How to Hear God’s Voice When You are Stuck in Suffering?
Molly sat in her car, staring at the steering wheel, tears streaming down her face. "God, where are You?" she whispered. Her finances were a mess, her relationships strained, and her once-vibrant faith seemed distant. She had tried everything—praying, reading devotionals, even volunteering more at church. But no matter what she did, she felt stuck, like her life was on pause and God wasn’t answering.
Maybe you’ve been there too. Maybe, like Molly, you’ve found yourself crying out to God, longing for direction, reassurance, or just a sense of His presence. Feeling stuck can be one of the hardest seasons to endure. It makes us question our worth, our purpose, and sometimes even God’s goodness.
The good news? God isn’t silent. He’s closer than we realize, even in the moments when we feel most lost. Sometimes, we just need to pause and learn to hear His voice in a new way.
Why We Struggle to Hear God’s Voice When We Feel Stuck
When we’re stuck, it’s easy to become consumed by our thoughts. Fear, shame, and self-doubt create a kind of mental clutter, drowning out God’s whispers. Add to that the noise of a busy world, and it’s no wonder we feel disconnected.
Mark Virkler, a Christian author and speaker, teaches that hearing God’s voice is about more than just asking for answers. It’s about engaging in a relationship with Him—inviting His Spirit into the very spaces where we feel stuck.
The good news… God’s voice isn’t reserved for the spiritually elite. It’s accessible to everyone willing to listen. Listening with an open heart and a mind free from the world’s distractions will open space for you to hear his redeeming message.
Four Keys to Hearing God’s Voice
Mark Virkler outlines a simple, four-step process to tune into God’s voice:
Quiet Yourself: In seasons of busyness and overwhelm, quieting our hearts can feel unnatural. But God often speaks in stillness, not chaos. Take time to pause, breathe, and create space for His presence. Applying breath work and a meditation practice is useful in this grounding practice.
“Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).Fix Your Eyes on Jesus: Visualize Christ with you. Imagine Him sitting beside you, walking with you, or holding you close. This practice can shift your focus from your circumstances to the One who holds your future.
Tune in to Spontaneous Thoughts: God often speaks through thoughts, impressions, or images that gently arise in our minds. These moments may feel natural, but they carry His peace and wisdom. Ask, “Lord, what would You have me know today?”
Write It Down: Journaling your conversations with God can clarify His voice and reveal patterns of His faithfulness. Don’t overanalyze—simply write what you sense Him saying.
What to Do When You Feel Stuck In Your Suffering
When you’re stuck, ask yourself:
What part of me feels afraid, unheard, or unworthy?
What might God want to say to this part?
Using tools in therapy like Internal Family Systems (IFS) can help you hold these parts of yourself with compassion, inviting God into the process. He wants to bring healing not only to your situation but also to your heart.
Trusting God in the Silence
Even when God feels distant, He is working behind the scenes. Trust that His timing is perfect, and remember that He often uses seasons of waiting to grow our faith.
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it’” (Isaiah 30:21).
Take the First Step to Hearing God’s Divine Voice
If you feel stuck and unsure how to move forward, consider seeking support. As a licensed professional counselor and trained biblical counselor, I have worked with many clients like you. Together, we can explore what’s holding you back, reconnect you with God’s voice, and help you step into His purpose for your life.
You don’t have to navigate this alone—He is with you, and so am I.
Be well, Whitney
