to our prayers.
He’ll answer /when the time is right.
Dear Lord, I’m not always patient /when I’m asking you /for something () I need.
Help [me] [to learn that you always hear me]
—even when there seems to be no answer.
Amen.