Biblical Answer

Can I really trust God when He seems silent?

Understanding God's Silence

The Bible teaches us that God's silence is not a sign of His absence or displeasure, but rather a sign of His sovereignty and trust in us. In Psalm 4:3-4, we read, "But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him." This verse reminds us that God is always listening, even when we don't hear an audible response. Jesus' own experience of silence in the garden of Gethsemane (Mark 14:61) is a powerful example of this truth. God's silence is not a sign of His lack of involvement, but rather a sign of His trust in us to navigate difficult circumstances.

The Nature of Faith

Faith is not about feeling a certain way or having a specific emotional experience. It's about trusting in God's character and promises, even when we can't see or hear Him. The Bible teaches us that faith is a strong and vigorous confidence built on the fact that God is holy love (Job 13:15). When we trust in God, we're not trusting in a theory or an idea, but in a living, breathing person who is always present and always working. Brother Lawrence wrote that we build our faith by "the practice of the presence of God" (1 Corinthians 2:11-14), which means that we cultivate our trust in God by regularly talking to Him and seeking His presence in our lives.

The Comfort of God's Presence

Even when God seems silent, we can be confident that He is still present and working in our lives. The Bible reminds us that God is not a distant or uninvolved God, but a God who is always near and always speaking (Isaiah 40:4-7). We don't need to pretend that our lives are filled with joy and confidence, but rather we can trust in God's goodness and love, even in the midst of silence. As the Psalmist wrote, "I have told you about the Lord, give heed to my words. The Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him" (Psalm 4:3-4). By trusting in God's character and promises, we can find comfort and peace even in the midst of silence.