We all go through seasons in our Christian walk. There are times when the answers to prayer and learning new things about God are an everyday experience. This is what the victorious Christian life must feel like, we say to ourselves.

Then there is the season of silence. You are waiting, praying, watching but all you hear is silence. Slowly, discouragement settles in.

I went through a season like that, more than once. During one of those seasons, I felt upset with God. I had faith and I believed, but all that greeted me was silence.

It was during this time I sat at the side of a quiet lake. It was mid-afternoon and I noticed a loon swimming not too far from shore. Suddenly it was no longer there. It had disappeared underwater to catch some lunch; I could no longer see it. The Lord spoke to me in that moment and asked, “Where is the loon?” I answered, “It went under for some food.” And the Lord said, “But it is still there though you can’t see it?” “Yes Lord”, I answered. And He spoke gently to me, “I am also with you though you cannot see it at this moment.”

In Matthrew 8:23-27 is the familiar story of Jesus in the boat with his disciples. They had just seen Jesus heal many people. It was life as it should be. One centurion even experienced a healing for his paralyzed servant from a distance; he simply trusted Jesus’ word of command. Nobody had ever seen the likes. Every day was new with Jesus; how could things get any better?

Now however, the disciples were at the oars in the middle of a storm and Jesus was fast asleep. He said they were going to the other side of the lake. They had assumed it would be a quiet row but in truth, it was anything but that. Now they were terrified and thought they would drown. Thoughts of panic fill their minds. “Why would Jesus be ignoring their plight?” they wonder. “Why is He so inattentive? How could He just sleep? Why does He do nothing to save them?” In their panic, they awaken Him.

“Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Matthew 8:26a

How we respond in the silence matters. Living the victorious Christian life is seen in its truest form during the silence. Jesus is with us. He has not stopped being all powerful nor has He stopped listening to you though it may feel otherwise. You are still loved by Him in times of silence. He calls us to put aside our fear and trust Him.

Dear Father,

I confess that I am easily given to fear in times of silence. Forgive me for doubting Your presence. Help me to trust You even in times of darkness. Thank you for Your unfailing love.

In Jesus Name

Amen