When God Feels Hidden

In life, we all have unfavourable seasons that make us wish we had never been born. Christian in Pilgrims Progress was tempted to think this way, but what saved him from sinking into this low state of mind were the following steps.

Firstly, he gathered he was not alone. There were others on the same journey who experienced similar setbacks but had not giving up.

Secondly, he realised God was with him. Even though He could not see Him, it did not mean God was not there. To be fair, even Job confessed, “If He goes by me, I do not see Him; If He moves past, I do not perceive Him.” (Job 9:11) When God was close, Job did not discern Him, neither did He when he was distant. Yet Job drew comfort from God’s own word, “He never will leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrew 13:5

Thirdly, Christian tried to connect himself with someone who was heading to the celestial city. Having a companion meant He could share his burden and experience, while at the same time be challenged and refined in his thinking.

Christian did not find the friend He needed right away, but during his loneliest times, God taught Him how to be a friend, just as He had been to him.