Even if I Can’t Hear You - The Crosswalk Devotional - October 25
Even if I Can’t Hear You
By Lauren Fletcher
Bible Reading:
“Never stop praying.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:17
A few years ago, I was on a family trip. I was going through a hard time personally, including difficulty at work and post-traumatic stress disorder. My mental and spiritual health were going through a challenging season. It was also having an impact on my relationships.
I didn’t know that the trauma of my past could come back to affect me in the present. I had wounds from childhood and young adulthood, ways I had handled difficult circumstances that were not the healthiest, though I did the best I could at the time.
I remember one day that was particularly hard. I was struggling with an obsessive fear, and I just got to the end of myself. I remember staring out the car window, the breeze blowing, and watching the trees pass by. I heard God so clearly — I wanted to help you then. Tears falling, He touched my heart. I asked, God, will you help me now?
As the trip continued and I faced battles with my mental health, I tried to turn to God. I knew He wanted to help me, and he was helping me.
Months later, I lost my job. I was at home and struggling with PTSD again. I had days where I was confused and anxious. I struggled to remember the person I was. I’d pray, 'Lord, will You find me?' In these moments, I would cry out to God. It was hard to hear him, but what I began to notice was that He would answer my prayers. So, I kept crying out to Him. I kept praying.
He helped me have moments of clarity, little moments where I would realize: that’s who I am; that’s my heart. I spent many days listening to the radio and waiting for just one word that would speak to me, and it would come through testimony, the verse of the day, or even the DJ’s heartfelt words. I would find scriptures from Isaiah or the Psalms that would give me hope. I would paint these every day. God was faithful in this season. He gave me hope for the future.
What I began to adopt was the understanding that even if I can’t hear God, He still hears me, so I will continue to pray. He continues to answer our prayers. In Matthew, Jesus teaches us how to pray and even says, “…your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask Him!” (Matthew 6:8). This gives me faith that even if it’s hard to get the words out, the Lord knows what I need.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
That season didn’t last forever, but what I learned has stuck with me. I try to continue to pray, knowing that God hears everything I’m saying. Something I’ve also learned is that He hears me the first time I pray. The previous verse in Matthew says, “When you pray, don’t babble on and on as the Gentiles do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again” (Matthew 6:7).
I have been known to repeat my prayers over and over, thinking God is not answering them. Out of impatience or perhaps desperation, I will do this, but when all I can do is barely get out a few words, I can see that He does answer.
Have you ever had moments where you couldn’t pray, where you had to rely on the Lord to help you in this? Whether a few words or a thought, is there a time when you can remember He answered those prayers?
There are moments when our circumstances or even our thoughts will be so loud that we cannot hear God. He is still there. He is still fighting for us and helping us. I’m reminded of the scripture that says Jesus is praying for us (John 17, Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25). The Bible also says the Holy Spirit is praying for us (Romans 8). When we can’t even pray for ourselves, we can take heart. We are not alone.
I encourage you, if you are in hard times or cannot hear God, keep praying. He hears and answers our prayers.
Further Reading:
Matthew 6:5-18
Romans 12:12
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Luke 18
Join the conversation! Share how today’s devotional encouraged or challenged you in your walk with Christ.
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Prostock-Studio
Lauren Fletcher is a freelance writer and artist who currently resides in the Richmond, Virginia area. She sings and loves to do mission work and scripture art. She is passionate about being vulnerable, the power of the Gospel, and the Word of God. Lauren likes to write about what God is teaching her through her own life and share this with others. You can typically find her at her church’s café, drinking coffee and fellowshipping with friends.
Check out fantastic resources on Faith, Family, and Fun at Crosswalk.com!
Related Resource: 9 Confusing Things about God– Answered By a Christian Philosopher
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