Finding Hope in Seasons of Silence

"It was evening of the first day of the week. The followers had gathered together with the doors locked because they were afraid of the Jews" (John 20:19a, NLV).

Today, on this Silent Saturday—the day between the Crucifixion and the Resurrection—we pause and reflect on the quiet uncertainty the disciples must have felt. Can you imagine? Their whole world turned upside-down. Everything they thought they knew about Jesus seemed to crumble as they struggled to understand what happened. Even though He had told them about His death and resurrection, grief can cloud even the most certain promises.

Perhaps the disciples, in their deep pain and sorrow, either forgot His words, no longer believed them, or struggled to fully understand their meaning. The promises and teachings they had once clung to now seemed distant and unclear amid their sorrow. Whatever the case may have been, when faced with the harsh reality of their situation and the overwhelming uncertainty of what lay ahead, their hope began to waver, leaving them feeling lost and unsure of the future.

When I read John 20:19a, I think of the disciples, those who knew and loved Jesus most, weeping behind locked doors, their hearts heavy with grief and fear, wondering if they would ever see Him again. They had walked with Him along dusty roads, laughed with Him over shared meals, and placed their deepest trust and hope in Him—and now, He was gone. Everything they thought they knew was shaken. Was He really the Son of God? Would they ever see the fulfillment of His promises, or had they been wrong to believe Him all along? Their questions and fears feel so familiar, don’t they? Because, if we’re honest, we’ve all had moments like this. Moments when life feels unbearably heavy, everything we hope for seems out of reach, and we’re left waiting in silence, uncertain if hope will ever return.

When we face hardships—whether loss, heartache, or unanswered prayers—it can feel like we’re living in our version of Silent Saturday. That space between despair and redemption, between loss and restoration. It’s a place where questions loom large, and the silence is deafening. In those moments, it’s easy to feel like God is distant or silent, and we, like the disciples, begin to wonder if He will come through for us as He said He would.

I’ve been there too—wondering, waiting, wrestling with the silence. Maybe you have as well. It’s not easy. It never is. When uncertainty weighs heavily on our minds and the world feels like it’s spinning out of control, fear and doubt have a way of creeping in, whispering lies into the fragile and hurting places of our hearts.

But here’s what I’ve learned: even in the silence, God is working. Even when we can’t see or feel it, He is moving behind the scenes, setting the stage for something new—something far greater than we can imagine. It’s often in these moments, when everything feels uncertain, that He is preparing us for what’s to come. These quiet, in-between moments are never wasted; they are an invitation to lay down our burdens, frustrations, and fears at His feet and to trust in Him even more. It’s in these still quiet moments that our faith takes root and begins to flourish, guiding us to trust not in what we can see, but in His unwavering promise—that He is always working for our good (Romans 8:28).

The disciples endured Saturday's long, uncertain hours, not knowing what was coming next. They could not have imagined how the darkness of Friday and the silence of Saturday were paving the way for the unimaginable flood of joy Sunday would bring. In the same way, during our seasons of silence, we can hold onto hope, trusting that even when all seems quiet, God is working behind the scenes. Like seeds that sprout and grow beneath the soil unseen, His goodness and glory will emerge at the perfect time, just as vibrant flowers bloom in Spring.

So, don’t give up. Don’t lose faith. Hold on tightly to the promise that He is always with you (Matthew 28:20), even in the waiting. Let's not forget—Friday was dark, Saturday was silent, but Sunday? Sunday changed everything! It's a powerful reminder that hope is never truly lost; it’s just ahead on the horizon, awaiting the perfect moment for the Son to shine.