'God hides His face'

Will the Lord cast off forever? And will He be favorable no more?   — Psalm 77:7

Does it ever seem as if you can’t get through to God in prayer? If so, you’re not alone.

David Brainerd was a godly missionary to the North American Indians in colonial days. He kept a diary in which he recorded his spiritual mountain peaks as well as his valleys. At one point he wrote, “I lodge in a bundle of straw, my labor is hard and extremely difficult, and I have little appearance of success to comfort me. . . . But what makes all my difficulties grievous to be borne is that God hides His face from me.”

When it seems God isn’t listening, that He’s “forgotten to be gracious” (Psalm 77:9), what should you do?

• Recognize that your experience is not unique and doesn’t mean you are an outcast from God’s redeemed family.

• Seek out a fellow believer with whom you can share your feelings and ask for prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:25).

• Meditate on the truths of Scripture and what God has done for you in the past (Psalm 77:11-12).

• Keep on praying in faith to your great God, no matter how silent heaven may seem (Luke 18:1).

Remember, our God is “the God who does wonders”! (Psalm 77:14).  — Vernon Grounds

And since He bids me seek His face,

Believe His Word and trust His grace,

I’ll cast on Him my every care,

And wait for thee, sweet hour

of prayer.     — Walford

READ: Psalm 77:1-15

When it comes to prayer, don’t hang up — hang on!

The Bible in one year:

• Ecclesiastes 10-12