Devotionals for the Heart: Silence

When God Seems Silent
A devotional by Jessica Collazo

“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” 

–Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)

There are times in our lives where we ask the Lord “Where are you?” “Why can’t I feel you?” “What do I do next, Lord?” I have uttered those words many times. However, as the years have passed, I have come to realize that things are not always what they seem.

I can say with all certainty that everyone in this world can agree on one thing: Life is hard!

No one is exempt from facing hardships. If anything, 2020 was proof that the entire world struggles and experiences hard times. And in the midst of those hard times, we look to see if the Lord is nearby. Is He really who He says He is? Will He really never leave me or forsake me? Especially when He seems silent.

I am currently studying the book of Esther and I have to say that as I read through the pages of this book, I can place myself in Esther’s shoes and must admit that I would absolutely be asking those questions.

Let’s stop and think about her life for a minute. Esther lost both her parents at a young age. She had to get accustomed to living with her uncle. She was living in a pagan land. She was forced into the beauty pageants of all beauty pageants. She had to hide her true identity for her personal safety. She spent an entire year getting ready to meet with the king. She lost her virginity in this beauty contest. She became a queen to foreign nation. She had to share her husband with all the runner ups of the pageant plus all of his other concubines he already had. It was mandatory that she must be summoned to see her husband or else, she could be sentenced to death. Her uncle (Mordecai) informed her of the eminent annihilation of the Jews and told her she must do something about this. She risked her life trying to save her people, and as a result had to reveal her true identity to the king (which could have resulted in her death). Whew...that is a lot to happen to one person! Also, if you have never read the entire book of Esther in the Bible, you’re welcome for this cliff notes version … just kidding, go read it. It’s fascinating!

Can you imagine all of the thoughts and emotions racing through Esther’s mind and heart? The uneasiness of it all, she must have wondered what the Lord was up to. If He was going to show up. We have the privilege of knowing how the story went for Esther. We know that God’s hand was all over the events happening at that time.

However, when it’s our own story, and we don’t know the ending, we struggle. We have this need to feel God. To know that He is helping us, and that He hasn’t left us. We have to remind ourselves that although it seems like the Lord is silent, He is actually making moves on our behalf, positioning us and others to take action when appropriate. He brings deliverance from where we least expect it. Healing to our mind, body and soul in ways that we could have not imagined.

We have to remember Deuteronomy 31:8. God goes before us and He does not leave or forsake us.

Friend, if you are going through a hard time right now, and feel like the Lord is being silent. I urge you to memorize today’s scripture reference. Repeat it to yourself over and over to remind yourself of God’s promise. Then, go read the book of Esther. See how the Lord was working the entire time, then ask Him to reveal to you the ways that He is working on your behalf.

Let’s Pray: Lord, today I pray for my friend who is struggling. I ask that you would reveal yourself and remind them that you are ever-present. May they realize that they are not alone! You are going before them. Father, bring peace to their heart and mind. Open their eyes to see your goodness and love surrounding them. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

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Author Bio:

Jessica Collazo is a Chicago native with a heart that beats for Jesus. Her passion is to challenge women to think differently, gain a new perspective and live confidently. Because she knows, it’s possible. 

Using God’s Word, a little bit of humor, strategic way of thinking and personal stories, Jessica offers a fresh take on where to go when women feel stuck, overlooked or overwhelmed.

Jessica’s greatest passion is to help women take off the identities they have been given by the world and realize who they are in Christ: known, dearly loved, set apart, and chosen.

Jessica is the senior manager of operations at Proverbs 31 Ministries who lives in Charlotte, North Carolina with her husband, Jerry, two sons and dog, Sawyer. Prior to working at Proverbs 31 Ministries, Jessica has over 10 years of experience working in women’s ministry, marriage ministry and outreach.

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Connect with Jessica:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_jessicacollazo/
Website: https://jessicacollazo.com