When You Can’t See God

Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him:

On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him: (Job 23:8-9)

These verses written by Job thousands of years ago, accurately describe many people’s lives today. Have you ever felt like Job– that no matter which way you turn, you can’t see God working in your life? I have. Sometimes life gets so complicated. We try our best to do all the “right” things. We go to church, we read our Bible, we love our family and care for them, we are kind to others… we do everything we are supposed to do. Yet, we don’t feel His presence, we can’t see Him working in our life, and we sense that His hand of blessing and favor is not on us.

What do you do when you hit a dry spell like this?

God Sees Me

Job was facing deep discouragement when he wrote these verses. He had just lost all of his wealth and possessions and his children. During this time of tragedy, he looked for God but couldn’t find Him anywhere. He knew God’s hand of blessing had been taken off his life, but he didn’t know why. Job questions God’s presence during this difficult time, but he moves on rather quickly in the next verse.

But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. (Job 23:10)

During this season of life when he couldn’t see God, Job chose to believe that God was still actively involved in His life. He trusted that God was watching over him and taking notice of what Job was doing.

It is during times of discouragement and uncertainty that I have to choose to believe that God is actively present and watching over me. Questioning God during this time doesn’t help. I have to trust that He sees me, even though I may not be able to see Him right now.

Photo credit: Geran de Klerk