What practical steps can we take when God seems hidden, as in Job 23:9? Opening the Passage “When He is at work to the north, I cannot behold Him; when He turns to the south, I cannot see Him.” – Job 23:9 Why God May Seem Hidden - Seasons of testing refine faith (Job 23:10). - Human limitations prevent full perception of the Almighty (Isaiah 55:8-9). - Sin, distraction, or spiritual fatigue can dull awareness of His presence (Psalm 66:18; Revelation 2:4-5). Practical Steps for the Season of Concealment - Re-affirm what is true even when feelings waver. • Declare God’s unchanging character aloud (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8). • Memorize verses on His nearness such as Deuteronomy 31:6 and Matthew 28:20. - Stay in consistent, honest Scripture intake. • Read psalms of lament (e.g., Psalm 13) alongside promises of hope (e.g., Psalm 94:14). • Journal observations and trace God’s faithfulness across the text. - Practice persevering prayer. • Set specific times each day to pray, even when emotion is flat (Luke 18:1). • Include thanksgiving for past mercies, reinforcing memory of His works (Psalm 77:11-12). - Engage in obedient action. • Serve someone tangibly; obedience often rekindles assurance (John 14:21). • Maintain integrity in unseen moments, mirroring Job’s resolve (Job 23:11-12). - Seek fellowship with believers. • Share struggles with mature friends who speak Scripture-based encouragement (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Participate in corporate worship; collective praise lifts perspective (Psalm 73:16-17). - Fast from distractions that crowd the soul. • Limit media or habits that numb spiritual sensitivity (1 Peter 2:11). • Use the gained time for quiet reflection on God’s Word. Encouragement from Other Scriptures - “Truly You are a God who hides Himself.” – Isaiah 45:15 - “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” – James 4:8 - “We walk by faith, not by sight.” – 2 Corinthians 5:7 Living It Out Daily Hold fast to the certainty that invisible does not equal absent. By anchoring the heart in Scripture, persisting in prayerful obedience, and leaning on the body of Christ, the believer can navigate the silence with confidence that the God who once seemed hidden is still present, active, and faithful. |
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