“If God is silent, what’s that to you? If he turns his face away, what can you do about it? But whether silent or hidden, he’s there, ruling.” Job 34:29-30 (MSG)

God speaks to us in many ways: through the Bible, through gifted teachers and trusted friends, through impressions, and even through our pain. But another way God speaks to us is sometimes the most difficult: God speaks to us by saying nothing at all.

This is extremely frustrating to us! But don’t run ahead of God and try to figure it out on your own. God has his reasons for being quiet. There are things you’re meant to learn about yourself, God, and others while you wait to hear from him. As you wait, it’s your chance to grow in spiritual maturity and learn more about God and his Word. 

When God is silent, you need to do two things.

First, you remember that God is in control. Job 34:29-30 says in The Message paraphrase, “If God is silent, what’s that to you? If he turns his face away, what can you do about it? But whether silent or hidden, he’s there, ruling.”

God is always on his throne, always in charge, always in control, always working out his perfect plan. He may not share his plan with you, but it doesn’t mean he doesn’t have a plan or he’s not working. God loves you, and he has a purpose for your life. He’s a good God! And he’ll take care of you if you’ll just wait on him.

Second, you trust him. The Bible says in Psalm 50:15, “I want you to trust me in your times of trouble, so I can rescue you and you can give me glory” (TLB).

Is God asking you today, “Will you trust me?” Will you trust him with that financial problem? Will you trust him with that dream? Will you trust him with that ache in your heart, that stress, that deep desire, that health issue?

Your circumstances may change, and you will certainly face trouble at some point. But God does not change. He is always in control, and you can trust him to work for your good—even when he is silent.