Unseen Footprints

It can be difficult to see God in difficult times, to deny His presence or believe that He has turned away. In the psalms, the writers are often in dark times and feel that God has turned away from them, that they are alone in their situation. But they also feel that they can say this to God, they don't have to bottle up their feeling and can say what is in their hearts. They are then be able to look back on all He has done and recognise that God is working even if you can't see it.

Psalm 77: 7 - 20 (ESV)

“Will the Lord spurn forever,

and never again be favorable?

8 Has his steadfast love forever ceased?

Are his promises at an end for all time?

9 Has God forgotten to be gracious?

Has he in anger shut up his compassion?” Selah

10 Then I said, “I will appeal to this,

to the years of the right hand of the Most High.”

11 I will remember the deeds of the Lord;

yes, I will remember your wonders of old.

12 I will ponder all your work,

and meditate on your mighty deeds.

13 Your way, O God, is holy.

What god is great like our God?

14 You are the God who works wonders;

you have made known your might among the peoples.

15 You with your arm redeemed your people,

the children of Jacob and Joseph. Selah

16 When the waters saw you, O God,

when the waters saw you, they were afraid;

indeed, the deep trembled.

17 The clouds poured out water;

the skies gave forth thunder;

your arrows flashed on every side.

18 The crash of your thunder was in the whirlwind;

your lightnings lighted up the world;

the earth trembled and shook.

19 Your way was through the sea,

your path through the great waters;

yet your footprints were unseen.

20 You led your people like a flock

by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

In our own lives and in the bigger picture of history we can see God at work when we are able to open our eyes and hearts to see His unseen footprints alongside us every step of the way. Coming alongside people going through dark times, like many of our Ely and District CAP clients, helps them to know that it is ok not to be ok, that God is there and knows what is in our hearts - we don't have to bottle it up and hide from Him, and by sharing even those things which we hide from ourselves with Him, we can be more aware of His presence, His light even in the darkest times.