Bible Reading: Psalm 88,89; Romans 13
“LORD, why castest thou off my soul? Why hidest thou thy face from me? Psalm 88:14 (KJV)
Have you ever been in a situation when you needed an answer after praying and yet didn’t get any after many days? Have you ever felt like God is so far away especially in a time you need Him more than anything? You are not alone. There have been times in our relationship, jobs, family when we looked desperately to God for answers to a challenge but He kept silent. Many in bible times went through the same. But how did they overcome this period? Why do God go silent sometimes?
Job was one man who went through a great deal in the hands of the devil. And from his story all through the book of Job we found out that God allowed the devil to have a go on him for He has seen his heart and believed he would overcome. How did Job do it? He persevered and kept his hope in God. He was aware God knew about his predicament but still trusted in Him. He says in Job 13:15 (KJV), “Thou he slays me, yet will I trust in him…” job still seeked the face of God even when an answer was not forthcoming.
David was another man who waited on God even when He was not forthcoming. Like Job, he persevered and waited in difficult situations. He strongly believed God’s word that He will never leave nor forsake His own. But when God appeared to be far away David still inquired of Him and thanked Him for the testimonies of the past! While keeping his heart and mind on the things and victories God has wrought for him in time past he was able to overcome the feelings of God not being close at the moment.
Jesus, His only begotten Son was left to die like a criminal on the cross because He wanted a new life for humankind. To achieve this, a sinless person was required to carry the sins of the whole world. Because of these sins he was left alone until he fulfilled the purpose of his coming to the earth. So sometimes, God leaves us alone for a purpose He alone knows. But believe me it will always turn out good because the same Jesus is sitting at the right-hand side of His Father at the moment.
So, in moments when God seem far away, still continue to seek His face like Job. Like David, thank Him for the things He has done in the past even when nothing seems to be happening at the moment. Praise Him for the testimonies of the past and you will gain strength to keep you going till He shows up.
Prayer: Father, thank You for always being there for me always. I ask for grace to always seek and praise You in moments when I feel isolated.
Bro. Onyema Aghanenu