When God Doesn't Make Sense
March 23, 2025


Silence is not the same as absence, and quiet is not the same as dead. —Pete Greig

Four reasons why God might seem silent:

1.) God can’t answer in the way we want because He respects the natural laws He created and the free will He gave us.

2.) God won’t answer because what we’re asking for might actually harm us.

3.) God hasn’t yet answered because His timing is different from ours.

4.) God does answer, but not in the way we expected.

Bottom Line: “God may be silent, but He is never absent.”

“The wilderness of waiting strips away our illusions of control. It exposes our weaknesses and our limits. But here’s the paradox: it’s in that very weakness that God’s strength is most fully revealed.”

What to Dig Deeper? Here are some additional resources for this series:

“The Benefit of Doubt” – Craig Groeschel
“God on Mute” – Pete Greig
“Set Adrift” – Sean McDowell

Digging Deeper…

While anyone can take time to answer these questions individually, these questions are best discussed in a group or with another person! Not in a group yet? Please reach out to us via email: Chris@hopemc.org

DISCUSS

Take a few minutes to discuss the sermon you heard on Psalm 10:1-18 by answering these questions:

  • If you had to explain the main point of the sermon to someone who was not there, what would you say?

  • Which points from the sermon connected with you the most? Why?

PRAY

Take a moment to pray out loud as a group. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead the discussion and teach you individually and collectively from the passages you are about to read.

READ

Read Psalm 10:1-18 aloud with your group.

ASK

Answer these questions as a group:

  • What stood out to you the most from today’s sermon? Was there a particular Scripture, story, or idea that resonated with you or challenged your perspective?
  • When have you felt like God was silent in your life? What emotions did you experience, and how did you respond?
  • David begins Psalm 10 with a raw, honest question: “Why, LORD, do you stand far off?” How comfortable are you with bringing your honest doubts and frustrations to God? What holds you back?
  • David moves from frustration to trust in Psalm 10. How can we help each other navigate that same journey when God feels distant?
  • Psalm 10 reminds us that silence is part of faith. How can we support people in our community who feel like God is silent right now?
  • Pete Greig writes, “Silence is not the same as absence, and quiet is not the same as dead.” How does this statement challenge or encourage your view of God’s silence?
  • Think about a time when God’s timing didn’t align with yours. Looking back, can you see how His timing was ultimately better? Why or why not?
  • Jesus’ disciples experienced ‘Silent Saturday’ between the crucifixion and resurrection. In what ways does their story mirror our own experiences of waiting on God?
  • Pastor Mark said, “Faith doesn’t start with certainty—it starts with curiosity.” How does this change the way you think about your faith journey, especially in seasons of silence?
  • Psalm 10:16 declares, “The LORD is King forever and ever.” How does remembering God’s sovereignty help us trust Him even when we don’t see Him working?

APPLY

Pastor Mark challenged us to “get real with God” in prayer. How can we practice more authentic, unfiltered prayers in our daily lives? What are some ways that you can incorporate this into your prayer life?

What to Dig Deeper? Here are some additional resources for this series:

“The Benefit of Doubt” – Craig Groeschel
“God on Mute” – Pete Greig
“Set Adrift” – Sean McDowell