Key scripture- “From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I” (Psalms 61:2).

When God doesn’t seem to be answering our prayers it can be hard. Sometimes, downright awful. One minute you are determined to trust God, and the next minute, you feel yourself slipping. The “why” questions tumble in so hard your heart hurts and your eyes start to tear up.

Ever been there? Ever been in a situation where the answers aren’t easy or clear cut?

Author, Lysa TerKeurst, says that when she has been in those situations she has discovered a few things that can help you when God seems silent …

* Press in to God when you want to pull away.

When you really want to hear from God but He seems silent, you sometimes find you want to disengage from your normal spiritual activities. Skip church. Put your Bible on the shelf. Blow off your quiet times with God. And let more and more time lapse between prayers.

But our key scripture, Psalm 61:2, reminds us that the best thing we can do when our hearts are growing faint is to call out to God, not pull away from Him: “From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”

The Bible also promises that we will find God if we seek Him with all our heart. Jeremiah 29:13 says, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (NIV). All my heart includes the parts of your heart that are broken, so bring it all to God. He can handle your honesty and He will respond. But you have to position yourself to go where truth is. Go to church. Listen to praise music. Read verses. Memorize verses. Spend time alone with God, and keep talking to God.

* Praise God out loud when you want to get lost in complaints.

In the midst of what you’re facing, find simple things for which to praise God. I don’t mean thank Him for the hard stuff. I mean thank Him for the other simple, good things that are still in your midst. A child’s laugh. A bush that blooms. The warmth of a blanket. The gift of this breath and then the next one. Have an attitude of gratitude.

Psalm 40:3 reminds you that God will give you a new song when you make praise the habit of your heart and mouth: “He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him” (NIV).

* Put yourself in the company of truth.

That friend who speaks truth? Listen to him/her. Stay connected to him/her. Let them speak truth into your life, even when you’re tired of hearing it. Stand in the shadow of their faith when you feel your own faith is weak. Let them lead you back to God time and time again. Proverbs 12:26a reminds us: “One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor …” (ESV).

It’s okay to feel hurt and confused. Our God is big enough to handle our honest feelings. But don’t let your feelings lead you away from God or away from His truth. Press into Him. Praise Him, and put yourself in the company of truth.

As you stay with God in these ways, you’ll become ready to receive His answer when it comes.

Pray this – Our Precious Heavenly Father, thank You for hearing every “why” my heart sends up to You. Forgive me when I retreat from You and Your Word. Thank You that You are always faithful even when I am faith less. Like David, I will preach to myself, “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.” (Psalm 42:11). I do love You, Lord, and I know that You hear my cry for mercy, because when the righteous cry out the Lord hears them and answers their prayers. I may have many troubles but You save me from them all. Not one of my bones will be broken. I will call on You as long as I live. No matter what is going on in my life, I will always run to You because You are my Refuge and my Strength, my God in Whom I trust. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.