At some point, most believers encounter a season of silence—times when our prayers seem to go unanswered, and we’re left wondering why. During these seasons, we may question many things, including whether to continue giving our tithes when God doesn’t seem to be responding. Should we keep giving when our needs or hopes feel unmet? Let’s explore why faithful giving remains vital, even when God is quiet.
Giving as Worship, Not Bargaining
Tithing isn’t about making a transaction with God; it’s about honoring Him as the source of all we have. Proverbs 3:9 reminds us to “honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce.” When we tithe, we’re not paying for answered prayers—we’re offering a portion of what He has already blessed us with, as an act of love and worship.
If we only give when we receive something in return, our relationship with God can become conditional, almost like a business exchange. Worshiping Him with our resources, even in times of silence, shows that we value Him for who He is, not just for what He does for us. Our giving becomes a response to His worth, not a demand for a particular outcome.
Trusting His Wisdom and Timing
God’s silence doesn’t mean He isn’t working. Throughout Scripture, we see examples where God’s timing and ways are beyond human understanding. Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.” Just as we trust Him with our lives, we’re called to trust His timing—even when it means waiting.
Continuing to give during these seasons becomes a tangible act of faith, affirming that we believe He is faithful and wise. It’s a way of saying, “Lord, I trust You and Your timing, even when I don’t fully understand.” Our giving then becomes a declaration of reliance on God’s faithfulness, not on our immediate circumstances.
Gratitude in All Circumstances
True gratitude doesn’t depend on having all our prayers answered exactly as we wish; it’s about recognizing God’s goodness in every season. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 instructs us to “give thanks in all circumstances,” reminding us that gratitude can—and should—exist independently of our circumstances.
By continuing to tithe, we’re expressing gratitude for the blessings we’ve already received, even as we wait on new answers or breakthroughs. Each act of giving is a reminder of God’s past faithfulness and a declaration of trust in His ongoing care.
Guarding Against a “Conditional” Faith
Jesus warned us in Matthew 6:21 that “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” In challenging times, giving can serve as a way of aligning our hearts with God’s purposes, rather than allowing disappointment or doubt to drive our actions.
When we keep giving, we guard our hearts against becoming transactional in our relationship with God. Instead of letting unmet expectations define our commitment, we’re saying, “Lord, I follow You for who You are, not just for what You do.” This deepens our spiritual walk, reminding us that our faith is in God’s character, not in our circumstances.
Stewarding God’s Blessings Faithfully
Ultimately, everything we have is entrusted to us by God, to be managed wisely. Deuteronomy 8:18 tells us, “Remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.” Tithing, even in challenging times, reflects our understanding that our resources belong to Him.
When we continue to tithe faithfully, we’re honoring God’s trust in us to steward His gifts well. We’re acknowledging that our financial resources, like every aspect of our lives, are part of His greater purpose.
Giving in Faith, Not Just in Prosperity
Deciding to give even when God seems silent is an act of faith and surrender. It shows that we’re committed to Him—not just for the blessings He provides but for the relationship He offers. Faithful giving in these moments is a reminder that we’re part of His story, a story that may include seasons of waiting, but one that is ultimately filled with His love and purpose.
When we give in times of silence, we’re not just making a financial contribution; we’re declaring our trust, our gratitude, and our commitment to a God who holds our lives in His hands. Through it all, may we remember that our giving is a response to who God is—a good, loving, and faithful Father, always working for our good, even when we don’t yet see the full picture.