Here’s What to do When God Seems Silent

People sometimes go through seasons when God seems silent. Is there something wrong with God? Is there something wrong with me? Did I do something wrong? Will I ever experience God’s presence again? How should I respond? What should I do when God seems silent?

In order to prepare to experience God again, there are steps you can and should take. When we go through these seasons we feel spiritually dry and doubt creeps in. Here are some valuable steps you can take to help you through this season in your spiritual life.

Say a fresh prayer

Sometimes doing something old in a new way makes all the difference in the world. Try this: pray out loud; pray really loud; cry out to God with real desperation and sincerity. Reach up to him with your hands. Physical expression in prayer can be powerful and effective. If you have never done this, try it.

I cry aloud to God,

      aloud to God, and he will hear me.

In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord;

      in the night my hand is stretched out without wearying;

      my soul refuses to be comforted.

Psalm 77:1–2 (ESV)

Remember what he has done

When we take time to remember all that God has done for us, it can change our outlook, our approach and our hearts. Simply remembering is important. Too often we forget or take for granted all that God has done for us. His mercy and grace are infinite and transformational. Remember the change he has made in your life.

I will remember the deeds of the LORD;

      yes, I will remember your wonders of old.

Psalm 77:11 (ESV)

Meditate on it

Don’t just remember. Take time to ponder and think about those changes that God has made in your life. Think about all God has done in creation and in all time. Meditate on the nature of a God who would show such mercy and grace.

I will ponder all your work,

      and meditate on your mighty deeds.

Psalm 77:12 (ESV)

Think about the greatness of God

To think about the greatness of God means to contemplate how high God is above us and how superior he is in amount, extent, intensity, ability, quality and importance! There are many aspects of God that are in these categories: love, mercy, grace, power, knowledge, compassion, patience, goodness and wisdom. There are more but these can get you started in thinking about God’s greatness. When God seems silent, think about these things.

Your way, O God, is holy.

      What god is great like our God?

Psalm 77:13 (ESV)

Recite his wonders and works

There is something powerful about spending time recounting all that God has done. God has done so much that can only be described as awesome. His wonders and works can leave us speechless, at a total loss for words. To simply recite his wonders and works will inspire and encourage us.

You are the God who works wonders;

      you have made known your might among the peoples.

Psalm 77:14 (ESV)

Reaffirm the work of redemption in your life

God has redeemed you. He has saved you from your sin. You are released from the devastating and destructive consequences of a life of sin. By his mercy, grace and power we are set free. When God  seems silent, the reality of our redemption is sure and true.

You with your arm redeemed your people,

      the children of Jacob and Joseph.

Psalm 77:15 (ESV)

Observe his work in creation

God’s creative power is beyond comprehension. We will never fathom the depth of his creativity. All that he has made attests to who he is. The mountains, the oceans, vast plains, the heavenly bodies and all the laws of nature and physics. These are all written into reality by the word of God!

When the waters saw you, O God,

      when the waters saw you, they were afraid;

      indeed, the deep trembled.

The clouds poured out water;

      the skies gave forth thunder;

      your arrows flashed on every side.

The crash of your thunder was in the whirlwind;

      your lightnings lighted up the world;

      the earth trembled and shook.

Your way was through the sea,

      your path through the great waters;

      yet your footprints were unseen.

Psalm 77:16–19 (ESV)

Remember his leadership

He has led you to where you are for his purposes. One purpose he has for your life is that you become just like Jesus. Just as he led his people from the bondage of slavery in Egypt into the promised land, he is leading you to a ‘promised land.’ We may not know what that looks like but we can certainly trust his leadership.

You led your people like a flock

      by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

Psalm 77:20 (ESV)

Your turn

I would like you to exercise your heart and spirit in working through these steps. If God seems silent, or even if he doesn’t, these expressions of trust will make a world of difference to your outlook and faith. God is good! Move forward always trusting his leadership.