1 Samuel 28:6
In today’s fast-paced, hyper-connected world, it seems that texting has become the preferred method of communication—especially among Gen Z and millennials. Instead of face-to-face conversations or even a phone call, many opt to send a quick message. Why? One word: avoidance.
Let’s be real—these jokers have mastered the art of dodging confrontation. And it’s not necessarily because they’re being rude; it’s because they’ve come to associate confrontation with conflict. The mere idea of a direct conversation can trigger anxiety, awkwardness, or emotional discomfort. But does confrontation always have to be negative?
According to Webster’s Dictionary, confrontation is:
“The act of confronting: the state of being confronted: such as: A) a face-to-face meeting; or B) the clashing of forces or ideas: conflict.”
But here’s the truth: confrontation isn’t meant to cause conflict—it’s meant to bring clarity, resolution, and peace. Even if it’s uncomfortable, confrontation creates space for truth, healing, and understanding. But when we’re trained to believe that every direct conversation ends badly, we delay the inevitable—often at the cost of relationships, peace of mind, and even spiritual growth.
Instead of leaning into real conversation, we hide behind screens, typing carefully crafted responses that avoid emotion, vulnerability, and discomfort. And what happens when someone doesn’t reply? We feel ignored. Disconnected. Left on unread.
Saul Was Left on Unread
There’s a moment in Scripture that mirrors this emotional experience. In 1 Samuel 28:6, Saul was desperate. He was facing a major battle, and for once, he actually sought the Lord:
“He asked the Lord what he should do, but the Lord refused to answer him, either by dreams or by sacred lots or by the prophets.”
— 1 Samuel 28:6 (NLT)
In our day, we’d say: Saul was left on unread.
Imagine crying out for help—only to be met with silence. Not even a “seen” notification. God didn’t respond to Saul, not because He didn’t hear—but because Saul’s disobedience had closed the channel of communication. When we ignore God’s voice over and over, there comes a time when He may stop speaking.
Saul had access, but he lost connection—not because God didn’t love him, but because Saul failed to value the relationship until he needed something. Sound familiar?
Communication Requires Confrontation
We cannot have true connection without communication, and we cannot have true communication without confrontation—even with God.
Sometimes, we need to confront our own hearts, our own pride, or our own sin. We need to have hard conversations—with ourselves, with others, and with God. And when we ignore those moments and try to text our way around the truth, we risk being left in the silence we created.
When we treat confrontation like conflict and ghost people instead of speaking truth in love, we rob ourselves of growth. And when we approach God only when we’re in trouble—but ignore His Word, His Spirit, and His people the rest of the time—we shouldn’t be surprised when we feel disconnected.
Final Thought
God desires real relationship, not surface-level interactions. He doesn’t “leave us on unread” without reason. But He’s also not obligated to respond when we’ve trained ourselves to avoid the conversation until it’s convenient.
Don’t wait until the pressure mounts. Don’t hide behind silence. Don’t avoid the confrontation God may be using to correct, heal, or restore.
Speak. Pray. Repent. Reach out. Ask for help.
And when you do—expect God to answer… when the heart is right.
