I’ve prayed for something for a decade that hasn’t yet come to pass. There are months where the sting of waiting wanes. But there are those where it doesn’t, where the seeming interminability of the situation – and God’s silence – threatens to overwhelm me.
I’m guessing I’m not alone in feeling the Lord’s silence gnaw at me at times. You can probably recall moments in your life when you felt the same way or you might be in a season of silence right now.
God has been gracious and has lifted me from the swamp of my negative emotions more times than I want to admit on a public website. However, I have begun to see that regardless of our circumstances, the Lord is never silent. He might not give us immediate direction or answer the prayer how or when we’d like, but he does care about the pain.
This series on What to do When God Seems Silent aims to help us work through the emotions that come with experiencing silence by helping us draw nearer to the Lord in all circumstances.
The first step when God seems silent: be honest.
God wants us to tell him how we feel. Whatever we are feeling – rejected, angry, hurt, grieved – he can take it. Our feelings will not be a surprise. He knows them anyway.
You might be thinking – as am I – that voicing our feelings is futile when God knows them already. But prayer is never about giving God new information – it’s about inviting him into a discussion.
A relationship with God is what sustains us through suffering. Because of this, when we choose not to turn to the Lord in trials, we magnify our pain. We can be angry with God, but must be wary of hardening ourselves into responding with silence to what is silence in appearance only. Instead, we should turn to the Lord with all of ourselves – especially negative emotions that we don’t want anyone to know about. We see this in the Bible in many places.
The Bible contains many brutally honest prayers.
We see people who are devoted to the Lord expressing their emotions to him in many Biblical passages.
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest.
Do you know who is speaking these words?
It’s Psalm 22 (ESV), written by King David – the man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). King David knew God deeply, but at some points in his life, he felt like the Lord had forsaken him. However, he did not cut off communication – instead, he told God how he felt.
Let’s consider Habakkuk, a minor prophet in the Old Testament.
“O Yahweh, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear? Or cry to you ‘Violence!’ and you will not save?”
Habakkuk 1:2 ESV
Job from the ancient land of Ur is another example.
“Oh, that I had one to hear me! Here is my signature! Let the Almighty answer me! Oh, that I had the indictment written by my adversary!”
Job 31:35 ESV
Even John the Baptist, the “greatest man ever born of women” (Matthew 11:11) struggled. When he is in prison, he sends this question to Jesus:
“Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?”
Matthew 11:3 ESV
Job, David, Habakkuk, and John were honest about their questions and feelings. They allowed themselves to be desperate before God. (Job is later confronted by God, but not in response to this prayer.) Voicing their emotions – being honest with God – was the first step in finding relief.
We learn two things from these prayers. The first is that experiencing negative emotions is not a sin; the second is that what we do with those emotions matters.
Experiencing negative emotions is not a sin.
It is such a relief to me that these men experienced some of the same feelings I have had. They knew God deeply and were seeking him, but that did not mean that they did not have questions about pain.
Their prayers show us that feeling like the Lord is silent is not a sin in itself – it is not indicative that our relationship with the Lord is specious. This was King David, the man after God’s own heart! John, the greatest man born of women, questioned Jesus’s identity! If they had these feelings, of course we will as well.
What we do with those emotions matters.
We can learn from these four examples what we should do with our emotions. We don’t bottle them, hide them, or dump them on other people. Instead, as they did, we must give them to the Lord. We turn to the Lord because we believe that he will hear us.
Indeed, Job, David, Habakkuk, and John went to God not in spite of their pain, but because of it. If they did not believe that God would hear them, they would not have asked him, “Why won’t you hear?” There is no point in talking to a God who won’t hear them – so they must have believed that he would.
In this way, asking God why won’t you hear? is a way of acknowledging the answer at the same time because by being addressed to God, the question itself assumes that He is listening. Being honest with God in prayer, then, is a proclamation of faith. It’s saying, I feel this way, Lord, and I believe you can do something about it.
When God seems silent, bare your heart before him.
Even though Job’s entire life was in ruins, David was mocked and scorned, Habakkuk saw the coming destruction of Judah, and John was awaiting his execution, these four knew that their salvation remained in the hands of the Lord. Even though they felt like he was silent, they turned to God – even if only to ask him a question about his identity.
When we are walking through a time of silence, the first step that we should take is the one that they have modeled for us: be honest with the Lord. Let us bare our hearts before him, even when our hearts are filled with questions and distress about what seems like the silence of God. As David writes in Psalm 62:
“For God alone my soul waits in silence;
from him comes my salvation.[…]
Trust in him at all times, O people;
Psalm 62: 1 & 8 ESV
pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge for us.
Whatever you are facing, bring it to the Lord. Speak to him, be honest before him. Trust that he hears you, take refuge in his faithfulness, and know that behind every heavy silence is a mighty God who loves you.
About the Author
© Olivia Davis 2020, all rights reserved
Gabe says
I’m at a point where I’m doubting my faith. Like so many others here, I’m in crisis and God is silent. Loss of work, family, health, and meaning in my life – I won’t bore you with details but it sums up to me feeling like God either doesn’t exist or he is an absentee father. I grew up in the church, pray every morning, tithe, serve when I can, go to Bible study and try my best to be kind to others and none of it feels like it’s enough for him to bless me. Like I will never be good enough for him to love me. And of course if I get angry at God, if I curse him for leaving my family on the rocks, then I’m the one at fault, I’m the problem. I’m trying to keep my faith. I’m trying to do what I should but I feel lost and directionless.
Ike says
Is God really faithful and Just?
I got abused sexually twice by 2 ladies, while I was less than 6years old,I struggled with sexual addiction, got to university got abused by a homosexual. I struggled with this addictions and abuse for years I suffered depression, anxiety,pains,diseases.
Not only that I was spiritually bewitched by my late daddy’s brother and his wife.
I thought things would change after my university but things only became worst, 15years after university I still live with my parents, no job, failures in my business, disappointments, bad luck, I would turn 40 this year without anything to show, no wife or kids, no cars, no land, no stocks nothing I mean nothing.
the Woman responsible for this bewitchment keeps giving her children to her Coven inorder to gain more power and prolong her life and authority over my life and family.
the worst part is my siblings are suffering the same fate we are all unemployed , the least is 38years this year with nothing to show.
prophesy keeps mentioning that woman’s name.
how can God allow wicked ppl to suffer innocent ppl who did not offend them just because they feel threatened by your destiny and greatness.
Is God no longer just? is he no longer powerful?
my family is not perfect but we are not the worst of sinners, my mom was a virgin till she married my daddy and remained faithful till his death,my daddy was a very simple and honest Man, he could not hurt a fly how much more a Man, he was very quiet and reserved.
My Mom prays and fasts a lot, she trained us to be honest and morally good children. we never had the experience of sexually relationship like the World celebrates, boyfriends and girlfriends.
My sisters remained Chaste and worked tireless for God while in School despite not working they paided thithe and gave offering they where part of all the followership in School.
but 20years after school they are all jobless and unmarried , Even when potential suitors come, they are attacked in their dreams by this woman who threatens them and warn them not to marry from that family.
in all this I ask where is GOD? why can’t he fight our battles he knows that we have, I repeat never offended this evil woman.
why is God allowing her to fustrate my life and that of my family, is he no longer a just God?
Is he no longer a rewarder of righteousness?
I repeat where Is God does he derive joy from my pain and that of my family?
I repeat where is God?
Am Lossing it.
Rkay says
It seems there is a continuing Diabolic attack on all of your family which can only be broken by the Blood of Jesus , Steadfast Prayer and Fasting ..
Things won’t change overnight ..but step by step you may see changes ..Read the Scriptures and say ,” By the Power of the Blood of Jesus and Victory by His Blood ” Do this without letting the evil people know .
Believe without doubt that God is Sovereign and you people will overcome the negative energies by His Powerful Blood and positive affirmations of the Word and Fasting Prayer in Jesus Name ..
Rkay says
Also , The Diabolic attacks could be resultant due to a generational bondage that can be broken by the Power of His Blood ..
Believe without any hindrance , Fast ,Pray in The Blood of Jesus and in Jesus Name .
Find quiet Time with The Lord ..If you believe you shall see the Power of God breaking the curses and bondages of any kind and you shall see the Glory of God ..
Come to Me , who are heavy laden and burdened and I will give you rest ..- Jesus said ..
The Lord God can make things change in quick time ..
Gerardo leal says
This last year I went through a break up and I never felt so left by God even though he was close he could have just told me in a simple dream to leave and I could I’ve had but this revealed the bad intentions in my heart ,but I realize that every one has lost David ,job ,even God himself lost Jesus his son but knowing we live in the times of giants black people which are the tallest , and people getting married anant mambani proves that were in the times of Noah once again and I always consideredy self a warrior of God and to be left by him like this to me is like then if I would have known you or not then I would have still lived the same life and since i know you why even a dream or a direction or your help coukd have helped me evade all these feelings but you still let me suffer the pain of the soul wich to me was a heart break after i thanked for showing me the love that he has for us through a women but I guess we all live different lives and this is my opinion
Trey says
Idk just this yr alone has been every bit of difficult I quit my job after a yr. Too much stress and the smell of strong seasonings. Not too mention I was doing the job of 3 people. My self confidence at work plummeted no matter how hard I tried just with one thing. 7 months no job was actively searching got interviews. I was told i did great, but informed me they went with another candidate. During the 7 months my Great grandma died. Pretty wild in the same month I fracture my ankle playing basketball. I HAD A INTERVIEW THE DAY AFTER. Just what are the odds oh and I’m up in debt cant pay rent, may lose my house. I can say at the beginning of the yr I decided to pray and read the word to draw closer. It’s going, but I can’t seem to hear from him it’s been nothing but silence. Usually he would answer me but now it’s been crazy. One bad thing after another. I don’t want to give up, but it’s hard not to.
Marie says
I often pray for everyone except me, as if somehow I doubted his limitless mercy and love. I abhor pride in myself and then find pride has existed in abhoring pride, my sin even a paradox of sin. I get caught up in anxiety because I’m without a home, always giving away my resources and exhausted from working for them. God blessed me in many ways with well paying work and I blessed those who don’t walk with Him instead of advancing his kingdom with those resources. Now the work has dried up, my tires are bald, my daughter and her non working unwilling to work live in boyfriend have taken my last $100, and I am afraid. God said clearly ‘come out from them and stop wasting my resources I have provided’. I don’t know where to go because there’s no work in the only other place I can live in a small town at least 80 miles from the nearest city, and I have to drive 300 miles on these bald tires to get there. I’m not wanted here now that they’ve bled me dry, and when she gets paid she won’t help me even if I am dying. I have been mistaken not to withdraw my support and allow her to suffer consequences for her choices. I could not bear to know my child is hungry, be it due to her own rebellion and sin. Now I suffer because discipline is the other side of love that I have not shown. I’m going to pray. Self control and the ability to say ‘no’, in Jesus name. Gods intent in leading me away from my family and the cities I lived before I knew Him was not for me to return and be used by them, I know that now. We are all in the same holy boat, bailing for all we are worth, half blinded by imperfect human love. Let it be Gods love which guides my every step now, and not my own distorted view from this flesh I suffer in. My body hurts every day and I push into the pain, never giving up, like when I delivered my infants into this world.
Andrea Blume says
I grew up being beaten so bad I’m disabled now at 59 no doctor, no family ,and broke! I had 2 marriages that were abusive.all I have is my dog ,and Jesus! Revenue canada keeps threatening me about taxes, I want to end my life! I have suffered enough! GOD has the funds to give me a blessing? But he has not yet! The fybromyasia, herniated ,disk and rheumatoid arthritis is killing me! Im so alone.
Fed up says
God has refused to help me!! I have screamed my soul to him! 15 years I have screamed! Everything I do comes to ruin. He has put me in a place where I can’t take anymore. I cannot get simple tasks done without it turning into a major project. I don’t know what God wants from me when I beg for something to change for the good and it only gets worse!!! It feels like a curse has been set on my life. I have rebuked Satan and begged for God to protect me. It NEVER CHANGES!! I am exhausted with all of this. At what point does God show mercy??? At what point????
Joshua Benjamin says
it is well with you… he said he is our very present help in the time of trouble… don’t give up yet he will come through for you soon…
Keli says
Me too.
Carol M Weber says
What I am praying is the same prayer that David prayed and I have been praying this prayer and others for over 10 years. I know that God did answer David’s prayer because I can read it in the Bible but when I see David’s prayer I find myself asking, but did he wait 10 years and counting? I also read the book of Job trying to gain some insight and I can see that The Lord had reasons and was testing Job and teaching him through his testing and came out passing his test and was blessed.
I am not asking God for anything material, I have bills up over my head and other issues like bad pain and, as a result of aging, my memory fails me but I am not asking Him about these things. I am praying everyday to just take me back to the place where I heard His voice and I felt His presence and His Love. I remember when He spoke to me and He would tell me to do something and I did it no matter what, like leaving my Job which I had for years and made a great salary and my husband was a Compulsive Gambier. How could I just up and leave my job, we had 6 kids. But I obeyed Him and I turned in my papers. He blessed me so much, He took care of everything, I guess I passed the test. I had a period of time, after I lost my husband of 35 years, to seemingly take my life into my own hands but I didn’t even see the sliding away from Him for a long time. When I heard Him the very last time, it was in, I think 2010 or 2011 and He said into my spirit so clearly, Redeem the time for the days are evil. I then realized that I had been drifting and wasting time. I have repented for my sin and stupidity back then and I have been praying and praying and repenting ever since but He has not spoken to me since. Not through His Word or any other way. I am at a loss as to what to do. I have been trying to just have faith in His Word and what He says but, and I don’t know if anyone will understand but after having a wonderful relationship with Him and knowing even the little that I did, I am having a hard time wondering what happened. I know that whatever it is I am in the wrong because God doesn’t make mistakes but how long will it take for me to hear Him. I feel lost and rejected and this is every day. I cry out to Him to Please show me something, one touch is all I need and I will be able to have my peace and joy back. Is this wrong for me to ask. I have to have the confidence in Him that I had when I first met Him. I read this in the book of Hebrews in order to be with Him for eternity. I want to go with Him when he returns or when I die, whichever comes first. Please forgive this long message, I didn’t plan on going on and on. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Carol Marie Saponaro Weber
JOY says
Hi Carol,
Have you gotten your response now?
Carol says
Joy, I am sorry to say that, No, I haven’t heard from Him yet, I am still praying though, it sounds more like complaining but then I finish my prayer with repentance. Actually, I don’t think that I ever finish my prayer.
I am 78 years old now and not in great health. I’m having a hard time having Joy in anything, especially in my salvation which I find myself doubting on and off. God bless you 🙏 ❤️
Joshua David Nelson/Wild Stallion says
Keep it simple love God love people. You can’t hear God because you’re interrupting him. He speaks with more than the Spirit. He will use images, situations “coincidences”. DREAMS. He wants you to go deeper , if he is not speaking to you clearly it is because he is calling you deeper forcing you to step out into the water to hear him to see him to feel him to touch the hem of his garment. How desperate are you? Be as desperate as the bleeding woman and with her faith. IF I COULD ONLY TOUCH THE HEM OF HIS GARMET I WILL BE HEALED!!! In summary your too concerned with actions and behavior and not enough about relationship. It is not I who sin but the sin within my flesh. Do you understand this? If I do not want to do something but I do it anyways it is not me who does it. You are innocent all charges have been dropped. God said to Eve “Who told you that?”Satan that’s who Satan told Eve she was naked. Not God even after the fall God sought out sinful man. Sinful man runs from God. But God does not run from sinful man, no quite the opposite he run towards them.
Fed up says
I have to disagree. I have given my bare soul to God. I have done everything that I can do. He has isolated me. My life is so difficult than if I wrote a book it would be a best seller because of the ridiculousness of incidents. I can not make up the things that have happened in my life. I have begged God through my soul to help me. I have a relationship with Jesus. Anything I attempt to do goes from0 to 1000 in a milliseconds. The simplest things become ridiculously complicated. I cant do this anymore! I cannot take this anymore!! Where is God????!!!!!
Manny says
I have been struggling with anxiety for over 20 years. I am never happy with anything I do. I seek therapy, take medication and even pray many times and still have no hope this will ever get better . I am upsetting my friends and family along the way. They don’t deserve this but all I ask from God is to please make this go away and for once please heal this issue I have suffered for many years. I am good at showing a brave face and act like nothing is wrong towards other. I ask in faith by prayer if I did something wrong to forgive me. I don’t know what to do anymore. Im at a point I can’t sleep now. I do believe God can make miracles but not sure why I get the No or Silence answer….. having all these emotions is just to much for me to handle
JOY says
Hello Manny,
Do you attend a local church or a local assembly with other Christians?
Dammy says
I have been praying to God since 2021 for one thing, to help me clear my debts and help my finances. My debts keep piling up everyday. I have been publicly humiliated because of this debts. I cannot afford the very basic things. Nothing works in my favour. This issue has started to affect my marriage because I cannot provide the littlest things. Above all, God has been silent, things get worse when I pray. I resorted to thanking him instead of praying, still nothing. I have been contemplating suicide, the thought of how it would affect my mom is what is keeping me. I have not known peace and rest of mind for more than 2years now, I don’t sleep.
Anonymous says
I am so sorry for your struggles. I lost my son to suicide ten months ago, and there are not words to adequately describe the pain this has brought me. I never knew a human could hurt so much. I myself felt I wanted to end my life in order to end my pain. But that was the enemy in my head. God still has a plan for me, and He still has a plan for you. I’m struggling, which is why I came to read this article, but I still know God is for me, He is sovereign, and He knows things I’m not capable of comprehending. You matter. Things won’t always be this hard. Please hold on and keep seeking God.
Irish says
Hi, this is Irish, for a decade i lived the life with full of trials and always testing by God. At 1st forgive me with my English because i am not good at it but i just i want to share my life story and experiencess with presence of God. I came here since i had one unanswere prayer and and gladly i read your comments and your own problems to. I want to share everything but its gonna be a long. Folks, God truly hear us. Believe me, I’ve been praying for a baby boy for over a 7yrs and he always give me a baby girl every time i god pregnant always asked him why until i god girls wen the 3rd girls arrived i started losing faith and starting ignoring him for some reason, until one day i found out i was pregnant again and expecting another girl but it found out its a baby boy this time and i just realized that if god give me a baby boy before this 2 baby girls in front of me now wont exist truly gods plan better than our plan Gods know my hearts truly desire. And last 2021 i lost my business we couldn’t even pray our house rent and the kids stop going to school and i still pregnant with my baby boy we struggled a lot financially, emotionally and physically. Family issues is one of the reasons. One day me and my husband started to look for a house to move in, a small home a cheap one. But we can’t find thats fits our budgets i cried day and night knowing I’m pregnant we’re running out of time and the landlord told us to move out as soon as possible day by day we can feel the presence of problems despite of all the burdens i continue praying and not questioning him hold on to my faith that God is leading and guiding us all the way until one night me and my husband decide to walk around our village and across the street we meet this our ex babysitter before and have a little chitchat with her and she told us that she will try and then we went back home the next day morning she came home and told us that the mansion in the other street is for rent and guess what it is very cheap since its a bit old and it is only for 6,500 in Philippines money anyway. And god answered our prayers again. When we move in we need more money to start a business again until someone told us to try apply in the bank loan but we are not applicable due to lock of documents and we try our best to provide the papers that bank asked us and yes another answered prayer again but things getting bad again. Issues from the past is being dragged some relatives seems very happy watching us struggles even i did everything for for them taking care of them i shared everything with them and it feels like they’re just staying with us and waiting for us to totally lose everything left with nothing. I feel hopeless again asking God why? I truly care all of them, my cousin my sisters my nephew we gathered every i cooked delicious for all of you every day i shared everything with you every day and this is how they pay us back. I was depressed during my whole pregnancy and anxiety haunting me and i decided to pray instead of crying asked him to left up my burdens instead of holding it i give it to him the process is hard and very painful the process is very long but i do not have a choice but to hold on until everything is getting fine. But wait its not there is more when sue date is coming i felt like i couldn’t deliver my baby normally. The baby is growing and getting big and bigger i started to worry because he is getting more
heavier inside and i decided to focus to my pregnancy until the big day comes but feeling is getting worse so i decided to go the church for night mass and i told God that if i completed the 9 night mass he will help me to deliver the baby easily without any danger. But it feels like he’s being silent with that and when the day come i was in CS and i still asked him why his letting me a c section even i completed the night mass until its done and i realized that he actually answered me. Because i asked him to help me to deliver the baby easily without any danger so he let me went to cs so its very easy for me and my baby. And sometimes we are running out of money that we cannot pay the electricity bills and water bills i went to church lighten a candle cry while praying and after that i went to lottery outlet and i bet for $.30 and i won for $300 i was crying we can pay the bills. I know he is always there even sometimes i forgot about him i even forgot to praying some time and happen again again and now 2024 its almost 2025 our x business partners who betrayed us asking us to pay them back and a very very long story that i couldn’t share more info about it so again we don’t have enough money to pay them back yet. The more problem we have the more we feel god presence of God. I am sharing our problems and also to share that God hears our prayers. If he is silent he is doing something for us. Lets not stop praying Only God can saved us, God loves us unconditionally he loves us more than anyone. I have so much more to share though. And if my one left unanswered prayer is being answer i will come back here and share it to all of you. To the people who can read my comment i am sorry its a bit confusing. But i hoped you will find a hoped and faith to God. Never gives up on praying. Don’t lose hope your not alone and Pray until you hear God’s voice not God’s hears your voice all the time. Pray inside in your heart and not in your mouth connect your mind to Gods voice. Amen.
Ntombazi says
Thank you for this word. I pray the lord God hears me and not be silent for long on me. Iam stressed and tired. God please come through. You are good
Anonymous says
He will my dear friend .The fact that I can feel and read your pain through your few words is nothing to what your loving Father knows about you. Je will move mountains in your life. This season of silence will not last long. Hold fast and be prepared to be surprised.
linda says
me also, I always wonder why I wait years to hear an answer for just one prayer,,,i don’t understand if it is my problem or God`s way
Joshua Wenslaus says
it has been a long time since I have not been able to understand what my life was like, I prayed to God to open the doors of my life,some of which their prayers haven’t been answered until now. But I believe that God is working even if I don’t feel it, I know He is molding something great.
L.K. says
For over 4 years evil has been winning. A situation that just will not get better but worse. If this is a test – I’m struggling miserably. I concentrate on God’s promises of Justice and fighting my battles for me. I try to be still and know He is God – but evil prevails. Where is He? I understand that God is never early and never late. He is right on time. But there’s no time left. I just don’t understand His plan or if there is one. I want to think He is working behind the scenes and putting it all in place for good and His glory. But He is no where to be seen, heard or even felt. I’m so discouraged and I’m heartbroken, but I’m desperately trying to hold on to Him. Again, I’m struggling. Why won’t He show up. He’s so mighty and is able to put so many things right. But if He would just put one thing right…just one small thing out if this giant mess. Please! I’m doing all I know to do. I’ve been bold, I’ve been quiet, I’ve been at the forefront of this battle and I have stood back to let Him work. But nothing. Silence, stillness and nothing. Where is He? Why won’t He show up? Evil is prevailing, winning and thriving! Why?
I’m just so hollow now. I’m doubting His existence at this point. I want to seek wise counsel and search for answers. What do I do?
Tolerating says
I could have written your comment word for word, thought for thought, feeling for feeling. I’ve also spent years (3.5), in your exact situation. It has affected me mentally as much as an abusive relationship. I feel mentally abused by God, being told that he loves me but experiencing only hate, harm and silence. I can’t continue my relationship with God, for my own mental health. It’s abusive.
Bella says
Sometimes we feel like God leaves us with many un-answered questions, I have been in this situation many times , on a hospital bed battling depression and schizophrenia and in the moment, no matter how much I searched for God I just couldn’t find Him or feel His presence. I always wondered why He would let me go through such mental torture yet I am His child. But through the years, I have come to learn that sometimes we can only recognize God’s presence looking back. When we make it through that year that we never thought we would, when we recover from that illness that we thought we wouldn’t, its when we look back at the things we were not sure we would make it through but we have, that we see the God who has never left us. The Bible says that in all our distress, He too is distressed . Be encouraged, you may not see or feel His presence now but looking back, you will realize He was always in the fire with you.
Anonymous says
I don’t know who needs to hear this,
A waiting/wilderness season is not a wasted season, Remain close to the lord, and your harvest will be great.
Deborah. M Betha says
Thank you so much for this article, I needed it although I’ve been walking with the lord a long time ,I often feel like the length of time means nothing to God , I still come up short , especially when he goes quiet on me I’m telling u and everyone I cant stand it , that’s the part of my relationship with God that hate the silence he gives off. I frustrates me to no end !!! But thank u for the insight !!!❤👍🏾 . God bless keep up the great work sharing ur insight !!!
Anonymous says
Amen 🙏 🙏 🙏
Anonymous says
I don’t know who needs to hear this,
A waiting/wilderness season is not a wasted season, Remain close to the lord, and your harvest will be great.
Sekhulumani Stephen says
Hi i am Stephen, sometimes i fill frustrated when i pray seeking the face of God for help but no help comes my way i am really struggling in life and facing many difficulties.Sometimes i fill like giving up. But the question is if i give up will i find help. Sometimes i ask myself is God with me, i pray for good things to come way but only bad things happen .It is a blessing to come across testimonies of many beloved brethren i am encouraged that i am not alone in struggling .It will give me hope to continue seeking the face of God.be blessed all of you.
Doris says
Thank you for this article. I’m encouraged by it. God bless you for this. Please say a prayer for me that He strengthens my faith and help me overcome.
Doris, Ghana.
Olivia Davis says
Thank you so much. I will be praying for you, Doris!
Sharon says
I need to know the nearest of his presence I need to know that God hears me, I need a sign from, Theres so much im grateful to God for, I believe being alive on its own is a huge sign that he is with but then again how do I enjoy the same life when I am constantly in need praying for the same thing over and over asking God to end my financial problems so I may live freely and have enough to give and share, This particular prayer is taking long and sometimes I ask myself if perhaps its too big for him, Im failing tp understand why every opportunity I get is not complete theres always something that takes away my joy, God knows how pure my heart is, he knows hpw generous I am and the good intentions behind everything I ask him but right now Im questioning why he doesnt answer me on this specific request, I am tired of borrowing every month, I suffer from anxiety and heart palpitations… at times when I question him I feel guilty or feel lile im being disrespectful to him…..I need him so much, I dont want to think theres another, being in Africa I dont want to opt to go look for solutions and answers elsewhere…..I need desperately God to answer me
Marie says
Golly gosh where do I start? Suppporting financially, emotionally, physically to husband’s parents suffering from a major stroke and 3rd stage of dementia. My dad who is a widow and both of us in our fifties, no jobs seeking to no avail. Huge mortgage to service, medical bills, household etc. Suffering from burn out, anxieties, panic attacks and what have you associated with these challenges. Sometimes optimistic until nect rejection or bill comes then spiral downwards again… Have pawn jewellery, sold stuff and whatever that can be sold, already done so… Reserves depleting and trying to still praise God for His silence… Sounds a bit hollow and feel like a fake Christian with all the hallelujahs…
Praying for reprieve and have to confess, felt like Elijah to just have God take me life as I am too coward to do so myself…
Kenneth Gray says
Hello,
God is always silent. Not just a season but life long silence from God. I am 54 and have never heard from God. I keep running into people telling me that God does talk to us. Well after 54 years of nothing but silence, absence, and unanswered prayers from God has shown that God refuses to be involved in my life, in any actual way. To me the Bible, though being God’s Word, is completely silent, as inanimate objects tend to be. I have never heard God’s voice in the Bible. Told God speaks through nature. I have never heard a voice from a tree, a rock, or animal, for that matter. God gave us free will, which He won’t interfere with. That said, people choose to preach God’s word. God doesn’t force them to do anything. That means that God can’t talk through other people without violating free will. So I don’t believe God communicates that way. I have lived in poverty for my whole life, thus I have no money to do God’s work or even go to church. If God communicates that way then I can’t hear Him as I can’t go there. That leaves only God’s audible voice, and God never speaks to me. I need God/Jesus to get actually involved in my life. But alas they both are absent. So from my point of view God is always silent.
Thanks and God bless you, in Jesus holy name, Amen.
Jenny says
Thank you. I needed this today.
Sunday says
In my own situation….in fact I don’t know what is the mind of God, I was born in suffering, growing in suffering! Although I have been praying to God all the way, but know answer. I could could in my life recall 3 times that I heard something thing like the voice of God, but know am doubting it_maybe that’s a take voice.
the first one (1) some one called my name inside dream and ask me not to give up that i should continue forward.
The second one (2) was also in the dream; I was chatting with someone on Facebook in that dream: the person told me that my prayers has been answered.
The third one (3) I was in Dream my phone rang and I answered the call, the person told me that God says that he should tell me that my name has been writing in the book of Life, with a lot of good things the person said Wich I I forgot when I woke up.
Why am doubting this voice is because after hearing all this it’s seems as if that’s when my hardship starts. Everything got worst, up till now am going homeless no job can’t even afford to eat, now suicide is knocking at my door. Because i can’t be alive and die of hunger and shame. And I have promised myself that I will never do bad thing to get money, so I rather quite my life and let everything go.
Olivia Davis says
Sunday, I am so sorry that you are going through such a difficult time. I am praying for you and asking the Lord to cover you in His love and kindness in this terribly hard moment. You are loved by God, and you are seen–and even if God seems silent, He is not. He is nearer to you than you know, and he knows what it is to walk through such challenging circumstances. Psalm 34:15, “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry…”
If you are considering suicide, I urge you to call 911 to seek immediate help. If you are located in the US, you may also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1 (800) 273-8255. If you live outside of the US, here are international suicide helplines: suicidestop.com/call_a_hotline.
I am praying for you!
Ibrahim J. Juliana says
Hello, I just read your comment from the message by Olivia Davis. I want to say, you are not in this all by yourself. God is with you. The enemy wants to destroy your life because he sees a greater glory in you.
Please be encouraged, those that wait on the Lord, He shall renew their strength. He rewards those who diligently seek Him.
Why not hold on, keep your hope alive, that you may encourage someone tomorrow whose hopes are ruined. God will make you laugh again. Remember the story of Job, God later restored all that he lost and blessed him abundantly.
Don’t give up on God.
PROPHET GENO says
Roman 8:28 psalm 3:8 luke 1:37 and philipians 4:13 this for you Great friend. Prophet Geno
Diri says
The enemy already knows you carry a great glory on you and has to fight to stop what you are destined to be. God has already shown you His mind towards you.
Life is spiritual we are in war zone so we dont relent, rather we are on the offensive constantly.
Now, 1.be careful who you share things that 1 is personally (that is between you and Him) showing you
2. Spend more time on personal retreat (phone and all things media shut off) alone in quitness with the LORD. Dont ask for money etc( He already knows you need those things) ask that you may know Him and that He may reveal yourself to you
3. Be an addict in giving to( find genuine christain org that are looking after orphans, widows ) personally yourself to Widows and Orphans
4. Give for the spreading of the gospel (again seek Holy Spirit to direct you) to a place God is pleased with
5. Pray for lsrael, in your prayers remember lsrael always and bless them
6. Dont be a dormant believer be active in your Father’s kingdom..find something to be steadfast in doing and serving (this platform is a service to God’s Kingdom for both believers and unbelievers that will come across it) Him.
7. Above all Forgive. Never hold anyone/people in your heart. Forgiveness, Forgiveness, Forgiveness.
Any form of unforgiveness , trace of bitterness is a total BLOCKER.
Sunday, be RELENTLESS and in due time His promises will be fulfilled in your life Amen
Anonymous says
For the past 2 and a half years I’ve been asking and praying to the Lord for something and silence is what I’ve got…ive been unsuccessful as I’m looking for a job and June this year, something else happened to me . I’m currently at the stage where I’m done praying to the Lord for anything cos ppl I know they are flourishing and getting what they want or need and being happy and all I’m getting is silence. I drew closer to the Lord after what happened in June but I’m unhappy cos everyday is a struggle for me just to b happy and still feel that the Lord really cares about me…He definitely cares and love others but what I feel and experienced, I dont think He even knows that I exist. I will b honest, I am angry with the Lord, He knows what I’m going through but yet He passes me by and open doors for ppl I know and leave my doors shut.
I know that the fact that I wake up every morning is a blessing but i would rather die than b so unhappy. It feels good letting this all out.
Smol faithful bean says
Hi, I don’t know how long ago this was or if you will ever see this. Or perhaps your in a better place today. But I just wanted to say never take your eyes off the Lord. He is in the subtlest of places. I know how angry and how disappointed feeling unheard from God can feel. I’ve felt unheard for over a year. But I can say that I don’t give up on God. He gave me life and knows exactly what He wants for me. Look deeply at your situation and see what kinds of lessons you have learned. Sometimes pain and waiting are lessons and we can take those with us through life. Amen. Good luck.
PROPHET GENO says
PSALM 27:10 IT IS FOR YOU FAMILY IN CHRIST.
Anonymous says
I have been unhappy and worried for the past 2 and a half years and thicos of things that have happened
PROPHET GENO says
Thank to God that we are living in time and not in eternity. For everything we go through is temporary. This too shall come to past.
Theodora says
I have been praying to God about something for over 3 years. I am awaiting breakthrough about this situation.
I feel somewhat agitated at times. Sometimes I stop praying about it as I think this might help me forget and move on. But the agitation returns and when I pray I receive peace and warmth in my heart so I am assuming I am to carry on praying. This is about a man I have liked- we are in separate places which may be for the best. I can see why God has drawn me to him- as I have prayed for him and seen real changes. I strongly believe God is completing something and he wants me to continue praying. Yet I need Him to make a way in Jesus- as at times I get a bit depressed. I pray the Lord will give me my hearts desire as I delight in Him- I struggle with anxiety and work etc, and I want to obey Him fully just to obey Him in any case. Sometimes I worry if I confuse faith and imagination- I do not want to be led by imagination and get hurt. What I do know is I have peace when I pray for this man. Pray for me please. Even when the Lord makes a way for me I can run away and get nervous- pray that I will be ready to receive.
I thank God that I have peace in Jesus- which is the peace the world cannot give- how can the world understand this peace that surpasses all understanding. Whether he fulfills this desire or not I do realise that love for and from another is only a shadow of the love of Jesus and I want to honour God for this- may we never forget the gift of Eternal life that we have been given.
Kyle Clem says
Hi, Im not sure if you will ever see this comment but I am in a very similar situation, from the opposite side I am a young man that fell deeply for my high school girlfriend. We dated for 5 years and 2 of them were long distance when she moved away to college. I didn’t understand how to grow up or become a provider and it seems like I never got an opportunity to show her the best of me but there’s no doubt I made a choice to love her and I wont change my mind about that. It’s been close to a year now and I’m still asking God for closure and not really attempting to move on but its kind of a “It is what it Is” situation.
R says
Hi Theodora,
I can’t believe what I just read because I’m in the exact situation my self. I hope and pray God has given you an answer by now. Keep believing in Him and grow strong in faith, if He still hasn’t. God will make a way when there seems to be no way
Smol Faithful Bean says
I am in this situation also it’s been 3.5 years. I still feel God showing me signs to not give up. So I pray about it sometimes. If it is Gods will it will be. If not, God has something better.
Vivian Virgil says
I can’t complain, but I’m a woman who has worked faithfully 20 yrs for a physician, due to covid my hrs were cut so I decided to turn in my notice and chose faith for something else more stable, I stepped out in faith and Nothing, no job no insurance I do have a spouse that works but I hate seeing him do everything alone. We don’t have the best marriage so it’s scary, I thought my faith would get ne through but I’m holding on to God’s timing not mine. Please pray I can get employment soon been 7months.
R says
Hi Theodora,
I can’t believe what I just read because I’m in the exact situation my self. I hope and pray God has given you an answer by now. Keep believing in Him and grow strong in faith, if He still hasn’t. God will make a way when there seems to be no way.
Gordon says
I question not whether God is silent, but whether he speaks at all. If the canon is closed, then God hasn’t said anything to anyone at all other than repeating himself for over 1,930 years. If scripture has all authority, then even the Holy Spirit submits to it. And since we have thousands of denominations, each interpreting scripture in its own way, how can we conclude anything but that the HS is no longer here to even interperet it for us?
The gifts of prophesy, healing and interpreting tongues died a long time ago; who says the gift of knowledge isn’t gone, too?
Anonymous says
It’s yourspiritual numbness that’s abut down ,not God. He is still on the throne. He changes not. When ever we are doubting the issue is with us not God. What to do ? Repent, help my unbelief, please God. Thank you for Thy help. Amen
Brian Rudolph says
For me, God doesn’t ‘seem’ silent, he is silent, period. I’ve prayed and prayed and have not once heard his voice in any sort of matter. So when people tell me they hear his voice, I don’t believe it. I think they are disillusioned. Or maybe I should try some of what they’re been smoking.
Anonymous says
For me, the voice of God is that inner voice that is sharing the right things with me, not to be confused with other inner voices sharing wrongful things.
Pamela Sandifer says
you saying you don’t hear God probably because you’re want to hear what you want too and not Him. It’s not about us, it’s about God
Selene says
I have been through countless times of suffering and I could not hear God’s voice, no matter how long or how fervently I prayed. I feel very lonely…I also had several very disturbing or strange dreams, including one vague dream of death and one dream where I was praised in front of people after doing well in a test, though I did not do well in my tests. Please help me. Thank you very much for your kind attention.
Julia says
I am just like those who has left a comment. I have been in this silenced season with God too. I truly believe through the pain and suffering. God is working it out for my good. Sometime it not easy to talk to God and get no response. I don’t mind waiting on the Lord. I know He’s going to come after while.
Karin says
I lost my job after 31 years. I loved my job so much but had issues with management that never could be resolved. Since my housing is tied to my housing I now have to leave and at 72 that isn’t easy. I don’t have family to help. I have prayed everyday for direction but God remains silent. I have no idea where to go. I also have pets I have to think of.
Edward Roy says
Thank you Olivia. God bless you.
John says
Thank you for this article. I’m also going through the moment of silence from God and have been wondering why. Being a Christian myself, I often wondered why God would be silent and wish He’d answer and at least give me some signs or whisper, “I’m here with you” to assure me that i’m not alone. Anyways, I recently lost my job due to COVID-19 and being the head of the family and father to 2 young little girls (2 and 7 year) it’s been a challenge. Even more so with the financial responsibilities that we currently have. I’m worried that I might loose all after because I don’t really know where to go from here. My wife and I are now in our late 40’s and having worked for 7 and more years for a company that we thought was stable and all of a sudden it’s gone due to the pandemic is very tough to swallow. With my wife currently taking the fort as the provider for the family and I being full-time with the kids, and starting a small business it’s been a challenge and been trying to find guidance as to whether or not this is the route God wants for me to take. Anyways, I just wanted to say thank you for this. Sometimes I just wanna shout it out to God…and ask Why, Where to go, what to do, but silence is all I hear. But I know He is here, and I bet He can read this as I write. My request is for someone to just pray for me and my family and for anyone out there who is also going through same in this difficult times we are facing and hope God will somehow give us the strength to endure. Thank you. God bless to all.
Olivia Davis says
Hi, John. Thank you so much for your comment. Your situation grieves me; that sounds incredibly difficult. I have prayed for your new business to proper, for the Lord to provide abundantly, and for you to feel his care for you. I will also bring your request for prayer to a ministry that I’m involved in and we will pray over this again. Many blessings, John, and thank you again for your comment.
Amy says
Olivia, Please pray for my family as well. I am a single mom of 7, 6 with me. Currently no job or home and no direction from God. I am praying for a miracle in all those areas especially before Christmas! God where are you? What is your plan? This is one of those tough tests of faith. Asking for prayer for our needs and God would bless us indeed! Thank you.
Olivia Davis says
Amy, thank you for your message, and absolutely, I will pray. May you feel the nearness of the Lord. I am asking him to move on your behalf and bring you comfort. Many blessings. – Olivia.
Jimmie Marshall says
I thought I was the only one dealing with this “God silence” Just reading your story John has kinda given me a “sense of hope” yet I don’t get why all this is happening to me #1 I’m a man who believes in God #2 I am considered a good person by friends #3 I read my Bible,study & pray yet I get no answers from the Lord I’m 57 yrs old not working now due to physical issues & covid pandemic just lost my place to stay my family wont offer me any assistance resident, monetary or otherwise my mother acts like she hates me and I don’t know where to turn saddened in Tampa.
April. says
Hearing God is not audible. You hear God through His holy word. You hear God sometimes through the small still voice when you are silent. Sometimes you hear him through a dear Christian brother or sister. Once I was at a womens conference and I got an impression in my thoughts to tell my friend sitting next to me that I loved her. I had no idea she had just prayed for God to show her that he was there and that He loved her. It’s the Holy Spirit that can speak to our souls. Everyone here seems like they think God is a Gennie ready to grant their every wish. God is here for us and he does move in our lives. Take your focus off yourself and concentrate on the positive things in your life and strive after a daily relationship with the creator of everything. Read your bibles and fellowship with His children and be useful in his kingdom. He will speak to you in many different ways.
Ling says
Thanks for this inspiring message! I am a believer but my prayer hasn’t yet answered. I felt like God doesn’t about me or may be i am so sinful.anyway come to know even great men of God in history suffered and questioning God. Your message help me how to deal with my feelings.
Olivia Davis says
Thank you so much, Ling, for your comment, which is encouraging to me. I am so sorry that you are going through a period of feeling like the Lord isn’t answering your prayers-that’s a difficult place to be. I have prayed for the Lord to continue to help you process your thoughts and feelings and to meet you right where you are.
Michelle says
I love this! I’m in a period of silence currently and this is absolutely perfect and beautifully written . I love, love the examples you used of people crying unto the Lord. Sometimes I don’t ask questions or share what I am feeling with God, because I feel like it’s a question I shouldn’t ask. This helped me to see and understand that I can turn to him with every thought. Thank you so much!
Olivia Davis says
I am so happy to hear that this piece was helpful to you, Michelle! It is so encouraging that the Bible speaks to everything in our lives – even periods of silence! I am so glad that you are turning to Jesus with every thought. Thank you so much for your sweet comment. Many blessings, Michelle 🙂
Lucia says
I’ve been in a season of His silence for the first time in my walk. It rocked me. I googled “when God is silent” and this came up. I’m so thankful. It made me feel so much better knowing great men of God, whom God deeply loved went through the same and it has nothing to do with us being “too bad” or “not worth talking to”. (My parents left/disowned me, so I immediately went back to thinking Je would abandon me as well). Though I don’t understand why He is silent, I am no longer taking it personal. I’m considering His character; He has ALWAYS been very good to me and I am comforted by knowing I’m not alone in this. I am being honest with Him and not allowing the enemy to use my past to push me away from Him. Thank you so much for sharing these truths and examples online. It helped so much to get me back on track.
Olivia Davis says
Lucia, thank you so much for sharing this with us. I am so sorry that you are going through such a difficult season, but am encouraged that the Lord is helping you realize that he is with you, even – especially – here. I am so happy that you are being honest with the Lord, remembering that he is always good, and not giving the enemy any footing! I am praying for your continued peace and comfort and for the Lord to encourage you today in your walk with him 🙂
Vicki says
I loss my husband 1 month ago, I feel empty, sad, broken hearted, alone!! Ty for listening
Olivia Davis says
I am so sorry to hear that, Vicki. There are no words to adequately express my condolences for such a loss, but I can pray for you, so I will do that.
Dear Lord, you know Vicki, and you know everything about her. You know the pain that she is feeling. Please encourage her in a special way today that she knows is from you. Please show her the nearness of your presence. Help her to know that she is not alone – you are right here, in this moment, with her. Help her feel your love, Jesus. In Jesus’s name, Amen.