I knew it was there, but I couldn’t see it. When God hides, I also feel frustrated.
When a New or Full Moon coincides with the moon’s closest approach to the Earth, we call it a Supermoon. I remember when this happened for the first time since January 26, 1948. I wanted to see this one—but couldn’t. Several wildfires raged nearby, and each morning and evening, I witnessed a thick coat of smoke that veiled the sky, shutting out my ability to see the stars or the Supermoon. Add to that the geography of our neighborhood—tall trees and other nearby townhouses—and my wish to witness this marvel of nature went ungranted.
Enemies hounded the psalmist. One in particular entailed a jealous king. “He shrouded himself in darkness, veiling his approach with dark rain clouds” (Psalm 18:11 NLT).
But David didn’t worry. Using picturesque words to describe what was indescribable, he related how God came down to save him. Mounted on an angelic being, God soared on the wings of the wind with storm clouds beneath his feet. But he also shrouded himself in darkness so his enemy couldn’t see his approach.
God has been known to hide. For thirteen years, Joseph must have wondered where he was. Joseph’s jealous brothers hated him and sold him to a band of traders who took him to Egypt and sold him again. Falsely accused of trying to rape the king’s wife, Joseph was imprisoned, where everyone of importance promptly forgot him. Then, he languished in squalid conditions for two more years until God suddenly turned his situation around and promoted him to Egypt’s prime minister.
Just because we don’t see the hand of God in our situations doesn’t mean it isn’t there. Jesus promised never to leave or forsake his children—and he doesn’t. He is working behind the scenes, orchestrating the events of our lives, thwarting the enemy’s schemes, and manufacturing good for us. We simply must trust in his sovereignty, unconditional love, and power.
When God hides, we must wait for him to show himself. Biblical waiting is not inactivity. We continue to do the last thing he told us until he opens another door and provides clear guidance for a change of direction.
God may appear hidden, but he is never absent from the details of our lives. Trust in that promise daily.
How can you trust God even when he seems hidden?
Photo by André Hugo on Unsplash
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