This thought was first published in August 2021
I found this piece from Geoffrey Rust pinned to our Church notice board today – I had used it once a while ago in a service at Knodishall and someone thought it was worth sharing. Having read it again I believe it is definitely worth sharing. It certainly makes me wonder. Have I missed hearing from God?
—
The word’s out
Sometimes, I listen for your word and hear nothing.
In the quiet of my room the only noise is the thump of my heart
and voices arguing in my head.
It’s not that I don’t give you a chance. Sometimes I say nothing
for as long as five minutes. Your silence is still deafening.
Then I open a book and out tumbles your voice.
And when I shut that up, I find you can get a word in anywhere
I’ve even heard you sometimes from the pulpit.
I hear you on the Nine O’clock news saying
What have you done with the world I gave you?
I hear you in the tabloids saying
Whoever is without sin casts the first stone.
With the first burst of spring flowers, you say
Look – no hands!
When I am lonely you are the stillness of the house saying
I am with you, always
And when I am grieving You are the voice at the graveside Saying
I am the Resurrection and the Life.
Sometimes, I listen for your word And hear nothing.
And sometimes, I hear nothing else
—
I wonder if you have missed hearing from God?