Even when our senses don't let us know, God is at work in our lives.
God answers prayer. But sometimes, God is silent. As believers we've all been there—or will be there. We may earnestly seek God, but in return only sense His silence. And this silence can be difficult, frustrating even excruciating.
The Bible tells the story of a man named Job, who was well acquainted with God's silence. In his pain and suffering, he cried out to God. He asked for answers. And he kept asking. But for the first 37 chapters of the book of Job, his cries for God's help and relief were met only by God's deafening silence.
As Christians, we are not always going to hear God's voice, but from Job we can learn a few practical things to do when God seems silent.
EXAMINE YOUR LIFE
Begin by asking yourself the question, Is there any unconfessed sin in my life? Make sure nothing is blocking you from being able to hear God's voice. Psalm 66:18 says, "If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, my Lord would not have listened" (New Living Translation). This requires looking deeper than the obvious. Ask yourself: Do I have wrong motives? Is there anything (or anyone) that I love more than God? As God brings things to mind, quickly ask for His forgiveness. And remember, there's no shame in repentance. This act of faith pleases God and restores our fellowship with Him.
ACCEPT GOD'S SOVEREIGNTY
Recognize that God can be silent. There is no obligation for God to answer you, inform you or let you know anything. "God is said to be absolutely free," says A.W. Tozer in The Knowledge of the Holy, "because no one and no thing can hinder Him or compel Him or stop Him. He is able to do as He pleases always, everywhere, forever."
Like us, Job faced the choice of acknowledging—or rejecting—the sovereignty of God. In response to his suffering and loss, Job's wife suggests he curse God and die. Instead of following her advice, Job chooses to let God be God. "Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?" he asked (Job 2:10).
Accepting God's sovereignty also means actively trusting God, realizing He is in control and can be trusted. "Though He slay me," says Job, "I will hope in Him" (13:15). Nothing in Job's life, or ours, happens apart from God's knowledge and plan. As we learn at the beginning of the Book of Job, God was fully aware of all the things that were about to happen to Job. In fact, He gave Satan permission to do these things in Job's life. At no point does God release His control.
LISTEN TO WHAT GOD IS SAYING
Although God may seem silent regarding a specific request or petition, remember that He is always in a constant state of communication with us. In fact, it is possible that you already have an answer from God. The Bible is full of specific answers about what is right and wrong as well as information about God's character and His intention for us as His children and His followers.
So don't forget to dig into God's Word—His written communication to us—to find out what He has to say about the problems you're facing or the questions you're asking. As you read the Bible, ask God to speak to you through the Holy Spirit, who lives inside of you. Often verses can have new significance in light of current problems you are facing.
RECOGNIZE THAT SILENCE CAN BE INTIMATE
Silence can also be a sign of God's trust. The Gospel of John tells a story about Jesus' friends Lazarus, Mary and Martha. When Jesus found out that Lazarus was ill, he didn't rush to Lazarus' house to heal him. Instead, Jesus stayed where he was for two more days (John 11:6). And before Jesus arrived in Bethany, Lazarus died.
To Lazarus' sisters, Mary and Martha, Jesus' silence could have been interpreted as neglect—that Jesus didn't care or didn't want to help them. This mirrors many of the emotions we feel when God doesn't immediately answer our cries for help. But in Jesus' silence we, along with Mary and Martha, are drawn into a new closeness to God and understanding of His power. Four days after he died, Lazarus was raised from the dead by Jesus, showing His power.
"When you cannot hear God," says Oswald Chambers in My Utmost For His Highest, "you will find that He has trusted you in the most intimate way possible—with absolute silence, not a silence of despair, but one of pleasure, because He saw that you could withstand an even bigger revelation."
When you are completely comfortable with a person, it is possible to sit in a room together and not utter a word. In love, silence can be a sign of intimacy.
For Job, God's silence was also a result of the depth of their relationship.
When Satan approached God, He said, "Have you considered My servant Job?" (Job 1:8). In trust, God chose Job.
KEEP TALKING TO GOD
Just because God seems silent doesn't mean you should doubt Him or stop praying. God's silence isn't a license for us to turn our backs on Him. Instead, it's an invitation to press forward and seek Him even more diligently. The psalmists modeled crying out to God. David said, "Oh my God, I cry by day, but You do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest" (Psalm 22:2). Job also continually cries out to God, asking Him to answer.
For pages of the Book of Job, God is silent. But in chapter 38, God answers—and questions Job. "Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?" asks God. "Tell Me, if you have understanding" (38:4).
God is in control and has been all along. He heard Job's cries for help. In trust, He waited for the perfect time to speak. Job was reminded.
God answers prayer.
Comments
I just needed to read this
I just needed to read this NOW ... God bless you ...
Please allow me to share my little story ...
I had a time when I felt God by all my senses ... I felt him very close to me ... and I loved him with all my heart ... it was such a perfect time ... I was so happy ..
Then, something bad happened to one of my relatives ... I prayed to God a lot to remove this bad thing, but I got no answer. I had no peace at that time, I cried a lot, spent a lot of days in depression. Then I began to question myself about God's love or even God's existence ... I felt betrayed that time.
Then, after some long time in despair, I decided to turn my back to God, just as he did to me (In my opinion that time). Ironically the problem got solved shortly, but i wasnt happy, i wasnt thanking God.
God didn't talk to me again since then, and my decision becomes stronger in not getting back. I never found peace away from him, but i kept reminding myself of the dark time i had. Sometimes I tried to get closer again, but i was failing, maybe i wanted to fail to justify my choice.
last week I got sever health issues, I felt death approaches (I'm only 26yo), I began to think about God again, but these thoughts evaporated quickly after I began to get better.
I got the same issues again today, I reconsidered my life and whether it's worth living or not. Without God, my life is worthless.
He is still silent to me, but this post gave me hope and enlightement.
Please pray for me ... and dont do what I did.
God is Good, ALWAYS
Please God, bring me back ...
Submitted at 8:15 AM on May 16, 2010 by Ramy
Prayer
Hi Ramy,
I too needed to read this article, and I saw your comments -- I'm so sorry you're going through such a hard time. Health problems can be doubly depressing - physically and emotionally. I just want you to know that I will be praying for you...even though it seems that God doesn't answer us right away, He is with you and in control of everything that happens to you. I like to read Psalms 139 - God hems us before and after, and knows all our days. He loves you Ramy.
Submitted at 12:03 AM on May 18, 2010 by Elizabeth
God's silence
Ramy, you are crying out because God is drawing you. He pursues us--not the other way around. And what He begins, He always finishes. "I will perfect that which concerns you." (see also Jeremiah 29:11) Often, His silence is to prepare us for a deeper revelation of Himself. Do you remember this story from Luke 15?
22 And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.” 23 But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying out after us.” 24 He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” 25 But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” 26 And he answered, “It is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.” 27 She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.” 28 Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.
This woman cried for mercy but Jesus was silent. Then, He said something that seemed very harsh. Her response was not to turn away humiliated, but to pursue God with all that was within her. The silence and the strange answer caused her to focus even more on her need. And then, see what Jesus said: "O woman, great is your faith!" Can you imagine Jesus' joy when He said that to her?
The desert we find ourselves in has a purpose--to seek God out of our desperate need--not His gifts, but God Himself. Ask God to reveal Himself to you. He will always answer that prayer. But realize that He will take you through an Isaiah 6 experience. I mean He will reveal Himself, but the more you see His holiness, the more you will see your sin for how dark it is. Don't draw back, because there is great joy ahead!
Submitted at 11:00 AM on May 19, 2010 by Barbara
God's SIlence
You have no idea how much your response to Ramy helped me. Thank you and God bless you.
Submitted at 3:04 AM on Jun 25, 2010 by Anonymous
Thank you for the reminder
I loved both the original article that Jessica wrote and your response, Barbara. They were both very helpful to me. I have been going through another time of dealing with clinical depression. Not hearing from God has made me wonder where He is and if he cares. Jessica's article, and your response, reminded me to keep on pursuing Him. In time, I know that He will answer and will fill me with peace and joy once again, but I had forgotten that in my fear. Thank you both for the reminder.
Submitted at 6:13 PM on Aug 18, 2011 by Linda
sometimes God is not silent
sometimes God is not silent with us He just wants to show us how wonderful he can be so he leaves us to go on with our life until we realize that we can't go no more we need God in our life. He is our everything.
so if you feel like you are at the end you cant go more now is the time to go back to GOD i promise He hasn't turned his back on you. he just wants you to say "God i need you in my life" from your heart and see how your life would be from now on
whatever happens please reply this message
thank you and i will be praying for you. :]
Submitted at 10:15 PM on Aug 19, 2010 by josephine
Thank you for this article. I
Thank you for this article. I am at the point of desperation because of financial difficulties and I was beginning to wonder how God works. I can never understand cos He answers today and doesn't tomorrow. I was finding difficulty praying and also. Feeling like God has left me, angry and constantly snapping at my children. Sometimes it seems I don't fully understand how the word works. Thanks for what you wrote I will desperately seek Him cos I know that He is the only one that can turn my life around.
Submitted at 8:50 AM on Jan 31, 2011 by Ada
God's silence
He will speak again to you and you will hear Him.....the requirement ?.......a broken spirit and a contrite heart.....God will NOT despise ....you have His word on it . Psalm 51:17 and Isaiah 57:15
Submitted at 2:02 PM on Dec 7, 2010 by Bernie
I just want you to know I was
I just want you to know I was so deeply moved by your story. I am where you are right now.
Submitted at 8:16 AM on Sep 22, 2011 by Anonymous
Thank you. This helped a lot
Thank you. This helped a lot right now.
Submitted at 2:13 AM on Jun 20, 2010 by Anonymous
thank you
When we go through hard times, it truely seems as if God is far away,but He truely is nearer to us than we imagine.Thank u so much for the encouragemt.i have not heard God yet concerning wat i hv been trusting Him for, but i kw He loves me.
Submitted at 1:16 AM on Jun 22, 2010 by Anonymous
Great article
I have been praying for an answer for over 4 years. I still haven't gotten it as of yet. I am going through midlife and empty nest syndrome. I have been a stay at home mom for 22 years. Now that my children are gone, I don't know what to do. I don't know when God is going to give me direction. I pray it is soon. But this article has definitely put things in a different perspective for me. I can relate to Job.
Submitted at 6:29 PM on Jun 24, 2010 by Anonymous
Advice
[Editor's note: the following comment was shortened to fit this page and to remove some identifying information, but presents an important request for prayer.]
Advice
I really identify with the comments above.
My problem is that I have been abused since childhood, in a religion... that caused A LOT of damage! And confusion regarding God.
I don't trust anybody. My relationships don't work.
My issue was: Does God not have a prevention department?
Why did He not protect me? How can I ever ever trust Him?
So, I stopped praying.
I stopped altogether.
No trust.
I turned my back too!!!
How do I learn to trust?
I just can't.
How am I supposed to trust????????
Really, I am sincere! I want to know!
I need something concrete.
I just can't seem to get there!
Please help me!
Please intercede for me.
Thank you
Submitted at 2:59 PM on Jun 26, 2010 by Desperate
help for the desperate
Dear desperate one, I understand the horror of such experiences. your not alone. Inspite of the feelings of anger and abandonment that you feel; that seem to keep you bound forever, and hopeless in this life, I beleive that things are going to change for you.I don't know you, but I beleive that you are a person that has great potential in the things of God i.e. capacity. I see that your a person that can be trusted, and this would appear to the natural mind as a bit of a misnomer concerning your potential in the Lord. you will be to some a hopeless case, rejected and abandoned of the Lord; but they do not understand the virtue of disclosure that you are expereincing. I just know that God is going to fill you to overflowing with his love, and pour out through you that same love to those around you. God has chosen you for this,and i know that it seems impossible.I know that it can even seem cruel at times, but the Lord wants to reveal himself to us that we may be transformed into his image; for his glory.I thank my God for real people like you, just wanting to keep things real. If i diden't know the Lord I would see you as hopless also, but because I do know him, and his ways, i can see you as one transformed by his love; forever changed! contact me at- chuck779@wmconnect.com for more info. God bless you.
Submitted at 12:56 PM on Jul 4, 2010 by charles
Thnx
Thanks for the thread of comments & stories. As I read this I realized that it had been a few days since I went before God in confessing my sins. Every year that God gives me I feel closer too him yet still far away. I suppose that feeling will never subside, this side of eternity. I pray for you guys tonight! maybe we'll see each other in Heaven w/ Christ!
Submitted at 11:28 PM on Jun 29, 2010 by Ben
To Desperate
Your heartache and fear are so very real to God. They were put there by the bad things in the world and the people whose motives are not of Him, regardless of what they professed, if they caused you such damage, and I know they did. How do you trust? Maybe it is by watching other people trust and find that it works. Then try it yourself. This sounds so simple and yet it is not. Because to trust and then to be disappointed is the greatest loss. When that happens we have to believe still, that God will answer later with something better for us than what we could see at the time. I have been a Christian for a long time. God is often silent with me too, and I have learned that I have to sit with the emptiness, still asking, still believing I am heard, and see what that silence has to teach me, God can change things inside us only if we are willing. You have taken the first step of asking to be shown how; I promise you that prayer will be answered over time, and you will, if you stay open, learn to heal through the trust that you will one day be able to manage. I will be praying for you - look at who God sends into your life, the ones who are healthy, the ones who have the ability to trust themselves, and look for His work in your life. It will come! Blessings to you...
Submitted at 10:08 PM on Jul 2, 2010 by Lisa
Dear Desperate, I really have
Dear Desperate,
I really have empathy on your situation. What I want to say is that there is ABSOLUTELY NO PROBLEM and NO DARK SHADOW that God cannot solve and take away completely. I suggest you to check out some of Grantley Morris's articles about being abused in early age. http://net-burst.net/hope/evil.htm I hope that can help. I love you, and I'll certainly pray for you.
Submitted at 9:05 PM on Jul 18, 2010 by Anonymous
Dear Desperate
In whatever situations God appears to "abandon" us in. He gives us the graces to fight thru them. But above all this can be a real opportunity of trully discovering your innermost desires and your self and why God created you. I have also been thru an experience, a subject to the selfishness of those around me, it hurt a lot and there was nothing i could do apart from crying. Through my tears i came to trully understand my desires and God's plan for me and it gives me a sense of purpose in life, something to work tirelessly for. may the Eternal One Help You.
Submitted at 7:06 AM on Sep 3, 2010 by Anonymous
This article was exactly what
This article was exactly what I needed to read right now! I was going through the desert and I felt upset and frustrated with God but I know He is still God and that He loves me and is just dealing with me, only to bring me closer to Him. I thank God for every person that shared encouragement <3
God Bless
Submitted at 1:16 AM on Oct 24, 2010 by Anonymous
THE SILENCE OF HEAVEN
SOMETIMES I TEND TO BLAME MY PARENTS FOR RAISING ME UP AS A CHRISTIAN AND SOMETIMES I THANK THEM JUST FOR THIS FACT.
I DONT KNOW WHETHER I AM LOSING IT OR NOT, BUT ONE THING I KNOW AND I VOWED IS THAT I WILL NEVER DENY GOD, WHETHER HE ANSWERS OR NOT. BUT THE QUESTION IS WHY DOES IT TAKES SO LONG FOR HIM TO RESPOND TO PRAYERS? I DECIDE THIS MONTH OCTOBER TO START WHAT I HAVE NEVER DONE BEFORE IN ALL MY FIFTY SOMETHING YRS OF AGE; FAST THE WHOLE MONTH AND SEEK HIS MANDATE FOR MY LIFE AND ALSO ANSWER A SPECIFIC REQUEST CONCERING MY SON; NOTHING SO FAR, NO DREAMS NO VISIONS BUT I WILL NOT ABANDONE WHAT I HAVE STARTED; MY QUESTIONS IS WHO KNOWS THE MIND OF GOD,MAYBE ITS TIME THAT CHRISTIANS START TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS FACT AND ADVICE PEOPLE LIKE ME TO JUST TRUST HIM DESPITE ALL AND IF HE ANSWERS THEIR PRAYER PRAISE HIM AND IF NOT STILL PRAISE HIM; HE DECIDES WHAT HE DOES AND NO ONE CAN PREDICT HIM NOR UNDERSTAND HIM SAYS ST AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO; AS FOR ME AND MY HOUSE HOLD I WILL ALWAYS WAIT PATIENTLY ON HIM.
Submitted at 1:05 PM on Oct 29, 2010 by vicky
Fasting Suggestions
A fast can help one spiritually. At the same time, a long-term fast can have health consequences, so be sure to undertake such activity with care and proper medical advice.
Some ideas can be found in the article "Your Personal Guide to Fasting and Prayer" at Campus Crusade for Christ's main website here: http://www.ccci.org/training-and-growth/devotional-life/personal-guide-t...
We also have articles on fasting at these links:
- http://worldwidechallenge.org/content/importance-fasting and
- http://worldwidechallenge.org/content/uncovering-fasting.
Submitted at 4:28 PM on Oct 29, 2010 by web admin
When God is slient
Wow the indepth fellowship with God you are having with each other on your comments how God is speaking to you, and what your learning from him by what you are going through in your life. God is right there with you walking with you through all the issues in life powerful. I ask why is God slient response was you dont need anything right now, and he giving alittle more time for those to get saved or repent. Christians are sufferening because of these souls to be saved or repent. I was quite. Joy, peace, faith, and trust. Waiting is easy its the watching that most dont do when Jesus retruns. A place of imtamacy with God when he is quite with us that powerful just you in him. A place of rest. Just to be still in his presence. I think back at church, home, job, car, department store, or just the stillness in my yard looking up at the surrounding thanking him of the beauty he gives us new every moring. Trust is something you walk through each day. If a person betrays your trust once you forgive them so God can work in there life sets you free. Second time you let go of that person forgive leave them in Gods hand. A place with God when he is silent trusting him knowing God is in control he going to trust you with another revelation. Going throug something you should still have joy, peace, and not let your flesh take over or your mind its hard yet pass the test we can only be trusted with how much power of God gives us that we can handle for the next part of the journey. Persaverance is patient, and endure. Stay on the path finish the race till the end like Paul. Thank you for this place with you Lord. As for pray sometimes one prayer you receive your answer sometimes several prayers even intercessors on pray line praying with you God hears our prayer in sec its the warfare the battle for your answer like health issues God give doctors and nurse wisdom I pleed the blood of Jesus over ever area that is hold, and pleed the blood of Jesus over ever area that is not hold. In Jesus name I pray. Job Lord open the door you want me to go through you apply for jobs waiting. Then Holy Sprit shows you this is where I want you still you dont hear you pray Lord put it on there mind day and night till they call me. You need to have Lords direction sometimes he just opens the door when you up against a wall those who have walked with Lord a long time have the answers to help mentor us yet if they dont Lord will give you Wisdom, knowledge, understanding, direction, and guidance. You may only need Wisdom you pray that you may only need understanding you pray that for direction, and guidance. Proverds, Ps, and John are books of wisdom read all three yet you may reach 3rd chapter come into wisdom of God only he knows the timing. There are keys to life issues that why it says I am the way the truth the life. The keys are in the bible two books His utmost for his highest is 5 dollars, and streams in the desart daily devotional go to book stores set and read if you cant buy them at the time. Tell God what you need or your at the end show you what to do. One thing I know from walking this out we are anointied where ever we go to do what is needed in life. On Job, school, neighborhood ect when finished he sends us to next place. Seasons, reasons, and lifetime we are sent time is in his hands. When you have time of good times enjoy them till the next place he takes us. Let me leave you with this Truth is key to your answers keep asking him till you get your answer write a journal. Most people only have half answer to life issues going around same mountian, and all truth lead you to all answers to life issues so you can move on to next place in your life or have a better life. Jesus is your answer he will show you like I shared there are keys to all answers in the bible yet God is not short to just prayer or bible he can use a person, book, neighbor, job, church, TV, and just keep asking till you get the answer he took me to this sight for fellowship.
Submitted at 7:56 PM on Nov 2, 2010 by Shelia Rossell
I know God will answer me
I am going through a time of my life. Everything has dried up down to all my natural resources and God is silent. After all my tears I'm left with one hope, He may be silent but He can still hear my prays and He will answer me eventually. I'll wait.....
Submitted at 4:45 AM on Dec 11, 2010 by Trusting
Our Sameness
Silence...who likes it....?
The analogy that I can draw here is...to those who have taught a child to ride a bike, or were taught to ride...after the training wheels have been taken off and you head to the road or park for your first test.
You're on the bike...your dad presumably is holding on to the seat....and you're excited and confident that you can make it down the road and back on your own, without daddy holding...
So, it's time. Foot on the pedals, dad holds to the bottom of the seat from behind and begins walking as you peddal, cheering you on. Excitement gets the better of you and you begin to pedal faster and dads pick up on a slow trot....he see that you're confident and doing well, so he let's go of the seat and trots behind you, keeping the words of encouragement. Then comes the silence....you're out on your own...
Some will continue pedaling
Some will stop immediately
Some will continue pedaling and keep looking back
some will contnue pedaling and start to cry
Silence is God's vote of confidence that you can continue along with the confidence that has been built up in you from your last close encounter. Note he has not left you...he's right there looking...it's ok be a little afraid...but also know that his purpose is far greater than the fear....you will soon graduate to another level of closeness and that will prepare you for yet another level of silence.....even bruising has purpose...remember we live in a sinful world and pain is inevitable but God will and can use it for our benefit.
Submitted at 10:29 AM on Dec 22, 2010 by hayden
Re Act of God
HI I posted a thread here in October regarding my determined effort to wait on the lord through fasting for the whoke month ,purpose was to ask for a soecific guidance on my relationship and for the way forward. H e is great and mighty indeed! First the man left and I was shown the way forward with heavens re assurance that HE IS THERE! what a marvellous God we serve, I was distraught when he left but also glad because everything is now becoming clearer with each passing day. Sisters and brothers continue to patiently wait on him, even though you dont understand his ways he wil make it clear to you very soon.
pray for me as well.
Submitted at 12:25 PM on Dec 23, 2010 by vicky
I love this analogy.. right
I love this analogy.. right now God is silent, but just prior to his silence I was at best spiritual high i've ever had.. I guess he let go when he saw that I was confident enough but is still here cheering me on... He is still there.. and i still believe that he will deliver me. He is able and faithful and Good.. Thanks for sharing!
Submitted at 2:04 PM on May 4, 2011 by Sunshine
God is silent
I'm going through hardship right now. I cry day and night and yet there still is no answer. I don't understand. It hurts so bad. I'm trying so hard not to doubt and have faith that God will turn things around. My hardship is unemployment. I have not worked for eight years due to fear and mental illness. I am so afraid that I will end up destitute. I talk to God and I try and read His Word daily. I feel abandoned. I keep asking myself, " Why won't he answer my prayers?" It's so hard watching life pass me by and others prospering. I almost can not bear it. Whoever reads this will you pray for me as I pray for myself. Thank you so much.
Submitted at 1:23 PM on Jan 14, 2011 by Anonymous
Keep on praying
One thing that I do know, is that GOD is still in the throne and His eyes is searching round and about this earth. I truly dont understand the whole "silence" thing and it is profoundly depressing, but He is the same GOD that Abraham, Isacc, Jacob, Moses, and Jesus worship with and that is the same GOD that we serve and HE doent change so with that being said, pour out your heart to HIM the good and the bad because His word says he searches the heart so whatever your feeling in your heart tell him, I know He knows and I know He knows best. May the peace and understanding of the Lord be forever with you. God bless you and hold on!
Submitted at 5:13 AM on Jan 25, 2011 by Anonymous
God's Silence
I too have a mental illness which involves auditory hallucinations. I have only recently started praying seriously and I am being met with God's silence. It is very hard to pray, I am finding it so because of these hallucinations. I ask God to speak to me in his "still small voice" and I will have to discern his "voice" from the hallucinations around me. I can only suggest that you "keep on keeping on" and not to be too concerned with how other people are "prospering" around you, although I know exactly how you feel as I find it difficult not to envy other people at church who seem to be enjoying their own experience of God. I hope that you are receiving some sort of government payment, i.e. a disabilty pension as I am. It is hard to live on a pension but it can be done if you use your money wisely. You can even save a little money on a pension if you are careful and budget well. Please don't fell abandoned. God is still there. Can I also suggest that you join a mental health group, i.e. a group of people with mental health issues meet together to study a 12-step recovery program..Where I live, I attend such a group called GROW - a worldwide community mental health movement started in Australia in 1957. They are also in America, Canada, Ireland, Northern Ireland and New Zealand etc. They have a "Christian" focus, i.e. a belief in God, although non-believers are welcome also - it is open to all. You can meet new friends there and they can pray for you also, as I will be doing. If you can't find a GROW group, look around. There are bound to be similar groups. Don't lose heart, never give up. Jesus will help you.
Submitted at 12:29 AM on Jan 14, 2012 by Anonymous
Silent answer
I just want to share something to you guys:
There was a atime when I had an Existensial crisis and I feel that God is not part of my life (although I wanted Him to be there). At the beginning, I looked up on How to talk to Angels and I did what those articles said and I am not really sure of the outcome so I asked myself:
"Why Angels when I can just talk to God himself?" So I did.
I started at February 14, 2011 and after I confessed my sins to God, I wanted to talk to Him and jot down in a small notebook of the things He wanted me to do for Him.
Feb 14 and this is what God I think told me when I was silent: "Trust me" He said.
And so I did, but I doubted if it really came from God but I did anyway. Then little did I know that I was to be tested immediately. When I looked up other articles about God and how He reveals himself, I started to feel that this was impossible for me, so I gave up on Him. Not until I remembered these two words of "Trust me" and I must say that it did came from God.
Feb 15. 2011. This is what God told me: "Come/Go to me"
Of course I doubted again and started to think if it really came from God but I did anyway. So I went to church and silently prayed why I need to be there.
The other things He told me also in this day were "Do good, share to others, save me..." Wait did He just said "Save me"? Of course I was confused by this and up until now I don't know if the last statement came from God or from my imagination. Shouldn't it be the other way arround and God was the one who is suppossed to save me? Maybe He wanted me to save the life of others? Either way, it's still a mystery to me even now.
Feb 16, 2011. This is what God told me: "Go to Chuck Norris"
And I was like "Whaaat? Who is Chuck Norris?" I did what I was told and started asking my classmates who Chuck Norris is. Some say that they don't know him, until I met the right people. They told me that Chuck Norris was God... And in my head I was like "Pft! That's funny!" but I felt weird because I feel like that God wanted me to learn more about this person. So I googled him and found out that Chuck Norris is a mixed martial artist and an actor. Guess what? He's very religous too. And by the end of the day, I thanked God for allowing showing me things through Chuck Norris. To make the long story short and reflect it on yourself go too this site: "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chuck_Norris_facts" and look for "Norris' response"
Feb 17. 2011. This is what God told me: "Go to Angel"
My response was like "Believe me God, I tried" then again, I did it anyway. So I reflected that God wanted me to connect with my Guardian Angel. I went to my school's library and borrowed The Encyclopedia of Angels and all I learned was that there are angels that were good and bad.
Feb 18, 2011. This is what God told me: "Comprehend your brother"
My brother and I were sometimes in bad terms. So I thought that maybe God wanted to do something about my relationship with my little brother. I tried talking to him and tried to understand whatever things he says (without trying to lose my control). And all we talked about was about DOTA. By the end of the day, I started to doubt if the task given to me came from God or from my imagination...
Feb 19, 2011. This is what God told me: "I want you to change things for the better good" followed by "Change things for the good of all".
After yesterdays event (the misery of failing God's task, or was it really from God?), I was so confused on what THINGS God wanted me to change. Notice that God's command to me was so broad? But the only thing that came from my mind (out of the blue actually) was to change my friend from gay to guy. I wanted to but I didn't want hurt my friendship with my friend and fear of losing one of my bestfriend and I started to question if I am making things up or did it all came from God. In the end I failed again because i wasn't able to contact my friend and the only connection we have right now is Facebook...
And so here it is, Feb 20. 2011. This is what God told me: "....."
I prayed again and remembered a verse in the bible to be still and silent and this is what I got from God "....."
So I started to really question if the previous days really came from God or not. I prayed again, this time I talked to God on how I would talk to a friend and I asked Him what I should do for Him today and after my prayer I fell silent and once again this is what God told me: "...."
As of now I don't know what I did why God wouldn't talk to me, I mean I went to church and prayed to God and confessed my sins to Him but why all of a sudden did God chose to be silent to me?
Sorry if it was a long comment and I actually wanted to share this experience and the reason I told you guys all of this was because- I guess we all have different experience of "silent" time from God. Up until now I still don't know why God chose to be silent even though I had been doing things He wanted me to do (or so I thought...). Then I remembered what God told me the first time I wanted to talk to Him: "Trust me" and I still did.
Submitted at 5:20 AM on Feb 20, 2011 by Jan
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