when god is silent
learning to trust him in the dark and delay
I want to take you on a small adventure—one that may feel familiar to anyone who has ever prayed earnestly and felt met with silence.
Scenario One: The Dark Room
Imagine stepping into a dark room and calling out, “Hello? Hello? Is anyone there?”
You’re standing in the room, but you don’t know if anyone else is. The darkness makes everything feel uncertain—unpredictable. It’s a little scary. You feel exposed, vulnerable. You hope for an answer, but you’re not sure one is coming.
“Hello? Are you there?”
This is often what God’s silence feels like. Not absence—but uncertainty. And that uncertainty can cause us to question His presence.
Job knew this darkness well. Scripture tells us he was blameless and a man of complete integrity (Job 1:1, NLT), yet he lost his children, his wealth, and his health. His life unraveled without explanation.
“I cry out to You, but You do not answer me.” (Job 30:24, NIV)
Job’s suffering came without immediate answers. But through it, he discovered something profound: knowing God and encountering His presence matters more than knowing why suffering happens. Perspective and humility grew where explanations did not.
You’re standing in the room, but you don’t know if anyone else is. The darkness makes everything feel uncertain—unpredictable.
Scenario Two: On Hold
Now imagine a different scene.
You’re on hold during a phone call. Your call went through—you’re connected—but no one is speaking. The silence stretches. The hold music becomes irritating. Time passes, and frustration builds.
You’re waiting. Indefinitely.
This kind of silence feels different. It isn’t the same as darkness… it’s delay.
And often, this is where we struggle most. Not with God’s presence, but with His timing.
David lived this reality. As a young man, he was anointed king (1 Samuel 16:12–13, NLT), yet years passed before that promise came to fruition. Years spent hiding, running, and waiting—while King Saul pursued him.
“How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?” (Psalm 13:1, NIV)
David trusted God, but his trust did not eliminate the pain of delay. God’s promises were sure—but they were not immediate.
Your call went through—you’re connected—but no one is speaking. The silence stretches. The hold music becomes irritating. Time passes, and frustration builds.
Holding On in Silence and Delay
Whether you find yourself standing in the dark, calling out for reassurance, or sitting on hold, waiting for movement, Scripture invites us to trust.
Jesus reminds us,
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God.” (John 14:1, NIV)
God hears you.
“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them.” (Psalm 34:17)
So keep asking. Keep seeking. Keep knocking.
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” (1 John 5:14–15, NIV)
No matter how dark it feels.
No matter how long the waiting lasts.
God is not silent because He is absent.
He is present—even here.
