Why Does God Feel Silent When I’m Hurting?

Why Does God Feel Silent When I’m Hurting?

How do people find strength in their journey to sobriety and faith when God feels quiet? This conversation between host Nancy Sabato and guest Haley Scully leans into exactly that tension, especially for those who feel spiritually worn out and alone behind a screen. Haley talks frankly about why so many people feel safer talking to a phone than a friend.

She points out that "it is scary to be vulnerable" and that fear of being exposed can keep people from healing. There’s plenty of good content online, she says, but what’s missing is “the personalisation of that care" and the tenderness of someone helping you connect God’s word to your specific struggle. The two dig into a big question for anyone battling addiction, anxiety, or deep disappointment: can a digital answer really reach a breaking heart?

Haley is clear that "the Holy Spirit can reach a breaking heart" anywhere, but warns about becoming “really addicted and isolating" with technology, losing connection with real-life community and church. They also talk about the ache of feeling like God is silent.

Haley explains how expecting God to respond in a very particular way can open the door to doubt: "Satan can come in and tempt us to think, well, he doesn't care." She likens spiritual habits to exercise—God may be working for our good even when we don’t see quick results. One of the most moving parts comes when Haley shares the hardest question she ever asked God about her own life not matching the marriage-and-kids story she expected.

Her honest reflection on disappointment, trust, and gratitude will ring true for anyone whose life hasn’t gone to plan. If you’ve ever sat there, phone in hand, wondering why God feels distant while your pain feels loud, this episode gently suggests you’re not as alone as you think, and that leaning into God rather than away from Him might change everything.