How to Trust God When You Can’t Hear Him

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It was 3 AM, and I sat on the edge of my bed, tears streaming down my face. I had prayed, begged, and pleaded with God for weeks, but the silence was deafening. I wondered if He was listening—or if He cared at all. I felt lost and alone, just like you might be feeling now.

You’re not alone if you’ve ever experienced a moment like this. Feeling like God is silent can be deeply discouraging, but it’s not the end of the story. Throughout Scripture and in our lives, silence is often an invitation to trust Him more deeply. Here’s how to hold onto hope and grow closer to Him during these quiet seasons. You can trust God when you are feeling like you can’t hear Him.

Revisit the Purpose of Prayer

When God seems silent, it’s easy to feel your prayers going nowhere. But prayer is more than asking for answers—it’s about drawing near to God. Imagine a child curling up in a parent’s lap, not because they need something, but because they want to feel safe. That’s what prayer can be: the opportunity to rest in His comforting presence, even when no immediate solutions exist.

One of my favorite verses, Proverbs 3:5-6, reminds us to “trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Trust grows in the quiet when we seek His presence rather than just His solutions. Try setting aside time to be still before Him—find a quiet place, read a favorite Psalm, play worship music, or meditate on Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God.”

Once you’ve reminded yourself why you pray, the next step is to approach God with the honesty of a child speaking to their parent.

Be Honest with God

God isn’t afraid of your emotions. He invites them. David’s psalms are filled with raw cries of confusion and despair. In Psalm 13:1, David pleads, “How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?” His vulnerability didn’t push God away; it brought him closer.

One night a few months after the loss of my daughter, Taylor, I remember being overwhelmed. I told God exactly how I felt—hurt, abandoned, even angry. In releasing my emotions, I found a peace that only He could give. God created your heart, and He can handle its cries. Write your feelings in a journal or pray aloud in a quiet space. Being honest doesn’t weaken your faith—it deepens it.

As you pour out your heart to God, take time to also reflect on what He’s done before. Silence doesn’t mean He has forgotten you.

Reflect on His Past Faithfulness

When you struggle to hear God’s voice, you easily forget what He’s done. But looking back on His past faithfulness can renew your hope.

I’ll never forget when my daughter, Tristina, lost a unique ring engraved with her sister Taylor’s name. We searched frantically through the crowded mall, every passing minute tightening the knot of worry in my chest. Tristina had helped a woman with her bags and she had a feeling that the ring had slipped off when she helped her. That ring felt like a lifeline to the memory of her sweet sister. I prayed that a miracle would bring the woman past us again. A couple hours passed by and the kind stranger passed the store and looked into her bag, and there it was—shimmering faintly in the bottom corner. God had heard even this desperate prayer.

Take a moment to think about how God has provided for you in the past. If you journal, go back and read through old entries. Write down answered prayers or moments when you felt His presence. These memories are powerful anchors, reminding you that He hasn’t forgotten you.

Surrender Your Timeline

One of the hardest lessons in faith is surrendering your timeline to God. We often want answers now in ways we can understand. But Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. His timing is perfect, even when it doesn’t meet our expectations.

Letting go of control can feel impossible, but it’s the only way to embrace His peace fully. When you surrender your timeline, you allow God to work in ways you can’t imagine. Release your expectations and pray a simple surrender: “Lord, I release my plans into Your hands. Help me trust You in the waiting.”

Keep Trusting and Praying

Silence doesn’t mean God is absent. Luke 18:1 encourages us always to pray and not lose heart, and Romans 8:28 assures us that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him.

Even simple 3-word prayers like “God, help me” or “God, hold me” can keep your heart connected to His. Remember, silence often precedes breakthrough. God may be preparing something more significant than you’ve imagined.

Trusting God in silence is like planting seeds in winter. Though the ground looks barren and the air is cold, beneath the surface, life is stirring. One day, you’ll see the harvest and know He was there all along.

A Gentle Reminder

If you’re in a season of waiting to hear God speak, remember this: God’s silence isn’t rejection; it’s preparation.

In my book Desperate Prayers: Embracing the Power of Prayer in Life’s Darkest Moments, I share stories of how God worked in my family’s darkest moments, including times of waiting and uncertainty. If you’re discouraged, this book can help you find comfort and strength to trust.

Waiting on God isn’t an end—it’s a chapter in your story where faith grows, trust deepens, and His plans unfold in ways beyond your understanding. Keep seeking Him, and one day, you’ll look back and see that He was with you all along.