When God Feels Silent

For the past few weeks I’ve gotten into the habit of walking the dog again. After dropping the kids off at school, I come home, grab the leash, and the very energetic dog. Together we walk the same path every morning. Up and down the hills of my neighborhood, I never take my phone or listen to music. The only sounds I hear are the insects, a random lawn mower, and the cars going to work on the main road. 

My mind stays busy with distractions, but I allow them to run down every path of thought and back again. I think about my neighbors, the state of the road where potholes have yet to be filled. I think about how warm or cool it is. I look out for the random dog who might come bounding out of a house or yard to greet us. 

I love these walks because silence settles on my soul. There is no pressure. Sometimes I pray, but sometimes I don’t. It feels good to have silence first thing in the morning. The stillness feels like a gift. In those moments I’m living out Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know…..”

But what I don’t like is when God falls silent when I’m trying to discern His will, hear His voice, or seek Him for comfort. There have been times in my life when God has felt silent. What do we do when we face times like this? 

What to Do When God Feels Silent

Psalm 77 can guide us through the agony of God’s silence and find hope, even in the midst of what might seem like God is not speaking to us. 

Remember Silence Does Not Mean Absence

“Will the Lord spurn forever,

    and never again be favorable?

Has his steadfast love forever ceased?

    Are his promises at an end for all time?

Has God forgotten to be gracious?

    Has he in anger shut up his compassion?” Psalm 77:7-9

The author of Psalm 77 had cried to the Lord (Psalm 77:1) but then didn’t get a reply. In God’s silence he questioned God’s presence. He asked if God would indeed be faithful, loving, and gracious? It is human and natural for us to mourn and question when we feel like God is far from us. In our sorrow, our desperate times, God does indeed feel far. 

As we have said before, feelings do not dictate truth. The truth is that God is not absent. Our feelings and even our circumstances might make us question and doubt God’s presence – but just because we can’t hear Him speak, or He feels distant, doesn’t mean that He is. In fact, the psalmist declared that when he cried to God, God would hear! (Psalm 77:1) 

Our hearts are allowed to be hurt, torn apart, and feel the grief of this world. Our tears might flow but God is there. I know it doesn’t seem that way, but He is. Sin, even for a believer, cannot ultimately make God turn his back on us. If sin is a part of your life right now, God invites you to come and confess it. Receive His forgiveness and know he is faithful and just to be with you! (1 John 1:9) 

Remember God’s Past Faithfulness

The way we turn back to God after experiencing this feeling is to remember. In Psalm 77 the word “remember” is mentioned several times. Not just remember facts, but the author says he mediates and ponders on the truth of God. Both on what God has done and who He is. See what the author says: 

I remember God’s past faithfulness. — “I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your wonders of old.” (Psalm 77:11)

I meditate on what God has done. — “I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.” (Psalm 77:12)

I remember that God’s ways are holy. — “Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God?” (Psalm 77:13)

I remember that God is powerful. — “You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples.” (Psalm 77:14)

I remember that God redeems His people. — “You with your arm redeemed your people, the children of Jacob and Joseph.” (Psalm 77:15)

I remember that creation itself answers to God. — “When the waters saw you, O God…the very deep trembled.” (Psalm 77:16)

I remember that God makes a way even when I cannot see one. — “Your way was through the sea, your path through the great waters; yet your footprints were unseen.” (Psalm 77:19)

I remember that God faithfully leads His people. — “You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.” (Psalm 77:20)

In our lives, God has been faithful! Here are some of the things I can remember about my life: 

• God has provided for me when I didn’t know how things would work out. — Philippians 4:19
• God has given me strength when I felt like I couldn’t keep going. — Isaiah 40:29–31
• God has comforted me in seasons of deep sadness. — 2 Corinthians 1:3–4
• God has guided me when I didn’t know what to do next. — Proverbs 3:5–6
• God has answered prayers—sometimes differently than I expected. — Psalm 34:4
• God has given me people to walk beside me. — Ecclesiastes 4:9–10
• God has forgiven me when I’ve failed. — 1 John 1:9
• God has carried me through things I once wondered if I would survive. — Isaiah 46:4
• God has brought good from circumstances I never would have chosen. — Romans 8:28
• God has stayed with me when I felt alone. — Hebrews 13:5
• God has given me new mercy for every new day. — Lamentations 3:22–23
• God has remained faithful even when my own faith felt small. — 2 Timothy 2:13

Continue Trusting While You Wait

What can you remember? Think back over the last year, five years, or even twenty years. Where have you seen God’s provision, comfort, guidance, forgiveness, or strength? Write those moments down. Remembering yesterday’s faithfulness can give us courage to trust God with today.

As we wait to feel close to God, we can trust Him. He has not left us, He has been and will be faithful. That is where trust is a choice, not a feeling! We can trust that when God feels silent, He isn’t. One of the things I try to remember is that I can still read God’s word – no matter how I feel. 

Yes, Bible reading can be comforting, inspiring, and deeply encouraging! But sometimes Bible reading and Bible study is also dry, interesting, and confusing. I would encourage you to keep studying. Keep reading. Ask God to teach you, reach out to some friends to do Bible study together. In the pages of God’s word we do hear Him speak. As you walk yoru daily walk with God, you can know He is faithful. 

Five Ways God is Faithful to You Right Now

• God is with you. Even when you cannot feel His presence, He has promised never to leave you. — Hebrews 13:5
• God is listening to you. Silence does not mean God isn’t hearing your prayers. He hears when you call to Him. — Psalm 34:17
• God is working for your good. You may not understand what He is doing, but His purposes have not stopped. — Romans 8:28
• God is giving you what you need for today. His mercy and faithfulness meet you again every morning. — Lamentations 3:22–23
• God is leading you even when you can’t see the way. His path may be hidden, but His hand is not absent. — Psalm 77:19–20

When God seems silent, remember His faithfulness

Weekly Practice:
Write down one past prayer God has answered.

This post is part of the Fall 2026 Blog Series

Every Day with God: Meeting with Jesus in Every Season of Life

Abiding isn’t just a summer lesson—it’s a lifelong way of walking with Jesus. Whether life is joyful or difficult, busy or quiet, we can meet with God every single day through His Word.

“One thing have I asked of the Lord…that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.” — Psalm 27:4

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