The Hiddenness of God

"I’m told that God loves me—and yet the reality of darkness and coldness and emptiness is so great that nothing touches my soul."
‍— Mother Theresa‍

"In my soul I feel just that terrible pain of loss—of God not wanting me—of God not being God—of God not really existing."
‍— Mother Theresa

"The silence and the emptiness is so great, that I look and do not see, listen and do not hear."
— Mother Theresa

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.  “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
Matthew 7:7-11

God’s Hiddenness: The tension people experience when God feels absent

Response One: Deny the problem exists

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.
Romans 1:18-20

1. This response skirts the problem by lowering the bar
2. This response risks blaming those who may be genuinely seeking
3. This response spiritually bypasses a universal human experience

"Why, O Lord, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?”
Psalm 10:1‍

How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?
Psalm 13:1‍

Why, Lord, do you reject me and hide your face from me?
Psalm 88:14‍

"Though I call and cry for help, he shuts out my prayer.”
Lamentations 3:8‍

"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest.”
Psalm 22:1–2

Response Two: Explain why the problem exists

6 considerations

1. God desires relationship with us
2. God desires to be desired
3. We live in a broken and fallen world  
4. Sometimes we aren't really seeking
5. Distorted expectations lead to disillusionment
6. God’s presence is greater than our perception

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your hearts.
Jeremiah 29:13‍

Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.
James 4:8

For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
1 Corinthians 13:12

Bottom Line

God’s presence is not measured by our feelings, but by God’s faithfulness.

Action Steps

Prayer‍

• What’s my pursuit of Jesus like these days?  
• Is there anything in my life that is obstructing my awareness of God?
• Do I have any expectations that are fueling disappointment?

Practice

• Pray Honestly: Maybe it’s a lament, a prayer of trust, or a request rooted in desire
• The Examen: Review your day in Jesus’ presence allowing him to reveal his presence