King David, a man after God’s own heart, once lamented, “Lord, do not be silent. Do not be far from me” (Psalm 35:22).
What do you do when God is silent? I suggest seven things.
- Read Scripture.
- Seek wise counsel.
- Keep praying.
- Listen to worship music.
- Be still.
- Walk in nature.
- Dream new dreams.
Sometimes, God goes silent. But that doesn’t mean he’s not still speaking. He speaks every day, through every sunrise and sunset. He speaks through a child’s laughter, Sunday’s sermon, and a warm hug. Never mistake silence for absence. Keep moving forward with your recovery and your spiritual disciplines, whether you hear God’s voice or not.
Recovery Step: When God goes silent, keep listening.
Author: Mark Denison
Mark and Beth Denison, married for 36 years, launched There’s Still Hope as a national movement to call men and women into lives of sexual integrity. Their ministry offers 90-day recovery plans for addicts and one-on-one and group coaching for addicts and their spouses. TSH also produces resources for pastors and churches to confront the porn epidemic that is destroying so many lives.
Dr. Denison was a senior pastor for over 30 years, NBA chaplain, and board chairman at Houston Baptist University three times. With a Master’s Degree in Addiction Recovery, Mark is a certified PSAP and active member of the American Association of Christian Counselors.
Mark has written four books on recovery: Porn in the Pew, 365 Days to Sexual Integrity, A 90-Day Recovery Guide, and 40 Days to Porn-Free Living. His latest book, Jesus on the 12 Steps, will be released later this year.
