Next week, I will be finishing the Book of James series. James has been honest, practical, challenging and occasionally a little too interested in stepping on our toes. It has been a meaningful book to write through and I hope it has encouraged you as much as it has challenged me.
I am currently working on what comes next.
Since you are members of Chris Knight Writes, I wanted to bring this idea to you first.
I am exploring a new series called Questions of Faith.
Instead of walking through a book of the Bible, each post would begin with an honest question people are already asking and answered in the same tone as my daily devotional posts. I would cover questions like:
- Why does God allow suffering?
- How can I know God’s will?
- Why do my prayers sometimes feel unanswered?
- What should I do when God feels silent?
- Can I lose my salvation?
- Why is church important if I can worship God anywhere?
- How do I trust God when life does not make sense?
- What does God think about my past?
- How can I know God’s will for my life?
- Does God really forgive every sin?
My goal would not be to offer shallow answers to complicated questions. Some questions require humility, patience and a willingness to admit that we do not understand everything. I would like to offer biblical, practical and relatable encouragement that helps people take one step forward in their faith.
That is where I would love your help. What questions would you like to see covered?
Maybe you have wrestled with a question for years. Maybe a friend, child, coworker or family member has asked you something that was difficult to answer. Maybe there is a topic you wish churches talked about more honestly. Please share your ideas in the comments. I will read every one of them and your question may become part of the series.
I would also love your honest feedback on the idea itself. Does a series like this sound helpful? Would you read it? Are there questions or topics you think it should address?
I would also be grateful if you shared a post when it reminds you of someone who might find it encouraging. Many people do not begin by searching for a specific Bible passage. They begin with honest questions about doubt, suffering, forgiveness, anxiety, prayer or failure.
Thank you for being part of Chris Knight Writes. Your encouragement, feedback and support mean more than you know. Before this idea goes anywhere else, I wanted you to hear about it first.
Here is a sample of what I am thinking.
(Questions of Faith)
What Should I Do When God Feels Silent?
There are seasons when following God feels like carrying on a one-sided conversation. You pray, but nothing seems to happen. You read your Bible, but nothing stands out. You ask God for wisdom, direction or even a small reminder that He is still paying attention, yet all you seem to hear is silence.
If you’ve ever wondered, “God, are You there?” you’re in good company. David asked that question. Job asked that question. Even Jesus asked from the cross, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” (Matthew 27:46, NLT).
One of the biggest misconceptions about faith is that mature Christians always feel close to God. They don’t. Sometimes mature Christians simply keep walking forward when they don’t. I wish I could tell you there is a secret prayer that makes the felt silence disappear. There isn’t. If there were, someone would have turned it into a bestselling book with a catchy subtitle and sold it on Amazon for $24.99.
Instead, Scripture points us toward something better than instant answers: faithfulness.
Feelings are wonderful companions, but terrible leaders. Some mornings I wake up excited to spend time with God. Other mornings I’m mostly excited that the espresso machine still works. Neither feeling changes who God is. God’s presence is not measured by your emotions. It is anchored in His promises.
Psalm 23:4 says, “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.” Notice he didn’t say, “I always feel You beside me.” He trusted that God was there because God said He was there.
When God feels silent, keep praying. Keep reading His Word. Keep gathering with His people. Keep obeying the last thing He made clear. Silence is not the same as absence.
Looking back over my life, there were seasons when I wondered where God was. Looking back now, I realize He had been quietly sustaining me the entire time. I just couldn’t see it while I was walking through it.
If God feels silent today, don’t assume He has stepped away. Sometimes the Teacher is quiet during the test. He is still present. He is still working and He has not forgotten your name.
One Step Forward
If God feels silent today, don’t stop talking to Him. Spend five quiet minutes in prayer, even if it feels one-sided. Then read one chapter from the Psalms. Instead of looking for a dramatic sign, simply ask, “God, what do You want me to remember about You today?” Trust that His faithfulness is not determined by your feelings.