When God is Quiet: A Season of Waiting.
Life often brings us into seasons of waiting, whether its waiting for answers, direction, or a breakthrough. These times can feel even more challenging when God seems quiet. Yet, His silence doesn’t mean He’s absent. I remember so many times feeling like I was stagnant, feeling like what I wanted would never come, or the situation I was in would never change…but I see my quiet seasons as so much more than that now. In fact, I will say that I believe our “seasons of waiting” are much more fruitful than we may initially realize.
Waiting can be hard. It’s natural to feel frustrated, discouraged, or even abandoned when God is quiet. Don’t suppress these emotions; bring them to Him in prayer. Just like David, as we read in Psalms, you can cry out honestly: “How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?” (Psalm 13:1) I remember when I threw my own life into shambles, and I couldn’t help but feel like I was completely abandoned by God, I didn’t realize how untrue that was, though. God welcomes our honesty, and expressing our feelings can bring relief and open our hearts to His peace. Whether we are screaming, crying, worshipping, laughing…He just wants to hear from us.
Some of the most important questions I have asked myself are these two right here:
What is God teaching me in this season?
How can I draw closer to Him?
Use this time to develop spiritual disciplines like prayer, journaling, or fasting. Growth often happens in the quiet. Try asking yourself these same questions and dig into the Word…it will be revealed.
David often found himself in seasons of waiting and despair. He consistently turned to God with his raw emotions. The Psalms are filled with his laments, yet they also show his unwavering faith. In Psalm 22:1, he cries, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Yet later in the same Psalm, he proclaims trust in God’s deliverance. David’s honesty teaches us that we can bring our fears, doubts, and struggles to God while holding onto hope.
God’s silence often teaches us patience and reliance on His perfect timing. That house you wanted? God didn’t have that in the plan. It may sting at first, but we are here to live His will, not our own. Trust that His plan is much greater than ours could ever be. I can’t tell you how many missed job offers and vehicle problems that led me to thinking that I was failing- but the whole time…God just had a plan that was better.
You are not alone in this season. Share your struggles with other women of faith who can support you through prayer, encouragement, and wisdom. Community can remind you that God often works through His people to provide comfort and direction. Consider joining a Bible study or prayer group to stay connected and uplifted. I am so grateful for the relationships with other women that I have built. We have all watched life affect each other in different ways, and yet still do our bests to be His followers and help encourage each other when we can.
It’s SO important to stay close to Jesus in these seasons. Silence can feel like a void, but it is often an invitation to lean deeper into your relationship with Him. Jesus understands our waiting and our pain. By staying close to Jesus through prayer, worship, and quiet reflection, we can experience His peace and guidance, even when answers aren’t clear. He promises to never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5), even in the silence.Even when God feels quiet, His promises remain true. Cling to verses like: “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)“Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
Waiting seasons can feel isolating and uncertain, but they are also opportunities to deepen your faith and trust in God. Remember, His silence is not rejection; it’s often preparation for something greater. Stay hopeful, stay prayerful, and trust that in His perfect timing, He will make all things clear.
God’s silence is not His absence. He is working behind the scenes for your good and His glory.
