“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?”
Psalms 10:1
Why, O LORD, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?
Psalms 22:1
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?
Jeremiah 14:8
O you hope of Israel, its savior in time of trouble, why should you be like a stranger in the land, like a traveler who turns aside to tarry for a night?
Psalms 13:1-3
How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me? Consider and answer me, O LORD my God; light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death,
Job 13:24
Why do you hide your face and count me as your enemy?
Job 34:29
When he is quiet, who can condemn? When he hides his face, who can behold him, whether it be a nation or a man?
Psalms 27:9
Hide not your face from me. Turn not your servant away in anger, O you who have been my help. Cast me not off; forsake me not, O God of my salvation!
1 Corinthians 2:9
But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”—
Psalms 34:1-4
I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together! I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
Psalms 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
We all face times of trouble where our heart hurts so bad and we seem to find nothing to ease it. Why does it seem like God is not there with us during these times when His word clearly says “He is very present help in trouble?” I wish I had the answer. I do know this – Every time, on the other side of those darkest moments I was better for it in some way. Seeing a deeper need for God – a greater hope in His help – a firmer faith in His word – an understanding of something other people went through that I gave no thought about – a clearer focus on seeking Him – in the future able to help someone else through the same trouble – a stronger desire to serve Him…… And a thankful heart. I know it seems strange but on the other side of trouble there is reflection on what you went through and an inner peace from God that strengthens you. A peace that passes all earthly understanding. However you don’t need to look very far before you see those without Christ who come through trouble with very bitter and resentful hearts and minds. Trusting God is for all times – good and what seems bad. The old hymn said it so clear “turn your eyes to Jesus, look full into His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace”