Have there been days when God seemed silent? I am not referring to those moments when we turn away from God through sin and rebellion, and His presence feels distant as a result. Rather, I am speaking of those seasons when we have been diligent in our walk with God—faithful in prayer, consistent in His Word, and devoted to serving His people—yet still, God appears silent.

Have you ever found yourself in a place where you had not lost hope in the Lord, but where your heart longed for His help to come more swiftly in your distress? You trust in Him, but the silence weighs heavily. You know He is good, but the waiting is painful.

David found himself in such a moment of deep spiritual tension. We are not told exactly what troubled him, but his heart was heavy enough to cry out to the Lord as one who felt like he was already descending into the grave—like those who go down to the pit (v.1). He pleaded earnestly, saying: “Hear the voice of my pleas for mercy…” (v.2)

This cry was not superficial. It was a plea born out of two deep and conflicting emotions: reverent fear of being forsaken by God, and confident trust in God's covenant faithfulness.

First, David knew that the greatest tragedy that can ever befall a person is to be ignored by God. The 17th-century commentator Matthew Henry once said,

“Nothing can be so cutting, so killing, to a gracious soul, as the want of God's favour and the sense of his displeasure. I shall be like those that go down to hell; for what is the misery of the damned but this, that God is ever silent to them and deaf to their cry?”

David feared divine silence—not because he doubted God's existence, but because he cherished God's presence. He longed to be right with God, to remain in close communion with Him.

Yet even in his anguish, David did not forget who God is. He called the Lord his rock (v.1)—his unshakable refuge. He believed that God would protect him and that, in time, the Lord would act. David trusted in God's justice. He knew that God is righteous and cannot ignore evil forever. And so, he prayed that God would bring justice, judging the wicked according to their deeds (v.3–5).

Then comes the beautiful turning point of the psalm: “Blessed be the Lord! For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy.” (v.6)

The silence did not last forever. God heard. God answered. And David’s sorrow turned into praise. His heart overflowed with gratitude as he declared: “The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped.” (v.7)

Not only did David receive help, but he also received strength. And as God strengthened David, David’s response was to sing—he rejoiced with a thankful heart. The psalm ends with a prayer for all God's people: “Oh, save your people and bless your heritage! Be their shepherd and carry them forever.” (v.9)

Dear brothers and sisters, if you are in a season where God seems silent, take heart. You are not alone. Cry out to Him as David did. Trust in His character, even when you cannot trace His hand. Silence is not absence. Delay is not denial. The God who seemed silent will, in His time, speak and act. And when He does, may your heart respond like David’s—with trust, joy, and praise.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, in the moments when You seem silent, help me to remember that You are still near. Strengthen my heart to trust in Your goodness and wait patiently for Your timing. Teach me to cry out to You in faith, knowing that You hear every plea for mercy. Be my strength and shield, and carry me through every season. I praise You for Your faithfulness, even when I do not see the answers right away. In Jesus’ name, Amen.