Sometimes it can seem as though God is absent, even when praying and seeking Him out. Sometimes He even seems silent! If this happens to you, don’t despair — He may just need time and space.
Trusting God requires choosing to believe His truth regardless of your feelings or circumstances, such as Job, David and Habakkuk did in dark times. Let’s see how they did this.
Table of Contents
1. You’re asking for something that isn’t in God’s will
As frustrating as it can be, praying for something outside God’s will can be extremely disconcerting. At times it may feel as if He’s not paying attention; but more often it could simply be that you’ve become too committed to one answer rather than hearing what He wants you to hear – making hearing from Him harder than before.
The Bible states that asking for something that goes against God’s will won’t result in anything good; doing so would constitute sinful behavior that indicates your lack of devotion towards him, or an attempt at doing your own will instead of his.
Many people misapply 1 Corinthians 10:13 when teaching that God won’t give more than we can handle. But this interpretation misreads its original intent – God will not allow you to be tempted beyond your ability, but He will provide an escape route during times of temptation. This doesn’t mean He won’t cause pain for us either; just that He won’t help us cope during it all.
There are many things we cannot predict with certainty when it comes to God in this life, such as what His plans for our future hold or what will transpire with those close to us. Still, it’s best to seek his will as much as possible.
One effective method for doing this is praying for wisdom; Scripture promises that if we pray for wisdom, He will provide it (James 1:5). Another great way of seeking God’s will is reading His word and seeing how He has behaved throughout time.
Be honest when praying. Make sure to tell God about everything on your mind and how you’re feeling, which will allow Him to speak directly into your situation. Being open allows God the space he needs to work on you.
2. You’re asking for something that isn’t in your best interest
Some may struggle with the belief that God won’t give more than they can handle, as this could imply suffering is caused by lack of faith or sinfulness on their part. However, according to James 4:3 this isn’t what the Bible teaches: instead if your motive for praying is selfishness or hidden sinful desires God won’t answer (James 4:3). Consider Jesus who reached out and sacrificed Himself for all people regardless if they accepted or not accepted Him – why shouldn’t He reach out and help you too? He wants you!
3. You’re asking for something that isn’t in God’s plan for your life
Even when asking God for help with something specific, His plan may not necessarily align with your wishes. For example, trying to convince Him that healing an old wound should be on His agenda may not be what He intends. Instead, focus on building your relationship with Him and showing your love towards others – this will allow you to trust Him more with your issues.
God wants the best for you in life: fellowship with Him and eternal life in heaven. He’s been working toward this goal from before you were even conceived – He knew of all your problems even before they manifested in your body, and He already has an answer prepared.
Be mindful that God is sovereign over your entire life and sin can have serious repercussions. To discern whether what you’re asking God for is good or harmful for yourself or those around you, pay attention to how what you request affects them – if it doesn’t benefit both parties involved then don’t ask Him for assistance with it!
Some Christians mistakenly interpret 1 Corinthians 10:13 as teaching that God won’t give more than they can handle; however, temptation actually means trial or suffering and can bring greater burdens than expected – not only strengthening faith but also showing God’s glory through them.
Many of us have experienced the disappointment that comes from praying to God but receiving no answers in return. Job lamented his inaction as David and Habakkuk grappled with similar questions: “How long shall I cry out, and you will not hear?” (Job 13:3) Don’t mistake God’s silence as evidence that you’re not trying hard enough, reading enough Bible passages or praying enough fervently enough – He works supernaturally through ordinary believers with their own baggage – He can accomplish amazing things with just a seed of hope from us all!
