These things you have done, and I kept silent; you thought that I was altogether like you; but I will rebuke you, and set them in order before your eyes. Psalm 50:21

People will try to get away with something that they should not do, hoping no one sees or cares. Criminals are the most common to do this in extreme ways, but many others do the same, although things done not judgeable by the court system. When they get seen and nothing is done immediately, people feel as if they are ok and that the one who saw is doing the same.

Asaph wrote how God said some ways that the people were not living for Him. Now He says that as they did those things, He kept silent and they thought He was like them, but God says He will rebuke them and set things in order.

It is easy for people to do sinful things and feel that they are getting away with what they are doing. Unless God strikes immediately, and He rarely does, it is as though God does not care. Some may even feel as if God supports their actions or thoughts.

The temporary silence of God does not mean acceptance. If a person chooses to not repent or turn to Him, there will come a day when He will speak out and rebuke that person. Judgement will come where there is no repentance.

Instead of being impatient as most people are, God is patient. He does not want to judge and strike people who sin against Him. Out of perfect love, God is kind and remains silent, waiting for the person to repent and change one’s ways. This is the entire reason why God sent Jesus to die upon the cross to take away the sins of all people.

Everything that you do, say or think is seen or heard by God. There is nothing you have done that is hidden from God. During those times you have chosen to sin, God most likely remained silent, though He speaks loudly through His word–the Bible.

Do not allow yourself to think that God accepts that sinful behavior because He is being silent. He is waiting for you to turn to Him in repentance. He is ready to forgive you and give you a full life. If you choose to not repent, there will come a day of rebuke and ultimately punishment.

Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Lord and Savior; that you will repent of all sins against God; that you will know God knows all that you have done; that you will know God’s love and patience; and that you will live for God in every area of your life.

Picture by Torsten Dederichs on Unsplash