Ever feel like God is absent without leave, AWOL? In hiding and out of sight? God does a Houdini disappearing act of cosmic proportions? During tough times, I sometimes feel like He’s abandoned me, leaving me high and dry. It’s not like I don’t deserve it.

When I think of a book in the Bible where struggles with God come to a head, I think primarily of Job. Patient man, is he? Not after you’ve read this book and paid attention to what he says. Godly Job lets out a kaleidoscope of emotions with his ‘friends’ and with his God. Holds nothing back. A hint for us? Possibly.

Read Job 23 and discover that he experiences God as missing in action. Job 23: 2, 8-9–‘Today also my complaint is bitter; my hand is heavy on account of my groaning…Behold, I go forward, but he is not there, and backward, but I do not perceive him; on the left hand when he is working, I do not behold him; he turns to the right hand, but I do not see him.’ AWOL.

We know, don’t we, that God is always with us? All through the Bible, He promises just that for His own. Deuteronomy 31: 6–‘Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.’

This is one of many Bible verses conveying that promise. So, rely on the Lord, who has always been faithful, whether I can sense Him or not, whether all the evidence seems contrary. So, I want to depend on Him during dark and hopeless times. Especially then.

Reading Job 23: 11-12, you’ll discover what Job does to get through the shambles he feels stuck in. What are his suggestions? Nothing really. Rather he stays the course, steady as can be with his God. Not deserting the One who seems far away. Overcomes his doubts with a faith that looks beyond his wayward feelings. Job decides to hang in there with his God. To be obedient. To follow the way of the Lord. He takes his stand with a nevertheless faith.

Hear Job himself–‘My foot has held fast to his steps; I have kept his way and have not turned aside. I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food’ (Job 23: 11-12).

I hear you, Job! Or do I?

Thank you, Jesus, for standing with me always. Amen.