top of page
Search

WHEN GOD IS SILENT

  • Writer: Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
    Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
  • 12 minutes ago
  • 4 min read

Today’s Reading:

Habakkuk 2:1–4 (KJV)

“I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what He will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved. And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. Behold, his soul which is lifted is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.” (Habakkuk 2:1–4 KJV)

ree

Silence is one of the most challenging seasons a believer can experience in their walk with God. When heaven seems quiet and prayers appear unanswered, it can test our patience, faith, and trust more than any storm. Watchman and watchtower are often used by prophets to show an attitude of expectation (Isaiah 21:8, 11; Jeremiah 6:17; Ezekiel 3:17). This is also the picture of Habakkuk’s attitude of patiently waiting and watching for God’s response. In the ancient Near East, stone watchtowers were built on city walls so that watchmen could see people - enemies or messengers- approaching their city while still at a distance. Watchtowers were also erected in vineyards to help guard the ripening grapes (Isiah 5:2). Hence, Habakkuk wanted to be in the best position to receive God’s message. Habakkuk settled down to wait for an answer from the Lord. In a solitary position away from the mundane pressures of life, he waited patiently for God’s revelation. He was confused and distressed when he looked around and saw wickedness, injustice, and suffering everywhere, yet God seemed silent. But in his doubt, he did not abandon his prophetic calling. Instead, his doubt drove him to seek an answer from the Lord. He questioned, “O Lord, how long shall I cry, and Thou wilt not hear?” (Hab. 1:2). But the Lord wanted Habakkuk, including us all who may be experiencing such a season, to understand that His silence is not absence, and His delay is not denial.


The period of silence of God is often His classroom for our spiritual growth. It is in such seasons that He teaches us endurance, humility, and absolute dependence on His timing. When we do not hear His voice, it may be because He is working quietly behind the scenes, arranging events in our favour and preparing us for what we have asked for. The Scripture reminds us in verse 3 that, “… the vision is yet for an appointed time.” There is an appointed time for every answer to prayer, every miracle, and every promise. God does not forget—He prepares us. When God is silent, our posture should be that of Habakkuk—waiting faithfully on the watchtower. Instead of walking away in frustration, we should stand firm in expectation. We must continue to pray, worship, and hold fast to His Word. The silence of God often refines our motives and tests whether we desire His will or merely our own wishes. Habakkuk chose to trust God even when he could not trace Him.


His conclusion in chapter 3 is one of the most powerful statements of faith in the Bible:

  • “Though the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines… yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.”   (Hab. 3:17–18).

  • Faith that survives God’s silence becomes stronger, deeper, and unshakable. God’s quiet seasons are not to destroy us, but to draw us closer to His heart. It is easy to praise God when everything is working well, but the greatest worship comes from a heart that still sings when God seems silent.


The promise remains sure— “The just shall live by his faith.” Even when the heavens are still, faith whispers, “He is working it out for my good.” Wait for the vision. It will speak. It will not lie.

OLUFUNMILAYO TITILOLA ADEKUSIBE



To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”

 If you said the prayer, Congratulations! You are welcome to the body of Christ. Prayerfully look for a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor or priest.



Prayer:

  1. Lord, You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble, and You shall surround me with songs of deliverance.

  2. Father, teach me to trust You even when You are silent. Help me to rest in Your faithfulness and to wait patiently for Your perfect timing.

  3. Lord, remind me that Your silence is not rejection but preparation for greater glory, in Jesus’ name.

  4. Strengthen my heart to stand on the watchtower, believing that Your promises never fail, in Jesus’ name.

  5. Holy Spirit, fill my waiting season with peace, hope, and understanding.

  6. Father, when my faith is weak, lift me by Your Word and cause my heart to rejoice in You again, in Jesus’ name.

  7. Lord, I surrender my timelines and expectations to You; let Your will be done in my life.

  8. Clothe me with patience, endurance, and unwavering faith. May I always say, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him,” in Jesus’ name.

  9. Thank You, Lord, for working silently but powerfully in my favour. I will wait, I will continue to trust, and I still praise You, in Jesus’ name. 

  10. Lord, You are working out Your purposes, and the earth shall be filled with the glory of God, as the water covers the earth. Father, let Your will be done on earth.

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page