I’m not so sure if God hides his face from us. Rather than a reality, it may be what the person is sensing within due to the pain and struggles. 
David experienced such a depth of pain and expressed those words several times. On the cross, Jesus asked: “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” This doesn’t have to mean that God the Father forsook Jesus at the point of his greatest agony. It means that at the greatest point of agony he felt so distraught that it felt like he was deserted by everyone, even his heavenly Father. Thus we also have the words of David: “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?” (Psa 13:1)
No, God doesn’t hide. We just get blinded by the intensity of our pain and the depth of our struggles. 
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Ever been the timid type? Afraid? Always afraid? You’re the person who waits for others to take the first step. But, if it’s to run from danger, then you’re first. 
The following words have always been a source of strength for Israel. 

“In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength” (Isa 30:15). 

A “fearful leader” can be a contradictory term. But it’s often a reality. The problem is that you’ll end up vacillating, incapable of firm decisions. As you cower under the words of others, you’ll wonder who is the real leader here. 
Sometimes you snap back at others. Maybe out of fear, sometimes out of jealousy, and often out of ignorance of other people’s situations. 
Return to the presence of your Father. Rest in his presence. Quiet yourself in His embrace. Trust in His strength. 
Then lead. 
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Actually their lying duplicity is fine as long as you know their game. You can simply ignore their words. That’s not a problem to ignore such people. 
But flattery is the clincher. Their sweet words of genuine sounding baloney becomes irritating. It comes across as so sweet and genuine that you’re sucked into believing it. Then, when you’re inside their trap, you look out into the world of reality and realize – you’re the sucker. Sorry, it was too sweet to be true. 
Maybe David was experiencing this when he said these words.

“Everyone utters lies to his neighbor; With flattering lips and a double heart they speak. May the Lord cut off all flattering lips, the tongue that makes great boasts, those who say, ‘With our tongue we will prevail, our lips are with us, who is master over us?” (Psa 12:2-4)

Watch out!
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Doesn’t seem like a good disciple making strategy. It seems like Jesus is saying, “OK, you got what you need. Now go. It seems like he doesn’t care. But of course he cared. That’s why he healed people. He was concerned about them. That’s why he fed them. He loved them. That’s why he forgave sinners. He enjoyed their company. That’s why he hung out with them and ate and drank as well. That’s why he died on the cross. 
With this person and many others, Jesus simply tells them to “go” rather than asking them to follow him. And Jesus said to him:

“Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way (Mark 10:52).

But following Jesus requires self-denial. When you follow, what do you get? You get Jesus. Through him you get the Holy Spirit. And of course, the Father too. Along with this you get the Kingdom.
Now, why would you want the Kingdom? The kingdom is the rule and reign of God. And in the kingdom, you get righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. You get connected with your creator. And, you’re adopted into the ultimate First Family, the family of God as you become a child of the King. Wow!
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Why not? They deserve it, don’t they? After all, they’ve brought it on themselves as a result of their actions. But then, we know that God is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin (Exo 34:6-7).
But we still get to express our pain and the resulting struggles. David said, “Let him rain coals on the wicked; fire and sulfur and a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup (Psa 11:8). These words are harsh, but they are shrouded in the merciful and gracious love of God. 
His love is even forgiving of our anger and inconsistencies of our own lives. He knows we are weak and troubled. His mercy extends to us even when we are unmerciful.
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Over focused people may become steam rollers. 
There’s nothing wrong with being focused. In fact, only some are focused enough to make a difference. Most are not. 
Some get so focused on what they are involved in that they become like a steam roller. They get pushy. I think they can become “painfully focused.” The pain is not their own, but they cause pain in others. 
Those who are painfully focused get so set on their personal interests that they forget everyone else. Such people do well with their interests and with that they value. But nothing else matters to them. 
Is that you? Does it ring a bell? Look around you. What do you see on the faces of people around you? Look within you. What is driving you forward? 
Are you painfully focused? 
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We don’t wish evil on even the worst of our enemies. We are to pray for those who misuse us and to do good to them. Jesus has clearly commanded us to love our enemies. 
But God is the arm breaker. 

“Break the arm of the wicked and evildoer; call his wickedness to account till you find no more” (Psa 10:15).

Although we are to curse no one, their actions bring certain end results. We are not to take revenge, but God is the one who avenges. 
Silence is a good response. Find ways to do good to those who speak against you. Then a few years later, you’ll hear how God shows up as the “arm breaker” to call to account the misdeeds of those who do evil. 

“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap” (Gal 6:7). 

Maybe this sounds too harsh. Just don’t take any of this on yourself. Learn to relax, be silent and leave things to God. That’s it. 
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          Well, sort of. There is a good side to fear in that it keeps us out of danger. For example, touching a hot stove causes pain and subsequently fear in a small child. That fear will keep the child from touching the hot surface again. 
         But unwarranted fear may keep us from being persistent in our pursuits. Failure causes pain and subsequently fear develops. That fear keeps us from trying again. It keeps us contained within the domain of the familiar. No more risk-taking in new directions. 
         Failure doesn’t have to cap your future. It ought to be just an indicator to get us more focused and resilient to face future setbacks when they come. Learn to set fear aside. Proceed with passion and move caution out of the forefront and to the side where it belongs. 
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But it feels like you’re out in the sea without an anchor. Times of trouble simply puts you in a state of “limbo.” 

The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble (Psa 9:9).

It’s a promise that the Lord is a sure stronghold for those in trouble. When there is no one to care, when everyone seems to be your enemy, God will be your stronghold. 
As a stronghold, God becomes your protector. When you are attacked from every side, God will be your covering. The weight of the attack may be heavy, but it won’t crush you. It may even feel like you’re going to die, but you will be rejoicing in the land of the living. God is your stornghold in times of trouble. 
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Recently we visited a historic home, about 200 years old. I tried to read some of the old written documents displayed in the home. Although written in English, it was difficult to understand. The writing, the language, and the usage was different. 
The text of the Bible is over 2,000 years old. The current translations are modern renditions of ancient language, styles, and usage. But since the context of our times is so far removed, we need to be careful how we interpret. 
Here are three clues for interpretation. First, ask what it meant to the original readers. To do this, learn about their culture, usage of language, customs, manners, religion, politics, history, and much more. This is a gradual, ongoing process. 
Second, find the overarching principle. A principle transcends time, culture, and language. It’s for everyone. It may be themes such as: show respect for others, love unconditionally, forgive, etc. 
Third, apply that “principle” to today. Give practical steps to obey the principles from that text. 
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