“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.” 1 Peter 4:12-13 (NKJV)
There is a burdened condition of the heart, or of the spirit of believers that comes upon us all at some point in our Christian life. It is a “feeling” or state of being where we are bewildered to some degree, often a great degree, by the loss of our awareness of the presence of God. We are not able to sense His nearness, to “feel” Him in our spirit, our peace seems to have left us. Why does this burden come upon us? Sometimes we bring it upon ourselves by living in a manner that is not pleasing to God. He will gradually allow us to feel the loss of His presence for a season in order to draw us to back to Himself. The greatest blessing for us is to be aware of His presence and to know that He is always with us. Is there a tragedy or trouble that can not be overwhelmed by being in the presence of God? I think not! Living in a way contrary to God’s wishes is to invite a loss of that blessing.
Focusing on the temptations of life and not on God, allows us to begin to wonder about His presence, we wonder about our own faith, we become saddened by our new state of being, am I worthy? is it real? where is God? All of these questions will present themselves to a mind that is in turmoil and Satan has gained a foothold.
In all of this, God is still here, He is still watching over us, still providing, still caring, still loving us, patiently waiting for us while we frantically search for Him. In these times of darkness we must continue to follow the path that He has shown us; the path is still where it was, His absence has not obliterated it, merely obscured it to some degree. We must hold fast to our faith and press on with the determination of Job: “Oh, that I knew where I might find Him, that I might come to His seat!” Job 23:3
