Jentezen Franklin Daily Devotional (July 17, 2025) The Place Where Tears Become Prayers.
"I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living." Psalm 27:13 (NIV)
There are seasons when life just doesn't make sense. You’ve prayed, waited, believed—and still the answer hasn’t come. Maybe deep down, you feel overlooked. Empty. Forgotten. Let me remind you of something powerful today: You will see the goodness of God in the land of the living, not just in eternity, not just in theory, but today, right here in your real, messy, broken life.
Hannah felt all the same things you may be feeling. In 1 Samuel, she was barren and longing for a child. And to make things worse, she was constantly provoked by another woman who had everything she wanted. Daily, she faced shame, isolation, and pain that wouldn’t let up. The Bible says she wept bitterly. But then Hannah did something that shifted everything. She got up. She didn’t wait to feel better or for circumstances to change. She went straight to the house of God, straight to the altar. She didn’t need a preacher or a worship song. She just needed her God.
There, she wept and prayed. So broken that her lips moved, but no sound came out. So crushed that the priest assumed she was drunk. But those silent tears? God heard them all. The ones cried alone in the night. The ones nobody else sees. The ones that carry more faith than a thousand loud prayers. And in response, God opened her womb. Her barren place became fruitful ground.
Maybe your miracle hasn’t come yet. Maybe your prayer is still unanswered. But that doesn't mean God is absent. In fact, Scripture says He dwells in deep darkness (Exodus 20:21).
He is near to the brokenhearted.
He binds up every wound. He never overlooks a soul who seeks Him. So even if the answer never comes, even if the outcome doesn’t change, He is still good. He is still God. And you, friend, are still seen. Today, pray this prayer: “Lord, when I don't understand, I will trust you. When I feel empty, I will worship you. I bring you the silent tears and secret sorrows I don’t have words for. Meet me at the altar of your presence. Remind me that I am not forgotten. That you are my healer, my sustainer, my hope. Whether the answer comes today or not at all, I will still say: You are good. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
