When God is Silent But Strong

Photo by Andraz Lazic on Unsplash

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” —Psalm 46:1 (ESV)

Have you ever prayed for God to immediately change something, but instead of answers, all you got was silence? Maybe it was a bad grade on a test, a failed relationship, or hurtful words that slipped out of your mouth before you could take them back. For me, it was a never-ending season of anxiety, uncertainty, and waiting.

After 10+ mental and physical health diagnoses, I was waiting for God to heal me. To tell me exactly what was wrong, how to fix it, and get back to my normal life. I anticipated total recovery. Labels ripped off. No more need for medication or treatment. But what I received showed up differently than I expected. He showed up differently than I expected. And instead of changing my circumstances, He changed me in the process.

Most of us see God’s power as miraculous and extraordinary, but what about the miracles that happen in the mundane? Is His power really limited to such dramatization? Sometimes, God’s power does look like miracles—the blind can see, the deaf can hear, and the paralyzed can walk again. Praise God for that. But sometimes, His power looks like sustenance through the hard days. Weakness often becomes the place where we recognize our dependence on Him, and His presence is proof of His power. That’s still healing, even when it looks different from what we desired.

I don’t know what you’re praying and asking God for today, but I know this: God rarely wastes our weakness when it teaches us to lean on Him. Even when it feels like He’s not listening, giving you the wrong answer, or ignoring your pleas, rest assured that God is still working. Life may feel unchanged, but that doesn’t equate to the absence of His presence. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble, and He’s not planning on going anywhere else. He’s here with you for the long haul.

Question for Reflection:

Where have you mistaken God’s silence for His absence? Be honest: Do you struggle to trust Him when He tells you what you don’t want to hear? Instead of allowing this to draw you away from the Lord, let it bring you close. Then, ponder this thought: When God feels silent, His strength is still within me. And that’s enough for today.