When God Seems Far Away

Why, O Lord, do You stand far off?

Why do you hide Yourself in times of trouble? (Psalm 10:1)

One of the worst things about being in trouble is that you feel totally helpless and you can do nothing about it. It sometimes seems as if there are people "out there" who are conspiring behind your back to bring about your downfall. At the same time you feel isolated and alone, and are convinced that the whole world has turned against you. But worse of all is the feeling the God has abandoned you.

If you, as a Christian, have ever felt like this, know that it is absolutely normal. The writer of Psalm 10 felt exactly the same way - as have millions and millions of others. He was surrounded by evil-minded people who were out to get him. They were cunning, vicious villains who made his life very difficult. He felt that God, who should have been defending him in this situation and who should have been bringing about his enemies' downfall, had hidden Himself just when he needed Him most.

He was in the process of learning one of the most difficult lessons a person can learn: that problems are part of life. Evil is so strong; thievery, corruption and underhanded dealings are so widespread that anyone who thinks it will ever be different is living in a fool's paradise. Yet the psalmist did not forsake his faith in God. He asked God to come out from His hiding place do something about the evil and the trouble that he was wrestling with.

You also need to know that no matter how difficult and confuisng life might be, God might just conceal Himself for a little while. He wants you to seek Him in the darkness so that you will know without a doubt that He still loves you and bless you.

"Nothing binds me to my Lord like a strong belief in His unchanging love." Charles Spurgeon.