A GOD THAT HIDES HIMSELF Spiritually sensitive souls recognize when God has hidden Himself. They do not speak merely of difficulties, but of an experientially hidden God. Even then, of course, faith tells them "He is not far from every one of us" (Acts 17:27). Their most profound concern is not for favorable earthly circumstances or fleshly conditions, but for fellowship with, and cognizance of, the Almighty. Hidden in times of trouble The Psalms contain expressions not limited to covenantal periods. They are more the eruptions of the heart than of law or obligation. There were individuals under the old covenant who were above their times. Often they spoke in words that are suitable for our condition under Christ. Those who would take the Psalms from us under the guise of rightly dividing the Word of truth, have revealed their own aloofness from God. -- Tomorrow:
"Truly, Thou art a God Who hidest Thyself, O God of Israel, the Savior" -- Isaiah 45:15
SPIRITUAL SENSITIVITY
People can know
It is unfortunate that this is such a rare perception in Western "Christianity," which by no means leads the family of God in spiritual sensitivity and perception. In the Western world, we live in a religious culture that has drawn attention to the seen. This emphasis, by its very nature, has obscured the unseen. It allows people encountering common spiritual experiences to react as though some "strange thing" had happened to them. Thus people glibly and foolishly speak of being "angry with God" as though He was a heavenly peer.
It is good for us to expose ourselves to the expressions of godly men who have gone through difficulty. Their reaction will confirm the truth to our spirits, clarify our own situation, and enable us to reason and speak acceptably.
Hear the cry of the Psalmist as the waves of trouble crash upon his soul. "Why standest Thou afar off, O LORD? why hidest Thou Thyself in times of trouble?" (Psa 10:1). It is not that God was actually "afar off." It is ever true that He is "a very present help in the time of trouble" (Psa 46:1). The experience of the Psalmist, however, made it seem as though this was not true. In this instance, he experienced "trouble" and was not cognizant of the Lord's presence. It was a difficult thing to undergo. Yet, the man of God did not proceed as though there was no God. Nor, indeed, did he lash out in foolish anger against the Lord. He understood something of the Divine nature. He knew God often hides Himself -- even in times of difficulty.
In faith the man of God called upon the name of the Lord, who had hidden Himself in the heat of trial and the misery of affliction. The trial, in this case, was more a hidden God than the time of trouble. Trouble can be easily borne when a lively sense of the presence and blessing of the Lord is upon the soul. However, when this is not the case, despair does not take control of the trusting soul. Rather, faith rises to the occasion, pressing through the maze of obscurity in a quest for the Living God. Make no mistake about this, such a response glorifies God, and will not go unnoticed. Those, on the other hand, who lash out against God in anger and discontent, by that unbelieving response, only extend the experience of the hidden God.
PRAYER POINT: Father, through Jesus Christ, I thank You for faith that enables me to rise to the surface of trouble instead of sinking beneath the waves of sorrow.