When God Is Silent — Do You Still Cry Out?
How Psalm 28 Teaches Us To Stop Routines And Start Relationship
“To you, Lord, I call; you are my Rock, do not turn a deaf ear to me.
For if you remain silent, I will be like those who go down to the pit.” — Psalm 28:1 NIV
I’ve had many moments—desperate, soul-wrenching moments—where I’ve cried out to God.
I’ve pulled the roots of my heart out of the dirt and laid them before Him. Not only that, but I’ve pleaded for help. Begged for breakthrough. Prayed faithfully and repeatedly.
But here’s the truth:
God’s answers haven’t always looked like what I imagined, 99.9 percent of the time.😂
And thank God for that.
Because His answers come not from my limited expectations or vision, but from His infinite love.
“Save your people and bless your inheritance;
be their shepherd and carry them forever.” — Psalm 28:9
David ends the Psalm with this beautiful reminder: He is our Shepherd forever.
That’s not just comfort—it’s covenant.
The Cry of a True Son
Look at verse 1. The word “call” in Hebrew is קָרָא (qārāʾ) — a rich word meaning to cry out, proclaim, summon, or invite.
It’s not a polite routine prayer.
It’s a child wailing for his father in the dark night.
A soldier, distressed, lit his final flare.
A desperate son who knows there’s only one place left to go.
David says, “To You, Yahweh, I qārāʾ — I cry out, summon You with everything I’ve got.”
Before asking for deliverance, David names the One he’s speaking to: "my Rock."
The Hebrew word for “rock” (צ֫וּר, tsur) means more than just stability.
It’s a fortress. A stronghold. A symbol of divine protection and unshakable presence.
David wasn’t performing. He wasn’t praying to impress.
He pleaded like a son who knew his Father could carry him through the storm.
The Disconnected Modern Christian
Now let’s be honest: today, most of us don’t cry out to God like that.
We say prayers before meals.
We let the preacher pray on Sundays.
We listen to the worship leader pray for us between songs.
And don’t get me wrong—those can be good.
But if we’re being real, when was the last time you cried out to God like a son needing his Father?
Not a performance.
Not a routine.
But true connection.
If you’re following this Substack, you’re not here for fluff.
You’re here because something in your soul wants more.
So here’s the cry of my heart:
Let’s reject comfort and connect. Can we be people who call on God?
Let’s become people who plead, not perform.
The Jesus Pattern
I love how David starts by naming God.
Jesus taught us the same rhythm:
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name…”
He began with who God is. Identity. Relationship. Honor.
That’s not random—it’s revival.
So here’s what I’m doing this week—and I invite you to join me:
Every time I pray—even if it’s a short breakfast prayer—I’m going to name God.
Call on Him with intention.
Never Finished Challenge: Declare Him
Here’s your challenge for this week:
1. Ask God to teach you how to pray again.
Slow down. Ask. Wait. Respond.
2. Name Him when you pray.
Here are 7 names to get you started:
Yahweh (The LORD)
Elohim (Creator God)
Jehovah Jireh (The Lord Will Provide)
El Roi (The God Who Sees Me)
Abba (Father)
Rock of Ages
The Good Shepherd
3. Write a prayer using one of those names.
Here’s an example:
Jehovah Jireh, my Provider, I come to You today not just for things—but for You.
You are enough. You see me. You sustain me.
Teach me to call on You more honestly, more urgently, more often.
Help me cry out not just in crisis, but in connection and relationship.
Thank You for being my Shepherd forever.
In Jesus’ name, Amen (let it be so!).
Last thought to ponder. When my babies cry in their beds, do I stay in that warm, cozy bed where I aim to get some quality sleep for my body to heal? NO! I go to examine the cry and soothe them. How much more will a Father, who loves and knows you perfectly, do?
What does today say about God?
Today says you’re part of a family with a Shepherd who will carry you forever.
It says even when life gets heavy or uncertain, you are never alone.
It says God is not silent. He is Rock. Refuge. Rescuer.
What a God we serve.
What a King.
What a Father.
Thank You, Jesus.
Let’s be people who cry out.
This is powerful stuff.
Hezekiah acknowledged who God was—then laid his request