“He shrouded himself in darkness, veiling his approach with dark rain clouds.” (Psalm 18:11 NLT)

I knew that it was there, but I couldn’t see it.

When a new or full moon coincides with the moon’s closest approach to the earth, it is called a supermoon. The last one for 2021 occurred on June 24th. Once before, when this happened, I wanted to see it, but couldn’t. Several wildfires raged nearby. Each morning and evening brought a thick coat of smoke that veiled the sky, shutting out my ability to see the stars or the supermoon. Add to that the geography of our neighbourhood — tall trees and other nearby townhouses — and my wish to witness this marvel of nature went ungranted.

The psalmist was hounded by enemies, one in particular — a jealous king. But he wasn’t worried. Using picturesque words to describe what was indescribable, he related how God came down to save him. Mounted on an angelic being, God soared on the wings of the wind with storm clouds beneath His feet. But He also shrouded Himself in darkness so His enemy couldn’t see His approach.

God has been known to hide Himself. For thirteen years, Joseph must have wondered where He was. Joseph was hated by his jealous brothers, and then sold by them to a band of traders, who took him to Egypt and sold him again. Falsely accused of trying to rape Potiphar’s wife, Joseph was cast into prison where he was promptly forgotten. For two more years, he languished in squalid conditions until God suddenly turned his situation around and promoted him to prime minister of Egypt.

Just because I don’t see the hand of God in my situation doesn’t mean that it isn’t there. Jesus promised never to leave or forsake His children — and He doesn’t. He is working behind the scenes, orchestrating the events of my life, thwarting the schemes of the enemy, and manufacturing good for me. My duty is simply to trust in His sovereignty, His unconditional love, and His power.

When God hides, I must wait for Him to show Himself. Biblical waiting is not inactivity. I continue to do the last thing that He told me to do until He opens another door and provides clear guidance for a change of direction.

God may appear to be hidden, but He is never absent from the details of our lives. Let’s trust in that promise daily.

Prayer: Father, we thank You for always being near, whether we can perceive You or not. Amen.

Copyright © 2021, by Martin Wiles <mandmwiles@gmail.com>, first published on the PresbyCan Daily Devotional presbycan.ca .
Greenwood, South Carolina, USA

Reprinted from PresbyCan with author’s permission