You pray. You wait. You listen. Silence. It’s deafening, isn’t it?
When God is silent, it can shake us to our core, leaving us questioning everything—our faith, our prayers, even His presence. But here’s the truth: God’s silence is not His absence. It’s not rejection, and it’s certainly not indifference. Sometimes, His silence is an invitation to draw closer, to trust deeper, to wait patiently.
The Struggle of Silence
Let’s be real—silence from God can feel like rejection. It’s confusing and sometimes painful. Esther Lovejoy, author of Big Steps, Little Steps, knows this struggle all too well.
“I think that’s why there are so many verses in the Bible that refer to waiting and seeking,” she says. “The first thing I do is ask God to search my heart to see if there’s something that is hindering me from hearing from Him. If not, then I follow David’s encouragement from Psalm 27 to ‘wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.’ He is always worth the wait!”
She says waiting on God isn’t easy. But His silence is often an invitation to trust Him even when you can’t see or hear Him. It’s a call to walk by faith, not by sight.
Why Does God Feel Silent?
Lovejoy says God’s silence isn’t punishment or indifference—it’s an opportunity. It’s a call to shift our focus from seeking answers to seeking Him.
“Faith isn’t based on my ability to pray or even to believe,” she says. “It is based solely on the nature of the One to whom I pray. It’s really having faith in Him, not in my prayers, that gives me peace.” Sometimes God’s silence teaches us to lean into faith over feelings… to rely on His character rather than our own emotions.
Silence can also be God’s way of drawing us closer and developing a deeper intimacy with Him. When we don’t hear His voice, we lean in more, seeking Him with all our hearts.
It can also be a preparation for greater things. Waiting seasons are not wasted seasons. In the silence, God is working behind the scenes, preparing you for what’s to come.
What to Do When God Is Silent
- Keep Praying, Even When It’s Hard – Silence doesn’t mean stop. Keep the conversation going. “It is okay to tell the Lord, ‘I don’t understand, but I trust You.’” Esther encourages, “God may be asking you to wait, but He’s not ignoring you. Isaiah 55:8 reminds us that His thoughts and ways are infinitely higher than ours. When we can’t understand His ways, we have to trust His heart.”
- Cling to Scripture, Not Emotions – Feelings are fickle, but God’s Word is steadfast. When God feels distant, His Word remains close. Romans 8:28 promises, “In all things, God works for the good of those who love Him.” Even when you don’t feel it, He is working.
- Remember, You’re Not Alone – You’re in good company. Even David, the man after God’s own heart, cried out, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?” in Psalm 22. When God feels silent, it’s not because you’re failing in faith—it’s because you’re human.
- Trust That God is Always Present – Just because He’s quiet doesn’t mean He’s absent. Sometimes, God speaks the loudest through His silence. Keep leaning in, keep trusting, keep stepping forward in faith.
Let’s Talk About It
💬 Have you ever experienced a season where God felt silent? How did you push through? Drop a comment below—we’d love to hear your story!
💡 Ready to trust God in the silence? Start today by reading the first chapter of Big Steps, Little Steps for FREE!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why does God seem silent when I need Him the most?
God’s silence isn’t a sign of absence or indifference. It’s often an invitation to deepen your faith and trust His timing. Sometimes, He’s working behind the scenes, preparing you for what’s next. - How can I keep my faith strong when God feels distant?Keep praying, even when it’s hard. Cling to Scripture, not your emotions. And remember, waiting seasons are not wasted seasons—God is still at work.
- How can Big Steps, Little Steps help me in this season?This devotional is designed to meet you where you are, offering daily encouragement, relatable stories, and Scripture-based insights to help you trust God, even when He feels silent.
Ready to Hear His Whisper?
If you’re walking through a season of waiting and need encouragement, Big Steps, Little Steps offers powerful devotions to help you trust God, even when He feels distant. Start your journey today.
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