When God Feels Silent

Why God’s Quiet Seasons Aren’t Wasted

Have you ever felt like your faith was on shaky ground? Maybe you've prayed and heard nothing. Perhaps you've shown up to church and felt nothing. Maybe you've tried to do the right things, but God still feels distant.

We don't always like to admit it, but faith doesn't always feel good.

Photo by Amy Tran on Unsplash

There are days when it feels like an anchor in the storm—strong, unwavering, and immovable. But there are other days when it feels like a weight around our necks—heavy, exhausting, and full of questions.

And here's the hard truth: Faith is not about how we feel. It's about what (and who) we trust.

Feelings Are Fickle. Faith Is Firm.

Our emotions are all over the place. One moment, we're full of confidence, and the next, we doubt everything.

This is nothing new. The Bible is full of people who wrestled with faith and feelings:

• David went from praising God to asking, "How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?" (Psalm 13:1).

• Elijah called down fire from heaven and then, a chapter later, prayed that he might die (1 Kings 18–19).

• Even Jesus, in His human suffering, cried out on the cross, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46).

These weren't people who lacked faith. They were people who had faith but still felt profoundly.

Faith isn't the absence of feelings—it's choosing to trust God despite them.

When Faith Feels Weak, Hold On Anyway

There was a season in my life when I didn't feel God.

I was struggling, burnt out, and numb. I wanted a breakthrough, but nothing changed. I would read the Bible, but the words felt empty. I would pray, but I didn't hear anything back.

It would have been easy to walk away. But here's what I learned:

Faith isn't built in the easy seasons. It's built in the waiting, the silence, and the struggle.

When I didn't feel God, I had to trust Him anyway.

• I didn't feel like reading Scripture, but I read it anyway.

• I didn't feel like praying, but I prayed anyway.

• I didn't feel like showing up, but I did anyway.

And over time, the feelings followed.

How to Trust God When You Don't Feel It

1. Stop Waiting for the Feeling—Take a Step Anyway

Feelings follow actions. If you wait to trust God, you may never do it.

2 Corinthians 5:7 – "For we walk by faith, not by sight."

2. Hold onto Jesus, Not Just Human Emotion

Our emotions are fleeting and will toss us around whenever life gets difficult. Our emotions change from moment to moment based on our interactions, appetite, and everything else, including sleep, but God's Word is unchanging.

Isaiah 40:8 – "The grass withers, the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever."

3. Keep Showing Up When You Don't Feel Like

Faithfulness isn't about constantly feeling inspired—it's about showing up, even when it's hard.

• Keep praying—even when it feels one-sided.

• Keep worshiping—even when you don't feel moved.

• Keep seeking God—even when He seems silent.

Faith Is More Than a Feeling—It's a Choice

If you're in a season where God feels distant, know this:

• Your faith is not broken.

• Your relationship with God is not based on your emotions.

• God is still at work, even when you can't see it.

Don't quit just because you don't feel it. Keep holding on.

You Have a Fighting Chance

I've walked through seasons of silence, doubt, and exhaustion—but I've also experienced the faithfulness of God when I held on.

I wrote A Fighting Chance—to remind you that faith isn't about perfection but perseverance.

If you're in a battle right now, don't let go.

You can learn more about A Fighting Chance [here].

No matter where you are, God is not done with you yet.

You have a fighting chance.