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But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.
- Psalm 13:5
I don’t often ask God for a sign. But I was going through a difficult season. I had woken up to get ready for work and went to stand and lost control of my legs. I couldn’t feel them. One ambulance ride to the ER and week in the hospital determined the level above my rods had turned to liquid and was pinching the nerves in my back that controlled the use of my legs. I would have to face a 7th spinal surgery and fusion. I was devastated. Surgeons who had promised to fix issues that hadn’t left me wondering who I could trust. With help of family and friends, I located the head of spinal surgery in Texas. I asked God if I was on the right path to finding healing if he could send a bunny rabbit to my porch. I live in an apartment, and we don’t often get wildlife here. Within an hour, I received a huge surprise, a bunny hopped right up to my sliding door and sat on my welcome mat.
David understood what it felt like to cry out to God and wonder if anyone was listening. Psalm 13 begins with questions and sorrow: "How long, Lord?" Questions, I had asked God on numerous occasions. Why does my spine keep failing? How long will you allow this pain to continue? Will I ever be healed? Do you hear me?
Yet by the end of the psalm, David chooses trust. And so, did I. His circumstances had not necessarily changed, and neither had mine, but his perspective had, as had mine. He anchored his heart in God's faithfulness rather than his feelings. That can be very difficult when you are hurting in some way.
There may be times when heaven seems silent and prayers appear unanswered. In those moments, faithfulness means continuing to trust God even when we cannot see what He is doing. Silence is not abandonment. Delays are not denial. God is often working behind the scenes in ways we cannot yet understand. The same God who heard David's cries hears ours and remains faithful through every season. We can trust Him.
Prayer: God, when my prayers seem unanswered, help me trust Your heart. Give me faith to believe that You are working even when I cannot see it. Strengthen me to remain steadfast, knowing that Your love and faithfulness never fail. Amen.
With Love,
Sherry Shepherd
David didn't hide his questions from God—he brought them honestly before Him. Yet even in the waiting, his heart returned to trust. If you're carrying unanswered prayers today, take a few quiet moments to write them down. As you journal, remember that God welcomes both your questions and your faith. He is present in the waiting, faithfully working even when you cannot yet see the outcome.
Journal & Reflect
- What prayer have you been faithfully bringing before God, and how has this season of waiting shaped your faith?
- Where have you already seen evidence of God's faithfulness, even if your prayer hasn't been answered the way you expected?
- What would it look like to trust God's timing instead of your own?
- Write a prayer of surrender, placing your unanswered request into God's loving hands while thanking Him for His unfailing love.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Psalm 13:5 teach us?
Psalm 13:5 reminds us that faith isn't the absence of questions—it's choosing to trust God's unfailing love even when we don't yet understand His timing.
Why does God sometimes seem silent?
While Scripture doesn't answer every "why," it consistently reminds us that God's silence is never His absence. He continues to work according to His perfect wisdom, love, and purpose, even when we cannot yet see the outcome.
How can journaling encourage me during difficult seasons?
Journaling helps you honestly express your prayers, remember God's past faithfulness, and recognize His work over time. Looking back often reveals answers and blessings you may have missed in the moment.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
You know every prayer I've whispered and every burden I've carried. Thank You that even when I don't understand Your timing, I can trust Your unfailing love. Strengthen my faith as I wait, give me peace when answers seem delayed, and help me remember that You are always working for my good and Your glory. Teach me to rest in Your presence and to hope confidently in Your promises.
In Jesus' name,
Amen
Message from Kara
Waiting has never been easy for me. Like David, I've had moments when I wondered if God was listening or if my prayers would ever be answered. But as I've looked back over the years, I've seen His faithfulness woven through every season—even the ones that felt painfully quiet. Sometimes His greatest work happens while we're learning to trust Him. My prayer is that today's devotional reminds you that your prayers are heard, your tears are seen, and your Heavenly Father is faithfully working in ways you may not yet understand.
With love,
Kara 🤍
Applying this to your Daily Routine
Take time to reflect, pray, and process what God is teaching you through every season. Our Personalized Prayer Journal was designed to help you grow deeper in faith—one day at a time–turning intention into habit. Many people use journals to revisit verses like these and reflect throughout the week.
👉 Explore Personalized Scripture Products at www.papersunday.com
Today's devotional pairs beautifully with the Refresh Personalized Scripture Journal
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