When God Seems Silent…
Have you ever tried to reach out to someone—whether by text, phone call, or another way—and just couldn’t get a response? Maybe they took forever to reply, or didn’t respond at all. If you’re anything like me, your mind might start to spiral: “Did I do something wrong? Did I offend them? Are they upset with me?” Most of the time, it’s nothing like that—but it’s easy to let our thoughts go there.
Sometimes, our relationship with God can feel the same. There are seasons when He feels silent—distant, unresponsive, or even absent. I’ve walked through those seasons myself. And in those quiet moments, my thoughts have often echoed similar fears: “God must be upset with me. I’ve done something wrong. He’s pulling away.”
But here’s something I’ve come to believe deeply—and I want you to hear this clearly: God’s silence—or what feels like silence—is not a sign of His disapproval or disappointment.
Let me say that again. God’s silence is not a sign of His disapproval or disappointment.
Scripture reassures us that He will never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5, Deuteronomy 31:6), and that nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39). Those promises remain true—whether God feels near or whether He feels silent.
Throughout the Bible, we see people whom God loved dearly walk through seasons of silence:
David, called a man after God’s own heart, cried out in desperation: “How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?” (Psalm 13).
Job, described as blameless and upright, endured prolonged silence while enduring unimaginable suffering.
Even the nation of Israel experienced long periods of divine silence. When the prophet Samuel was a boy, Scripture notes that “messages from the Lord were very rare” (1 Samuel 3:1). And between the Old and New Testaments, there was a 400-year stretch often referred to as the “period of silence,” where no new prophetic word was recorded.
Silence is not absence. It’s not punishment. It’s not rejection. In fact, it may be something more sacred than we realise. As I’ve been reflecting on this and thinking about my own life, I’ve been wondering, how should we respond when God seems silent? Is there anything we can do? Well, I have a few suggestions that can hopefully encourage you if you are experiencing a time when God seems silent, because in those seasons, there are also many opportunities.
In the ‘silent’ seasons, here are a few invitations I’ve found meaningful:
1. Remember What He’s Done and the Promises He’s Made
When God seems quiet, it’s a powerful time to reflect on His past faithfulness. Recalling His promises can anchor us in truth. It reminds us who He is—faithful, good, present.
That’s what the Jewish people did during the 400-year silence. They remembered God’s covenant with Abraham. They clung to the visions in Daniel. They held tightly to the ancient prophecies of the coming Messiah. That season of silence actually stirred anticipation and prepared them for what God was about to do.
What if your season of silence is preparing you too?
2. Soak in His Presence
God’s silence doesn’t mean He has left. His Spirit lives within us. His presence is constant, even when His voice feels distant.
Sometimes, just sitting quietly with Him is enough. Think about the intimacy of sharing a long car ride with someone you love—no need for words, just presence. That’s how it can be with God too.
I’ve found comfort in imagining myself sitting at His feet, or resting in His lap like a child. Sometimes I picture Jesus in the passenger seat as I drive. Those simple moments of imagination bring a surprising peace and reassurance that He is still near.
You might try listening to worship music, reflecting on lyrics, or simply sitting still and breathing deeply in His presence. Let yourself be soaked in the truth that He is with you.
3. Embrace the Rest
When God seems quiet, it might be an invitation to rest. Sometimes He speaks so much that it’s like trying to drink from a fire hose. Other times, He gives us space—so His words can settle deep within our hearts.
I’ve learned that what once felt like abandonment was actually a sacred pause. A divine selah. A moment for things to take root.
4. Listen Differently—He Might Be Speaking in New Ways
God’s silence in one form doesn’t mean He isn’t speaking at all. Sometimes, He’s just using a new language.
A few years ago, I began having vivid dreams. I rarely remembered dreams before, but suddenly I sensed God might be speaking through them. As I prayed, learned from others, and studied more, I began to recognise His voice in these nighttime visions.
I also started noticing patterns in numbers—repetitions that felt significant. As I explored what Scripture and others said about this, I discovered another layer of God’s communication.
Creation itself began to speak to me in fresh ways. Recurring symbols. Themes in nature. All signs of a God who is still near—just inviting me to pay attention differently.
So if He seems silent, maybe He’s actually speaking in a new way. Like a treasure hunt, He’s drawing you in to seek, discover, and listen more closely.
Some Practical Ways to Respond in the Silence
Make a list of how God has spoken to you in the past—words, dreams, Scriptures. Gratitude has a way of reigniting faith.
Explore spiritual practices like journaling, lectio divina, or breath prayers—ways to tune into God’s heart differently.
Use your imagination to hand over fears to Jesus. Picture His response. Watch what He does with your burdens.
Open your Bible and just start reading. Ask the Holy Spirit to let something “jump off the page” for you—and then sit with it.
If you’re in a season where God feels silent, let me remind you:
It won’t last forever.
He hasn’t left you.
He’s not disappointed in you.
And nothing—absolutely nothing—can separate you from His love.
You are held—even in the quiet.