When The Words Don’t Come
It's OK To Pause
I got to be open and honest with you today. Transparency has been my little thing lately. I’m in a season where writing hasn’t come easily. Call it writer’s block, call it a slump, or just life fighting me and winning but lately, I haven’t been motivated to sit down and pour out words on this blog.
Now, I could push through and publish something just to say I’ve posted. But here’s the thing with me: I don’t ever want to write just to fill space. I want every word I share here to matter—to breathe encouragement, to carry God’s truth, and to leave you with something valuable for your soul.
It has been said, “Sometimes silence speaks more than forced words.”
And if you’ve ever felt stuck, uninspired, or like you just don’t have anything left to give, I want you to know you’re not alone. Even people in Scripture—the very ones we often admire for their great faith—went through their own “slump seasons.”
One of the clearest examples comes from the prophet Elijah in 1 Kings 19.
After a huge victory on Mount Carmel—where God sent fire from heaven to prove He was the one true God—you’d think Elijah would be full of energy, confidence, and passion. But instead, fear and exhaustion overtook him. He ran for his life, sat under a tree, and prayed these pitiful words:
“I have had enough, Lord. Take my life.” (1 Kings 19:4)
Talk about major burnout. Elijah had just experienced one of the most powerful displays of God’s glory, yet he felt empty, alone, and done. Elijah was over it.
But here’s the beautiful thing: God didn’t fuss at Elijah for being weak. He didn’t shame him for his lack of motivation. Instead, God sent an angel to feed him, give him water, and encourage him to rest. Twice! Only after Elijah had regained his strength did God call him forward.
And when it came time for God to speak, it wasn’t in the dramatic wind, the earthquake, or the fire. It was in the gentle whisper. (1 Kings 19:11-12)
Sometimes, like Elijah, our “slump” is actually God’s invitation to rest and tune our ears to His whisper.
What about David, the man after God’s own heart? If you flip through the Psalms, you’ll see the highs and lows of David’s life laid bare for everyone to see. Some chapters burst with praise and confidence in God, while other chapters David’s crying out in despair:
“How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me?” (Psalm 13:1)
One thing about David though is that he wasn’t afraid to admit when he was discouraged, uninspired, or struggling to see God’s hand at work. Yet in almost every Psalm of lament, he eventually turns back to hope. His words remind us that it’s okay to wrestle with our feelings—but in the end, our anchor is God’s unfailing love.
When we’re in a slump, like David, we can be real with God about how we feel while also holding onto hope. Our Father wants it no other way. He appreciates our transparency and honesty. We are His children. Who else can we bare our soul to than a loving Father?
And then there’s Jesus the Messiah Himself. Throughout His ministry, we often read that He withdrew to lonely places to pray (Luke 5:16). After long days of healing, teaching, and pouring into others, even Jesus modeled the rhythm of retreating and resting in the Father’s presence.
If the Son of God Himself made time for quiet pauses, why do we feel guilty when we need them? Sometimes the most spiritually mature thing we can do is step away, breathe, and reconnect with God in silence.
So, I may not have the perfect blog flow or a catchy headline today, however I do have this encouragement for you:
It’s okay to pause.
It’s okay to wait for God’s whisper before you move.
It’s okay to admit when you’re empty, because God delights in filling us back up.
If you’re in your own slump—spiritually, emotionally, or creatively—don’t mistake this time as wasted. Elijah’s pause under the tree prepared him for the next journey, the next assignment. God’s whisper will come.
I may not always have the words ready when I want them, but I trust the One who gives them. And when He speaks, those words will carry life. Until then, may we both lean into the quiet and let His presence renew us.
Again, remember: (I feel I need to stress this)
A slump isn’t failure; it’s often preparation.
Silence doesn’t mean God has stopped speaking; it may mean He’s preparing you to hear His whisper.
Rest isn’t wasted; it’s part of God’s design for renewal.
Like Elijah, you might just need food, water, and rest before the next assignment. Like David, you may need to pour out your heart in raw honesty before you can find your song of praise again. And like Jesus, you might need to retreat to reconnect with the Father before stepping back into your calling.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9
Friend, if you’re weary or uninspired, remember: the pause isn’t the end of the story. It’s the preparation for the next chapter. Thanks for being with me today.
Until next time, a blessed soul is A Well-Fed Soul.
Cynthia
www.awellfedsoul.com