When it Feels Like God Is Doing Nothing - Encouragement for Today - September 22, 2026
When it Feels Like God Is Doing Nothing
Lysa TerKeurst
"I will say of the LORD, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust'" (Psalm 91:2, NIV).
In my head, I know God is my protector. But if I’m honest, sometimes my heart struggles to feel protected by God.
At some point in our lives, most of us have experienced some kind of tragedy, extreme heartbreak, rejection, abandonment, or discouragement because we thought life was going one way and then it was hijacked.
In these moments, it’s tempting to wonder, Has God just looked away? Maybe that’s where you are right now.
You’ve lain on your couch or bed, stared up at the ceiling, and just thought, God, where are You? You’ve sobbed into your pillow, scared and alone. You feel like you're not seeing evidence of God doing something, so you secretly begin to believe God is doing … nothing.
In John 16:33, Jesus says: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (NIV). If you’ve endured deep hurt, you very much understand the “trouble” Jesus references here. But maybe, like me, you struggle sometimes to believe the other words in this verse. The ones that say Jesus has overcome the world. That through Him, we can experience peace even in the hardships we face.
That's why I want to provide three truths you can take hold of right now:
- When it feels like you can’t do anything, there is something you can do today.
You may feel completely powerless and terrified in the circumstances you’re looking at. We can’t control a lot of what happens to us. But that doesn’t leave us completely out of control. We can recite Psalm 91:2 to our fearful hearts: “I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’”
Pause right where you are, and say, Lord, You are my refuge and fortress. I am placing my trust in You. It may not seem like much at first, but by declaring this, you’re doing what can be done today. You’re choosing to remember that your job is to obey God. God’s job is everything else.
Reminding yourself of this truth is something you can do even when it feels like nothing else can be done.
- Just because you don’t see God’s intervention at this present moment, that doesn’t mean it’s not happening or you won’t see it one day.
Sometimes I catch myself thinking I have to see evidence of God working today in order to believe He’s working in a situation at all. But the thing is, there are two realities always hovering around us. There’s the physical reality we see and experience — the heartbreak, the horrific circumstances, the person who's hurting us, the fear and anxiety we’re feeling. And then there’s a spiritual reality where God is also present and working. Simply put, what we see right now isn’t the entire story.
You may not currently see God working in a situation that is breaking your heart. But, friend, we do not serve a do-nothing God. God is always doing something, and that something is always pointed toward ultimate good (Romans 8:28). Rest assured that God is good, God is good to you, and God is good at being God.
- Even if you feel uncertain, you don’t have to live in uncertainty about God.
It’s very important for us to acknowledge the feelings stirring inside of us. But while feelings are great indicators, they should never be dictators of how we process life.
We may feel afraid, but we don’t have to live afraid.
We may feel angry, but we don’t have to live angry.
We may feel skeptical, but we don’t have to live skeptical.
We may feel uncertain, but we don’t have to live uncertain.
When our feelings are screaming, the Truth of God’s Word will keep us grounded.
In whatever you’re dealing with today, ask God for these perspectives to fill your mind. And remember: This chapter is part of your life, but it’s not the sum total of your life. Jesus has overcome the world, and He is for you in what you’re walking through right now.
Father God, thank You for reminding me of what is true in light of what feels scary right now. Help my forgetful heart remember what I have read today. I know You love me, You are for me, and You’re always working on my behalf. I trust You with all the details of my life and the situations and outcomes I can’t control. In Jesus’ name, amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
When life doesn't make sense and you can't see evidence of God working, it's easy to feel afraid and uncertain. In her new book, Making Peace with What I Can't Control, Lysa TerKeurst offers biblical wisdom and heartfelt encouragement for those difficult seasons, helping you see glimpses of God's goodness, release the pressure to manage outcomes, and find a way forward even in the midst of unanswered questions. You can get your copy today.
ENGAGE
Find everyday encouragement when you connect with Lysa TerKeurst here on Instagram.
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Ephesians 6:12, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (NIV).
How does this reminder of spiritual realities shift your perspective in what you may be facing today? Share with us in the comments.
© 2026 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.
Image credit: ©unsplash
Lysa TerKeurst is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and president of Proverbs 31 Ministries. Her latest book is Seeing Beautiful Again: 50 Devotions to Find Redemption in Every Part of Your Story (March 2021). Lysa lives with her family in North Carolina. Connect with her at LysaTerKeurst.com or on social media @LysaTerKeurst.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
