When God Doesn’t Give You Answers

We all face moments when God feels silent and we are not sure what the future holds or what our next steps should be. So, what should we do when nothing seems to be happening and the Lord is quiet on an issue we’ve been brining to Him in prayer?

Here are a few tips that may help.

What to Do When God is Silent

1. Remember that problems are solved but mysteries are stewarded (1 Corinthians 4:1).

In 1st Corinthians 4 the Bible talks about us as stewards of mysteries of God. I believe that in this verse, we are encourage to take a step back and embrace the fact we don’t know everything. Instead, we are invited to trust the Lord when we are faced with circumstances we can’t seem to solve.

Remember, if you try to solve what God has called you to steward, you’ll live in a state of constant anxiety. I’ve come to realize that God doesn’t always give us explanations for situations that happen in our lives, but He does constantly give us invitations to know Him deeper.

When we look at the story when Job met God, we see that he didn’t get answers but He did get God’s presence (Job 38-42). Similarly, we see that Abraham was made to walk by faith (Hebrews 11:8). He went without knowing where he was going. During this season, choose to lay down the questions and walk by faith.

2. Be faithful in what you know.

Secondly, it’s important to remember that when you’re surrounded by uncertainty, do the last thing God clearly told you to do. I’ve learned this to be a really important key in moments of silence.

Do what you know you’re supposed to do: stop sinning, read His Word, go to church, honor your spouse, raise your children. I truly believe that faithfulness today opens clarity for tomorrow. I would encourage you to not obsess so much over what you don’t know, and instead, be consistent with what you do know.

3. Don’t jump to conclusions too prematurely (1 Corinthians 4:5).

Next, when God is silent, it can be tempting for us to act out of fear or desperation, but in this season, acting too early often bring more pain than the wait ever brought.

We see this when Abraham rushed and birthed Ishmael. We also see this when Saul panicked and lost his kingdom, and when Israel built a golden calf.

No matter what you’re going through, don’t allow the trauma, fear, or ambition to drive your decisions. Instead, wait until the Lord brings light and peace, then pause, reflect and seek His voice.

4. Choose to speak mysteries back to God by praying in tongues (1 Corinthians 14:2).

Lastly, when you don’t know what to do, I would encourage you to pray in the Spirit. This is important for us as believers because praying in tongues builds your inner man. Your natural instinct will always be to look at the facts of a situation, but your spirit discerns the things that require faith. Pray in tongues and allow the Lord to build your faith through this process.

When you lean into prayer and trust the Holy Spirit’s voice inside of you, you’ll begin to sense His peace and leading. Even when you don’t get direction, you’ll receive peace that will help you to continue.

Read: How to Hear God Clearly and Daily