Heaven and silence

Being in the presence of God is going to be in a place of complete and utter happiness and satisfaction. "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in Thy presence is fulness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for Evermore" (Psalm 16:11).

Then I come to Revelation 8 and read about silence for about the space of half an hour, according to John. With so much joy in Heaven, what would cause the quietness? It's a disturbing scene, because it's not about anythying joyful - it tells of God's judgment against the rebellious ones. With so many wonders and great things going on in Heaven, any period of absolute "silence in Heaven" (8:1) must indicate the awful gravity of what is about to unfold.

We forget that God grieves as well. "As I live, saith the LORD GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?" (Ezekiel 33:11).