Waiting in Silence

Finding Hope in the Desert

For God alone my soul waits in silence, 

for my hope is from him.

 He alone is my rock and my salvation, 

my fortress; I shall not be shaken.  

Psalm 62:5–6

Psalm 62:5–6 reminds us that our hope comes from God alone. Yet, learning to truly rest in Him—especially in seasons of waiting and silence—can be challenging. The desert, both literal and spiritual, is a place where distractions are stripped away, leaving us face to face with our own dependence on God. Throughout Scripture, we see how the wilderness shapes and refines God’s people. The Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years, learning to trust in God’s provision. Elijah, exhausted and despairing, heard God’s voice not in the wind or fire, but in a still, small whisper. Jesus Himself entered the wilderness to fast and pray before beginning His ministry.

Lent invites us into a similar experience—a season of intentional waiting, reflection, and renewal. Richard Foster reminds us that what we need most are “deep people,” those who are rooted in God, rather than driven by the shifting priorities of the world. Spiritual disciplines such as fasting, prayer, and silence are not about proving ourselves to God, but about opening ourselves to His transforming work. Some practices feel like swimming upstream—resisting self-indulgence and turning away from distractions—while others flow downstream—resting in God’s presence and receiving His love.

But how do we carry the lessons of the desert into our daily lives? We may not be called to live in literal solitude, but we are called to be anchored in God while engaging the world. Rick Warren reminds us, “God is more interested in your character than your comfort.” Often, He uses the wilderness to refine and shape us.

If you find yourself in a season of waiting or silence, take heart. As Nicky Gumbel puts it, “God will often take you through a desert before He brings you into a place of promise.” May we learn to wait in silence, trusting that in His time, He will lead us forward.

Prayer 

Lord Jesus,

Shape my heart through seasons of waiting,

That I may emerge with deeper faith and steadfast love.

Let my life be anchored in You,

So that whether in the quiet or in the storm,

I will not be shaken.

Amen