Just before Purim this spring, God reminded me of the importance of looking for His “hidden hand” in our lives. In the whole book of Esther, God isn’t mentioned. There’s also no record of God speaking directly to His people or prophets. However, this doesn’t mean that He wasn’t present, moving, and speaking throughout the events that transpired. In fact, we can see how God strategically moved through different individuals to protect His people from genocide.
Similarly, we can be tempted to think that God isn’t present or speaking during our own trials. I know that for me personally, God can seem quiet and distant when I need Him the most. During times of trial, my prophetic flow goes from a roaring waterfall to a meager trickle. I can feel as though I’ve lost my spiritual bearings.
When the natural landscape shifts, this is when doubt strikes. Did I do something wrong? Has God abandoned me? I’ve learned from long experience that this is the time to pause, press into truth, and seek God’s hidden hand moving in my life. When all seems quiet, God is moving and speaking in subtle ways.
Our good Father will never leave or forsake us. In fact, He is the Eternal One, whose presence permeates all things. As David proclaimed in Psalm 139, where can we go from His Spirit? When natural circumstances jar us, that is the time when we must resist the fears of the flesh, stretch our spiritual senses, and tune into God’s presence once again.
Heavenly Father, please open our spiritual eyes that we might see Your hand moving in every circumstance. When difficulties arise, You may be moving in subtle ways that we can easily overlook. You are faithful in every season. May our hearts ever remain sensitive to your Presence and the gentle leading of Your Spirit.
Psalm 139:7-12 (NIV) Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.
[ “Seek God’s Hidden Hand” originally posted on Waiting in the Wings, reposted in its entirety with permission.]