When It Feels Like God is Silent

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10a NIV

Sometimes I just don’t hear Him. I know He’s there. But for reasons unknown to me, He’s choosing to remain silent.

I wonder if I’ve done something.

I wonder if He’s testing me.

And…I wonder if, for now, the silence is okay.

Maybe there’s nothing more to it than knowing God is always with me, even when I don’t hear Him and can’t feel Him.

I keep talking to Him and spending time in His Word, and I know He hears me.

Maybe I’m like a child who learns to trust her mom is there when she calls to her.

When my daughter was very young, she would say my name, over and over, to make sure I would answer each time. She would peak around the corner of a door to make sure I was there, even when I’d just answered her “Mom?”

As she grew older, she still needed to make sure I was right there, but with less frequency. Now, she’s comfortable just knowing I’m in the house. She comes to find me if she wants to talk or needs something, but doesn’t have the constant need to make sure I haven’t left—she just knows.

I wonder if I’ve never moved past the young stage of constantly checking to make sure God is there.

Maybe that’s what He’s reminding me of when He’s silent—He’s already shown me He’s with me. He’s proven it, and I know it, without a doubt.

So, the fear that if He’s silent, He must not be there…that’s the enemy. The enemy wants us to believe God won’t be there for us. But the enemy is a liar.

God is there. Always. And when I start to panic? All I have to do is look back at all the times God has spoken to me. All the times He’s shown me where He is—walking next to me.

My daughter doesn’t holler for me as often anymore and sometimes I miss it. There was something sweet about those days when she was totally dependent on me and thought I hung the moon—and at the same time terrifying because I could never come close to living up to her expectations.

But God can. He will not only live up to our expectations, but He surpasses them in unfathomable ways.

So, what about the little girl in me who calls out to Him constantly, wondering why He’s not answering? She’s okay. She’ll keep calling out, but when she doesn’t hear a response, she knows He’s right there, giving a silent nod of encouragement.

14 Responses to When It Feels Like God is Silent
  1. Jane
    November 15, 2012 | 5:46 pm

    Laura,

    That is beautifully written & very thought provoking! Brings even more meaning to the quote, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Thank you for such wonderful insight.

  2. Laura Rath
    November 16, 2012 | 12:22 pm

    Thank you for your kind words! 🙂

  3. Saleslady371
    November 16, 2012 | 4:14 pm

    There are many times I’m still like a little girl needing to hear my Father’s voice when I feel vulnerable. Those are the times I open His Word often and feel the comfort.

    • Laura Rath
      November 17, 2012 | 3:11 pm

      I agree, so much comfort can be found in His Word! Thank you for your visit and comment. God bless!

  4. Nikki
    November 17, 2012 | 12:42 am

    Loved this, Laura! Such a refreshing perspective…one I can relate to today ; )

    Hugs to you!

    • Laura Rath
      November 17, 2012 | 3:12 pm

      Thank you Nikki! 🙂

  5. Dawn
    November 19, 2012 | 11:53 am

    Laura, I love the picture with this post! What a beautiful image of God through your words here as well! I really appreciate the analogy. I love that we can all out anytime…but we grow and our confidence and trust remains even in when He does seem quiet.

    • Laura Rath
      November 21, 2012 | 10:42 pm

      Thank you Dawn!

  6. Judith
    November 19, 2012 | 12:21 pm

    Laura, this was a good post. I like your conversational, sweet writing style as if your reader (me) was actually listening to you talk.

    I miss my children *needing* me like they did when they were little. Of course, that wouldn’t be normal at their ages [grin] but sometimes it makes me wonder if I am not needed. If we think of it, that is how we make God feel when we try to do things in our own strength without ‘calling’ on Him.

    • Laura Rath
      November 21, 2012 | 10:45 pm

      I hadn’t thought of it that way, that we make God feel like we don’t need Him. It’s certainly what our behavior says when we try to do everything on our own and not accept His help. Great thought, thanks Judith!

  7. Karen June Miller
    November 19, 2012 | 3:59 pm

    God is definitely comfortable with silence. It’s something I need to get better at.

    Thanks for sharing!

    Karen
    Idaho
    Via Spiritual Sundays

    • Laura Rath
      November 21, 2012 | 10:46 pm

      Thank for visiting and leaving a comment Karen! God bless!

  8. Wendy
    November 20, 2012 | 3:32 pm

    Such a beautiful post Laura. It reminds me of a strong, comfortable relationship – one where we can sit with another in silence and not expect anything other than the knowledge of each other’s being.

    • Laura Rath
      November 21, 2012 | 10:49 pm

      A very comforting thought. Thanks Wendy!