Day 30: And So It Is — The Power of Unwavering Belief

My closing ritual is not elaborate. There are no extra steps, no second-guessing, no bargaining with the universe. My closing ritual is an unequivocal belief that what I asked for is already happening.

Once I’ve asked, once I’ve whispered the petition, once the spell has been cast or the intention spoken, I let it go with certainty. Not hope. Not wishing. Certainty.

And that belief didn’t come from nowhere. It was forged early.

Let me tell you a story.

I was in sixth grade, attending a magnet school focused on science and math. My partner and I were competing in the science fair. Our project was humble. No fancy materials. No expensive display. Just a cardboard board with neatly glued pictures and handwritten notes about our chosen subject: the American Black Bear.

That was it.

But what we lacked in presentation, I more than made up for in knowledge.

I had spent hours in the library reading everything I could get my hands on about Black Bears. Their habitats. Their behaviors. Their diets. Their role in the ecosystem. I was overflowing with information, bursting at the seams with facts, waiting for someone to ask me a question so I could share what I had learned.

And I did.

I was the one who spoke to every judge that came by. Mind you, English was my second language, and back then it was still rusty. I had only recently started learning it. But none of that mattered to me. Not the accent. Not the imperfect grammar. Not the fear of being misunderstood. I communicated anyway. Enthusiastically. Passionately. Confidently.

I knew my subject.

When the fair ended, we left our project behind and started walking down the hallway back to class. My partner broke the silence and said, “I don’t think we’re going to win.”

I remember stopping and looking at her.

She was wrong. I knew she was wrong.

“Nope,” I said. “We got this in the bag. We’re going to win.”

She stared at me like I had lost my mind, shook her head, and kept walking. She thought I was crazy. I thought she was crazy.

A few hours later, we were sitting in class when the intercom crackled to life. They were announcing the science fair winners. First place for Natural Sciences.

The American Black Bear study.

Ours.

I turned around slowly, looked at her, and said, “I told you.”

She laughed as we got up to head to the auditorium to receive our ribbons. And in that moment, something fundamental locked into place inside me.

I am capable of amazing things.
Great things happen to me.
And I don’t doubt it.

That belief has followed me my entire life.

It doesn’t mean I don’t work hard. It doesn’t mean I don’t struggle. It doesn’t mean I haven’t faced obstacles, rejection, or heartbreak. But underneath all of that, there has always been a knowing. A quiet, unshakeable confidence that when I commit fully, when I speak with conviction, when I show up prepared and passionate, things move in my favor.

That belief is the foundation of my closing ritual.

After a spell.
After a prayer.
After a whispered intention.

I don’t revisit it with anxiety. I don’t keep checking to see if it’s “working.” I don’t ask again and again from a place of fear. I close the ritual knowing the universe, God, Goddess, the Mother — whatever name resonates — has heard me.

And it’s already in motion.

This is not arrogance. It’s trust.

Trust in my preparation.
Trust in my intuition.
Trust in the unseen forces that move when we speak with clarity and confidence.

Doubt weakens energy. Certainty anchors it.

“And so it is” is not a phrase I say lightly. It’s a declaration. It’s the moment I step out of grasping and into receiving. It’s the moment I align myself with outcomes instead of obstacles.

That sixth-grade girl didn’t need proof to believe she would win. She already knew. And every time I close a ritual now, I tap back into her energy. The girl who didn’t let language barriers stop her. The girl who trusted her knowledge. The girl who spoke anyway.

My closing ritual is simple because belief is powerful on its own.

Once I ask, I release.
Once I release, I trust.
Once I trust, I move forward as if it’s already done.

And so it is.

#brujaPractices #closingRituals #faithAndTrust #intentionSetting #manifestationBeliefs #personalPower #spiritualConfidence

When God’s Silence Speaks Louder Than Words

1,031 words, 5 minutes read time.

“The Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him.”
— Habakkuk 2:20 (NIV)

The Deafening Quiet

Have you ever poured out your heart to God—desperate, pleading, completely vulnerable—only to be met with… silence?

No burning bush. No audible voice. No immediate answer.

Just quiet.

I’ve been there. Kneeling beside my bed, tears streaming down my face, begging God for direction, for relief, for anything—and feeling like my prayers were bouncing off the ceiling. In those moments, the silence felt like absence. Like abandonment.

But what if God’s silence isn’t absence at all? What if it’s actually a different kind of presence?

Biblical Silence: You’re in Good Company

Scripture is filled with seasons of divine silence:

Joseph sat in prison for years, falsely accused, seemingly forgotten. The Bible doesn’t record God speaking to him during that dark time. Yet God was positioning him for purpose (Genesis 39-41).

The Israelites endured 400 years of silence between the Old and New Testaments—no prophets, no direct word from God. But God was preparing the world for the arrival of the Messiah.

Jesus himself experienced the silence of the Father on the cross, crying out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). Even in that moment of profound silence, redemption was being accomplished.

If these pillars of faith walked through valleys of divine silence, perhaps it’s not a sign of God’s distance but rather a sacred part of our spiritual journey.

What God’s Silence Might Be Saying

1. “I’ve Already Answered”

Sometimes God’s silence is an invitation to remember. He may have already given you the wisdom, scripture, or direction you need—and the silence is space for you to apply it.

“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11)

2. “Wait—I’m Working”

Silence can be the sacred pause between prayer and provision. God is rarely early, but He’s never late. In the waiting, He’s often working behind scenes we cannot see.

“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.” (Psalm 37:7)

3. “Trust Me Without the Signs”

Sometimes God withdraws the constant reassurance to deepen our faith. He’s inviting us to trust His character, not just His communication.

“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29)

4. “Listen Deeper”

God may be speaking in whispers rather than shouts—through creation, community, circumstances, or the still, small voice that requires absolute quiet to hear.

“He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God.'” (Psalm 46:10)

How to Respond to God’s Silence

Don’t equate silence with absence. The sun doesn’t cease to exist when clouds cover it. God is present even when He feels distant.

Keep showing up. Continue in prayer, worship, and reading Scripture. Faithfulness in the silence builds spiritual muscle.

Look for Him in unexpected places. God may be speaking through a friend’s encouragement, a verse that jumps off the page, or a door that opens (or closes).

Remember His track record. Journal about times God has been faithful before. Let your history with Him anchor your hope.

Surrender the timeline. Release your grip on when and how God should answer. Trust His wisdom over your urgency.

A Different Kind of Intimacy

I’ve come to believe that God’s silence is sometimes His greatest act of trust in us.

He’s saying: “I’ve taught you. I’ve equipped you. I’ve shown you who I am. Now walk in what you know, even when you can’t feel Me.”

This is the faith that pleases Him—not the faith that needs constant confirmation, but the faith that stands firm when the skies seem silent.

The silence doesn’t mean He’s stopped caring. It means He’s inviting you into a deeper, more mature relationship—one built on trust rather than transaction, on His character rather than constant communication.

Reflection Questions

  • When have you experienced God’s silence in your life? Looking back, what might He have been teaching you?
  • What past faithfulness of God can you hold onto during current silence?
  • How might you need to shift from demanding answers to deepening trust?
  • Closing Prayer:

    Father, when I cannot hear Your voice, help me to trust Your heart. Remind me that Your silence is not rejection but invitation—to deeper faith, greater trust, and more intimate relationship. Teach me to be still. Teach me to wait. Teach me to believe even when I cannot see. I choose to trust that You are working, even now, in the quiet. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

    Today’s Declaration:
    God’s silence in my life does not mean His absence. He is present, He is working, and He is faithful—even when I cannot hear Him.

    Call to Action

    If this devotional struck a chord, don’t just scroll on. Join the brotherhood—men learning to build, not borrow, their strength. Subscribe for more stories like this, drop a comment about where you’re growing, or reach out and tell me what you’re working toward. Let’s grow together.

    D. Bryan King

    Sources

    Disclaimer:

    The views and opinions expressed in this post are solely those of the author. The information provided is based on personal research, experience, and understanding of the subject matter at the time of writing. Readers should consult relevant experts or authorities for specific guidance related to their unique situations.

    #biblicalFaith #biblicalSilence #biblicalWisdom #christianBlog #christianDevotional #christianEncouragement #christianLiving #dailyDevotional #darkNightOfTheSoul #deepeningFaith #discernment #divineSilence #doubtAndFaith #faithAndTrust #faithBlog #faithDevelopment #faithDuringSilence #faithEncouragement #faithStruggles #faithWithoutAnswers #feelingAbandonedByGod #godFeelsDistant #godNotAnsweringPrayers #godsFaithfulness2 #godsPresence #godsSilence #godsWill2 #hearingFromGod #hearingGodsVoice2 #intimateRelationshipWithGod #knowingGod #matureFaith #patienceInFaith #perseveranceInFaith #prayerLife #prayersNotAnswered #quietTimeWithGod #scriptureMeditation #seasonsOfSilence #spiritualDisciplines #spiritualDryness #spiritualGrowth #spiritualIntimacy #spiritualJourney #spiritualMaturity #spiritualSilence #spiritualWaiting #steadfastFaith #trustingGod #trustingGodsCharacter #trustingGodsTiming2 #trustingInWaiting #unansweredPrayers #waitingForGodsAnswer #waitingOnGod #walkWithGod #whenGodIsSilent #whereIsGod #whyGodIsQuiet

    Walk in the Light (Christian Music)

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    Light of the Path (Christian Music)

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    Light to My Path (Christian Music)

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    Trust, Unity, and Divine Communion

    Introduction

    In Matthew 6:7-8, Jesus teaches us about prayer, emphasizing that God knows our needs before we even ask. This teaching seems to contrast with the traditional practice of specific intercessory prayers. However, by exploring the true purpose of prayer, we can see that Jesus’ guidance is not about denying the value of prayer for others, but about deepening our connection with God, transcending the ego, and fostering trust in God’s will.

    Jesus’ Teaching on Prayer

    Jesus advises against vain repetitions, encouraging us to avoid babbling like pagans. Instead, he gives us the Our Father prayer, a model of simplicity and heartfelt communication with God:

    “Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.”

    This prayer encapsulates the essence of trust and unity with God, without focusing on specific requests.

    The True Purpose of Prayer

    The ultimate purpose of prayer is to cultivate a deeper connection with God, nullifying the ego and being fully present in God’s presence. This practice is similar to shifting from ego to pristine mind, akin to meditative practices aimed at achieving unity with the divine. Prayer is an act of love, directing our attention to God and fostering a sense of unity.

    Intercessory Prayer in Jesus’ Teachings

    To align intercessory prayer with Jesus’ teachings, we can focus on simplicity and trust:

    For a Friend or Loved One:

    Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. I come to you with concern for my friend [Name], who is facing [specific challenge or need]. I trust in your wisdom and care for them. Thy will be done. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

    For the Country or Government:

    Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. I lift up my country and its leaders to you, seeking your guidance and wisdom in these challenging times. May your will be done, and may peace and justice prevail. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

    Jewish Tradition and Prayer

    In Jewish mysticism, practices such as Hitbonenut offer profound spiritual insights that can enrich our understanding of prayer within the Christian tradition. For instance, Hitbonenut encourages introspection and deep contemplation to experience communion with God, aligning with the Christian emphasis on fostering a personal connection with the divine. This practice highlights the universal human quest for spiritual unity and the recognition of God’s boundless presence. By exploring these Jewish mystical traditions, Christians can deepen their own prayer practices and gain new perspectives on the divine relationship, ultimately enhancing their spiritual journey without conflicting with core Christian beliefs.

    These insights resonate with Jesus’ teachings on prayer, particularly the Our Father prayer, which encourages letting go of ego-driven requests to foster deep, trusting communion with God. Christian tradition speaks of a “peace that passeth understanding,” emphasizing prayer’s purpose to connect with profound peace, akin to experiencing boundless unity with the divine. Both traditions underscore the importance of unity with the divine, transcending ego-driven separateness to encounter God’s boundless presence, which brings blessings and deeper peace.

    Lessons from Job

    Job’s story exemplifies deep, trusting faith in God despite immense suffering. He did not engage in intercessory prayer or personal petitions but maintained his faith and devotion, trusting in God’s ultimate wisdom and goodness. Job’s faith was ultimately rewarded, demonstrating the power of steadfast trust in God.

    Deepening Your Experience with the Divine Presence

    In this very moment, you can deepen your experience with the Divine Presence by practicing surrender to the present moment. Let go of distractions and consciously bring your awareness to the here and now. Invoke the Divine Presence with a simple prayer or mantra like “Here I am, Lord,” allowing it to permeate your awareness. Engage in silent contemplation to create space for the Divine to reveal itself beyond words. Cultivate gratitude and reverence for the Divine in all things, recognizing its presence in the ordinary moments of life. Listen attentively to the inner voice of wisdom and discernment, trusting in the guidance of the Divine. Finally, integrate acts of service and compassion into your life, seeing and serving the Divine in others. By incorporating these practices, you can deepen your connection with the Divine Presence and live more aligned with the spiritual truths and teachings on prayer.

    Prayer with Joy and Trust

    Philippians 4:6-7 calls us to present our requests to God with thanksgiving, fostering trust and joyful anticipation:

    “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

    This scripture reinforces the idea that trust transforms prayer from a plea for help into a confident affirmation of God’s presence and care.

    Conclusion

    Reflecting on the essence of Christian prayer reveals its profound purpose: to deepen our connection with God and align our hearts with divine wisdom. By embracing simplicity, trust, and the transformative power of prayer, we embark on a journey of spiritual growth. Whether through the Our Father prayer, intercessory prayers, or reflections on spiritual teachings, prayer becomes a path to inner peace and communion with the divine. Let us continue to explore and practice prayer with open hearts, nurturing our relationship with God and embodying His love in the world.

    In moments of uncertainty and longing, it is comforting to remember that God knows our needs intimately. His wisdom extends beyond our understanding, guiding us with divine precision. Trusting in His timing and provision allows us to rest in faith, knowing that He orchestrates every detail for our ultimate good. As we deepen our prayer life, let us embrace this truth: God’s perfect knowledge and care fulfill our needs precisely when and how we need them, nurturing our trust and strengthening our communion with Him.

    “Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Thank you for using me as a vessel for your light in the world. A vessel of light, and love, and compassion, and forgiveness, and loving-kindness. Amen.”

    Personal Reflection and Application

    Reflect on your own prayer practices, focusing on cultivating a deeper connection with God. Balance the simplicity of the Our Father with compassionate prayers for specific needs, always rooted in trust and unity.

    Consider these questions for deeper reflection:

    • How does my current approach to prayer align with the teachings of Jesus on simplicity and trust?
    • In what ways can I let go of ego-driven requests and focus more on communion with God in my prayers?
    • How does the practice of trusting in God’s will change my perspective on intercessory prayer?
    • What can I learn from Job’s steadfast faith and apply to my own prayer life?
    • How can I cultivate a sense of joy and trust in God’s provision through prayer?

    I invite you to reflect on these questions and share your thoughts in the comments below. Let’s start a conversation about deepening our prayer life and experiencing greater unity with the divine.

    🙏🕊️🙏

    https://richardsilverman108.wordpress.com/2024/08/09/understanding-christian-prayer-the-essence-of-connection-with-god/

    #ChristianPrayer #ChristianSpirituality #cultivatingJoy #DivinePresence #faithAndTrust #intercessoryPrayer #JesusTeachings #JewishMysticism #JobSFaith #makingAPositiveImpact #OurFatherPrayer #peaceThatPassethUnderstanding #personalGrowth #prayerPractices #spiritualConnection #spiritualReflection #spiritualWisdom #spirituality #transcendingEgo #unityWithGod

    Understanding Christian Prayer: The Essence of Connection with God

    Discover the essence of Christian prayer through the teachings of Jesus and the wisdom of Jewish mysticism. Dive deep into the true purpose of prayer—to foster unity with God, transcend the ego, an…

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