The Seeker's Network

Lord, where are You?

1 Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble?


The heart and mind of a wicked person are such a fascinating subject that producers have created a very popular television program, entitled "Criminal Minds," built on the study of the worst imaginable cases. Yet, the heart and mind of the wicked dwell within each and every person who has ever lived. This psalm, which has no title, is an accurate study of the sinner's constitution. Some scholars believe it to be a sequel to Psalms 9, while others think it was originally part of it. Some authors have seen in it the description of the Antichrist.

This first verse stands alone from the verses that immediately follow. It questions the perceived absence of God during times of trouble. Charles Haddon Spurgeon wrote, "The answer to this is not far to seek, for if the Lord did not hide himself it would not be a time of trouble at all. As well ask why the sun does not shine at night, when for certain there could be no night if he did."

Nevertheless, a person of faith would expect God to respond quickly to his or her prayers during times of trouble and, during such times, hours may seem like days and days like eternity. He might well ask why God seemed to be so far off. We have all experienced the feeling that God has abandoned us, although we know that He never would do that.

Since we all have the heart of a sinner dwelling within us, the question should cause us to consider why God is indeed temporarily absent from the troubled waters in which we feel like we are drowning. Is it not because of our own sins? Should we not consider that he may be disciplining us as a good father would chastise his son? Then this would not be a time for concern, because He has not abandoned us but is lovingly correcting us.

Instead, God's delay in responding to our prayers should be a time for repentance and a time to draw closer to Him. We should rejoice in the knowledge that we are His children, blessed by the opportunity to correct ourselves and to draw closer to Him.

Although our troubles may seem to last for an eternity, it is good for us to remember 1 Corinthians 10;13, "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." God will not allow us to suffer more than we are able to stand. He will not allow our faith to be broken, because it is His purpose to strengthen it.

Why does He hide Himself? He hides because He knows what is best for us; He hides because He knows when the time is right to manifest Himself; and He hides because He loves us and wants us to seek Him.

Before the Throne:

Thank the Lord Jesus for promising to never leave you. If you are troubled, remember that He is with you, even if you can not see the evidence. Thank Him for the opportunity to grow in your faith. Thank Him for His discipline and love. Ask Him to show you your sins so you can repent and restore your fellowship with Him.

For Further Study:

(v.1) ** standest. Psa 22:1; 46:1; Jer 14:8; ** hidest. Psa 13:1-3; 27:9; 30:7; 44:24; 88:14; Job 13:24; 23:9; 34:29;