Encouragement for Today

May 7, 2026 When God Seems Silent LYSA TERKEURST Lee en español

“From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” Psalm 61:2 (NIV)

When God doesn’t seem to be answering our prayers, it can be hard. Sometimes downright awful.

One minute, I’m determined to trust God — the next, I feel myself slipping. The “why” questions tumble in so hard. My heart hurts. My eyes leak.

Maybe you’ve been there. Maybe you’re there right now.

I don’t want to oversimplify what to do in these times. I know from prayer requests I’ve received over the years that many of us are facing really tough issues and situations where the answers aren’t easy or clear cut.

But I have discovered a few things that help me when God seems silent:

1. Press into God when you want to pull away.

When I really want to hear from God but He doesn’t seem to be answering, I sometimes want to disengage from my normal spiritual activities. Skip church. Put my Bible away. Let more and more time lapse between prayers.

But today’s key verse, Psalm 61:2, reminds us the best thing we can do when our hearts are growing faint is call out to God, not pull away from Him: “From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”

The Bible also promises we will find God if we seek Him with all our hearts (Jeremiah 29:13) — even the broken parts. Bring it all to God. Keep talking to Him. He can handle your honesty and will respond.

2. Praise God out loud when you want to get lost in complaints.

In the midst of what you’re facing, find simple things for which to praise God. I don’t mean thank Him for the hard stuff — but thank Him for the simple, good things still in the midst. A child’s laugh. A blooming flower. A warm blanket. The gift of this breath and the next.

Psalm 40:3 reminds you and me that God will give us a new song when we make praise the habit of our hearts and mouths: “He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him” (NIV).

3. Put yourself in the company of Truth.

We can position ourselves to go where Truth is. Go to church. Listen to praise music. Read and memorize Bible verses.

And that friend who speaks God’s Truth? Listen to her. Stay connected to her. Let her speak Scripture into your life, even when you’re tired of hearing it. Stand in the shadow of her faith when your faith is weak. Let her lead you back to God time and time again. Proverbs 12:26 reminds us, “One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor” (ESV).

It’s OK to feel hurt and confused. Our God is big enough to handle our honest feelings. But don’t let your feelings lead you away from Him or His Truth. Press into Him. Praise Him. And put yourself in the company of Truth.

As you stay with God in these ways, you’ll be ready to receive His answer when it comes.

Dear Lord, I know You hear me, You see me, and You love me. Therefore, I can entrust every single concern I have to You. As I wait on Your perfect answers, I will press in, praise, and put myself in the presence of wisdom. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

When God feels silent and your heart grows faint, it’s easy to pull back. But that’s often when you need truth the most. Because of you, women aren’t left alone in those quiet, uncertain moments. They’re reminded to press in and anchor themselves in what’s true. As we work toward our $760,000 midyear goal, you’re invited to be part of what continues that work. A group of generous partners has already given $213,000, and they want to challenge you to be part of this work. Because your gift today unlocks truth for the next woman. Give now and help surround her with what will hold when everything else feels uncertain.

ENGAGE

Find everyday encouragement when you connect with Lysa TerKeurst here on Instagram.

FOR DEEPER STUDY

Psalm 116:1-2, “I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live” (NIV).

If God has felt silent to you lately, look back at Lysa’s list and choose one area you can specifically focus on this week.

How can you intentionally press into God instead of pulling away?
What simple things can you praise Him for?
Which Truth-speaking friend can you call?

We’d love to hear what your next step is in the comments.

© 2026 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.