Is God Hiding?

CONSIDER
God does not hide His will from us because He does not want us to know His plans. He desires for us to be active participants in relating to Him. “It is God’s privilege to conceal things / and the king’s privilege to discover them” (Prov. 25:2 NLT). There is great reward in pursuing a goal and attaining what the giver intended for us to have. We must simply look in the right place.

BIBLE TRUTH

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. (James 1:5–8 NIV)

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO ME?
As we live lives that are desperately dependent on Christ, the resulting connection will magnify the Lord. Realizing that our central focus of life is to make Him look wonderful, the dross of the world falls away. Our unified adventure with God supplies purpose and meaning to life. C. S. Lewis wrote, “But look for Christ and you will find Him, and with Him everything else thrown in.”

PRAYER

Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my plea! Answer me because you are faithful and righteous. Don’t put your servant on trial, for no one is innocent before you. My enemy has chased me. He has knocked me to the ground and forces me to live in darkness like those in the grave. I am losing all hope; I am paralyzed with fear. I remember the days of old. I ponder all your great works and think about what you have done. I lift my hands to you in prayer. I thirst for you as parched land thirsts for rain. . . . (Ps. 143:1–6 NLT)

(excerpts from Desperate Dependency by J. Kirk & Melanie D. Lewis)

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My Way or His Will?

CONSIDER
We want to meet with God on our terms, but He will meet us only on His terms. We want to relate with Him in a way that is comfortable to us, but anything short of God’s plan is a deception. We forfeit reality for comfort and give up a relevant encounter with God.
The Bible uses the term confess to identify the juncture where we become congruent with the mind of God regarding His revealed truth. God asks us to confess foundational truths such as Jesus Christ is the Son of God and Lord (1 John 4:15; Rom. 10:9), Jesus is relevant (Luke 12:8), and we are sinful (1 John 1:9). Confession is key to an authentic relationship with God.

BIBLE TRUTH
“On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws’” (Matt. 7:22–23 NLT).

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO ME?
As we become congruent with God’s description of us and our sin, we no longer succumb to Satan’s deceptions that keep us bound. When we confront the truth about ourselves, we agree with God that He is the only one capable of delivering us. We are incapable of living an independent life. Under the pretext of spirituality we miss a relevant relationship with Jesus. Christ asserted to His disciples that a true relationship with Him is more than just performing good deeds, even if they do appear to be supernatural and miraculous.

PRAYER
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. . . . (Ps. 139)


(excerpts from Desperate Dependency by J. Kirk & Melanie D. Lewis)


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Psalms 63 Prayer Pattern

This psalm was chosen to provide a model designed by God showing ways we can approach Him in a desperately dependent fashion. Use Psalms Prayer Patterns to pour out your heart to God while acknowledging your weakness and His strength, as you grow deeper in your relationship with Him.

Psalms Prayer Pattern

O God, you are my God;
     I earnestly search for you.
My soul thirsts for you;
     my whole body longs for you
in this parched and weary land
     where there is no water.
I have seen you in your sanctuary
     and gazed upon your power and glory.
Your unfailing love is better than life itself;
     how I praise you!
I will praise you as long as I live,
     lifting up my hands to you in prayer.
You satisfy me more than the richest feast.
     I will praise you with songs of joy.

I lie awake thinking of you,
     meditating on you through the night.
Because you are my helper,
     I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings.
I cling to you;
     your strong right hand holds me securely.

But those plotting to destroy me will come to ruin.
     They will go down into the depths of the earth.
They will die by the sword
     and become the food of jackals.
But the king will rejoice in God.
     All who trust in him will praise him,
     while liars will be silenced.       —Ps. 63 NLT

(excerpts from Desperate Dependency by J. Kirk & Melanie D. Lewis)


We would love for you to share in the COMMENTS the insights you have received on your journey.

Psalms 111 Prayer Pattern

This psalm was chosen to provide a model designed by God showing ways we can approach Him in a desperately dependent fashion. Use Psalms Prayer Patterns to pour out your heart to God while acknowledging your weakness and His strength, as you grow deeper in your relationship with Him.

Psalms Prayer Pattern

Praise the LORD!

I will thank the LORD with all my heart
     as I meet with his godly people.
How amazing are the deeds of the LORD!
     All who delight in him should ponder them.
Everything he does reveals his glory and majesty.
     His righteousness never fails.
He causes us to remember his wonderful works.
     How gracious and merciful is our LORD!
He gives food to those who fear him;
     he always remembers his covenant.
He has shown his great power to his people
     by giving them the lands of other nations.
All he does is just and good,
     and all his commandments are trustworthy.
They are forever true,
     to be obeyed faithfully and with integrity.
He has paid a full ransom for his people.
     He has guaranteed his covenant with them forever.
     What a holy, awe-inspiring name he has!
Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true wisdom.
     All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom.

Praise him forever!       —Ps. 111 NLT

(excerpts from Desperate Dependency by J. Kirk & Melanie D. Lewis)


We would love for you to share in the COMMENTS the insights you have received on your journey.

Psalms 51 Prayer Pattern

This psalm was chosen to provide a model designed by God showing ways we can approach Him in a desperately dependent fashion. Use Psalms Prayer Patterns to pour out your heart to God while acknowledging your weakness and His strength, as you grow deeper in your relationship with Him.

Psalms Prayer Pattern

Have mercy on me, O God,
     because of your unfailing love.
Because of your great compassion,
     blot out the stain of my sins.
Wash me clean from my guilt.
     Purify me from my sin.
For I recognize my rebellion;
     it haunts me day and night.
Against you, and you alone, have I sinned;
     I have done what is evil in your sight.
You will be proved right in what you say,
     and your judgment against me is just.
For I was born a sinner—
     yes, from the moment my mother conceived me.
But you desire honesty from the womb,
     teaching me wisdom even there.

Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean;
     wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Oh, give me back my joy again;
     you have broken me—
     now let me rejoice.
Don’t keep looking at my sins.
     Remove the stain of my guilt.
Create in me a clean heart, O God.
     Renew a loyal spirit within me.
Do not banish me from your presence,
     and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
     and make me willing to obey you.
Then I will teach your ways to rebels,
     and they will return to you.
Forgive me for shedding blood, O God who saves;
     then I will joyfully sing of your forgiveness.
Unseal my lips, O Lord,
     that my mouth may praise you.

You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one.
     You do not want a burnt offering.
The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit.
     You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.
Look with favor on Zion and help her;
     rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
Then you will be pleased with sacrifices offered in the right spirit—
     with burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings.
     Then bulls will again be sacrificed on your altar.       —Ps. 51 NLT

(excerpts from Desperate Dependency by J. Kirk & Melanie D. Lewis)


We would love for you to share in the COMMENTS the insights you have received on your journey.

Psalms 143 Prayer Pattern

This psalm was chosen to provide a model designed by God showing ways we can approach Him in a desperately dependent fashion. Use Psalms Prayer Patterns to pour out your heart to God while acknowledging your weakness and His strength, as you grow deeper in your relationship with Him.

Psalms Prayer Pattern

Hear my prayer, O LORD;
     listen to my plea!
     Answer me because you are faithful and righteous.
Don’t put your servant on trial,
     for no one is innocent before you.
My enemy has chased me.
     He has knocked me to the ground
     and forces me to live in darkness like those in the grave.
I am losing all hope;
     I am paralyzed with fear.
I remember the days of old.
     I ponder all your great works
     and think about what you have done.
I lift my hands to you in prayer.
     I thirst for you as parched land thirsts for rain. Interlude

Come quickly, LORD, and answer me,
     for my depression deepens.
Don’t turn away from me,
     or I will die.
Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning,
     for I am trusting you.
Show me where to walk,
     for I give myself to you.
Rescue me from my enemies, LORD;
     I run to you to hide me.
Teach me to do your will,
     for you are my God.
May your gracious Spirit lead me forward
     on a firm footing.
For the glory of your name, O LORD, preserve my life.
     Because of your faithfulness, bring me out of this distress.
In your unfailing love, silence all my enemies
     and destroy all my foes,
     for I am your servant.       —Ps. 143 NLT

(excerpts from Desperate Dependency by J. Kirk & Melanie D. Lewis)


We would love for you to share in the COMMENTS the insights you have received on your journey.

Psalms 142 Prayer Pattern

This psalm was chosen to provide a model designed by God showing ways we can approach Him in a desperately dependent fashion. Use Psalms Prayer Patterns to pour out your heart to God while acknowledging your weakness and His strength, as you grow deeper in your relationship with Him.

Psalms Prayer Pattern

I cry out to the LORD;
      I plead for the LORD’s mercy.
I pour out my complaints before him
      and tell him all my troubles.
When I am overwhelmed,
      you alone know the way I should turn.
Wherever I go,
      my enemies have set traps for me.
I look for someone to come and help me,
      but no one gives me a passing thought!
No one will help me;
      no one cares a bit what happens to me.
Then I pray to you, O LORD.
      I say, “You are my place of refuge.
      You are all I really want in life.
Hear my cry,
      for I am very low.
Rescue me from my persecutors,
      for they are too strong for me.
Bring me out of prison
      so I can thank you.
The godly will crowd around me,
      for you are good to me.”       —Ps. 142 NLT

(excerpts from Desperate Dependency by J. Kirk & Melanie D. Lewis)


We would love for you to share in the COMMENTS the insights you have received on your journey.

Psalms 145 Prayer Pattern

This psalm was chosen to provide a model designed by God showing ways we can approach Him in a desperately dependent fashion. Use Psalms Prayer Patterns to pour out your heart to God while acknowledging your weakness and His strength, as you grow deeper in your relationship with Him.

Psalms Prayer Pattern

I will exalt you, my God and King,
     and praise your name forever and ever.
I will praise you every day;
     yes, I will praise you forever.
Great is the LORD! He is most worthy of praise!
     No one can measure his greatness.

Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts;
     let them proclaim your power.
I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor
     and your wonderful miracles.
Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue;
     I will proclaim your greatness.
Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness;
     they will sing with joy about your righteousness.

The LORD is merciful and compassionate,
     slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
The LORD is good to everyone.
     He showers compassion on all his creation.
All of your works will thank you, LORD
     and your faithful followers will praise you.
They will speak of the glory of your kingdom;
     they will give examples of your power.
They will tell about your mighty deeds
     and about the majesty and glory of your reign.
For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom.
     You rule throughout all generations.
The LORD always keeps his promises;
     he is gracious in all he does.
The LORD helps the fallen
     and lifts those bent beneath their loads.
The eyes of all look to you in hope;
     you give them their food as they need it.
When you open your hand,
     you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing.
The LORD is righteous in everything he does;
     he is filled with kindness.
The LORD is close to all who call on him,
     yes, to all who call on him in truth.
He grants the desires of those who fear him;
     he hears their cries for help and rescues them.
The LORD protects all those who love him,
     but he destroys the wicked.

I will praise the LORD,
     and may everyone on earth bless his holy name
     forever and ever.       —Ps. 145 NLT

(excerpts from Desperate Dependency by J. Kirk & Melanie D. Lewis)


We would love for you to share in the COMMENTS the insights you have received on your journey.

Psalms 115 Prayer Pattern

This psalm was chosen to provide a model designed by God showing ways we can approach Him in a desperately dependent fashion. Use Psalms Prayer Patterns to pour out your heart to God while acknowledging your weakness and His strength, as you grow deeper in your relationship with Him.

Psalms Prayer Pattern

Not to us, O LORD, not to us,
      but to your name goes all the glory
      for your unfailing love and faithfulness.
Why let the nations say,
      “Where is their God?”
Our God is in the heavens,
      and he does as he wishes.
Their idols are merely things of silver and gold,
      shaped by human hands.
They have mouths but cannot speak,
      and eyes but cannot see.
They have ears but cannot hear,
      and noses but cannot smell.
They have hands but cannot feel,
      and feet but cannot walk,
      and throats but cannot make a sound.
And those who make idols are just like them,
      as are all who trust in them.

O Israel, trust the LORD!
      He is your helper and your shield.
O priests, descendants of Aaron, trust the LORD!
      He is your helper and your shield.
All you who fear the LORD, trust the LORD!
      He is your helper and your shield.

The LORD remembers us and will bless us.
      He will bless the people of Israel
      and bless the priests, the descendants of Aaron.
He will bless those who fear the LORD,
      both great and lowly.

May the LORD richly bless
      both you and your children.
May you be blessed by the LORD,
      who made heaven and earth.
The heavens belong to the LORD,
      but he has given the earth to all humanity.
The dead cannot sing praises to the LORD,
      for they have gone into the silence of the grave.
But we can praise the LORD
      both now and forever!
Praise the LORD!       —Ps. 115 NLT

(excerpts from Desperate Dependency by J. Kirk & Melanie D. Lewis)


We would love for you to share in the COMMENTS the insights you have received on your journey.

Psalms 139 Prayer Pattern

This psalm was chosen to provide a model designed by God showing ways we can approach Him in a desperately dependent fashion. Use Psalms Prayer Patterns to pour out your heart to God while acknowledging your weakness and His strength, as you grow deeper in your relationship with Him.

Psalms Prayer Pattern

O LORD, you have examined my heart
      and know everything about me.
You know when I sit down or stand up.
      You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
You see me when I travel
      and when I rest at home.
      You know everything I do.
You know what I am going to say
      even before I say it, LORD.
You go before me and follow me.
      You place your hand of blessing on my head.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
      too great for me to understand!

I can never escape from your Spirit!
      I can never get away from your presence!
If I go up to heaven, you are there;
      if I go down to the grave, you are there.
If I ride the wings of the morning,
      if I dwell by the farthest oceans,
even there your hand will guide me,
      and your strength will support me.
I could ask the darkness to hide me
      and the light around me to become night—
      but even in darkness I cannot hide from you.
To you the night shines as bright as day.
      Darkness and light are the same to you.

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
      and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
      Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
      as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
You saw me before I was born.
      Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
      before a single day had passed.

How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
      They cannot be numbered!
I can’t even count them;
      they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up,
      you are still with me!

O God, if only you would destroy the wicked!
      Get out of my life, you murderers!
They blaspheme you;
      your enemies misuse your name.
O LORD, shouldn’t I hate those who hate you?
      Shouldn’t I despise those who oppose you?
Yes, I hate them with total hatred,
      for your enemies are my enemies.

Search me, O God, and know my heart;
      test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you,
      and lead me along the path of everlasting life.       —Ps. 139 NLT

(excerpts from Desperate Dependency by J. Kirk & Melanie D. Lewis)


We would love for you to share in the COMMENTS the insights you have received on your journey.

Psalms 16 Prayer Pattern

This psalm was chosen to provide a model designed by God showing ways we can approach Him in a desperately dependent fashion. Use Psalms Prayer Patterns to pour out your heart to God while acknowledging your weakness and His strength, as you grow deeper in your relationship with Him.

Psalms Prayer Pattern

Keep me safe, O God,
      for I have come to you for refuge.

I said to the LORD, “You are my Master!
      Every good thing I have comes from you.”
The godly people in the land
      are my true heroes!
      I take pleasure in them!
Troubles multiply for those who chase after other gods.
      I will not take part in their sacrifices of blood
      or even speak the names of their gods.

LORD, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing.
      You guard all that is mine.
The land you have given me is a pleasant land.
      What a wonderful inheritance!

I will bless the LORD who guides me;
      even at night my heart instructs me.
I know the LORD is always with me.
      I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.

No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice.
      My body rests in safety.
For you will not leave my soul among the dead
      or allow your holy one to rot in the grave.
You will show me the way of life,
      granting me the joy of your presence
      and the pleasures of living with you forever.      —Ps. 16 NLT

(excerpts from Desperate Dependency by J. Kirk & Melanie D. Lewis)


We would love for you to share in the COMMENTS the insights you have received on your journey.

Psalms 86 Prayer Pattern

This psalm was chosen to provide a model designed by God showing ways we can approach Him in a desperately dependent fashion. Use Psalms Prayer Patterns to pour out your heart to God while acknowledging your weakness and His strength, as you grow deeper in your relationship with Him.

Psalms Prayer Pattern

Bend down, O LORD, and hear my prayer;
      answer me, for I need your help.
Protect me, for I am devoted to you.
      Save me, for I serve you and trust you.
      You are my God.
Be merciful to me, O LORD,
      for I am calling on you constantly.
Give me happiness, O LORD,
      for I give myself to you.
O LORD, you are so good, so ready to forgive,
      so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help.
Listen closely to my prayer, O LORD;
      hear my urgent cry.
I will call to you whenever I’m in trouble,
      and you will answer me.

No pagan god is like you, O LORD.
      None can do what you do!
All the nations you made
      will come and bow before you, LORD;
      they will praise your holy name.
For you are great and perform wonderful deeds.
      You alone are God.

Teach me your ways, O LORD,
      that I may live according to your truth!
Grant me purity of heart,
      so that I may honor you.
With all my heart I will praise you, O LORD my God.
      I will give glory to your name forever,
for your love for me is very great.
      You have rescued me from the depths of death.

O God, insolent people rise up against me;
      a violent gang is trying to kill me.
      You mean nothing to them.
But you, O LORD,
      are a God of compassion and mercy,
slow to get angry
      and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.
Look down and have mercy on me.
      Give your strength to your servant;
      save me, the son of your servant.
Send me a sign of your favor.
      Then those who hate me will be put to shame,
      for you, O LORD, help and comfort me.       —Ps. 86 NLT

(excerpts from Desperate Dependency by J. Kirk & Melanie D. Lewis)


We would love for you to share in the COMMENTS the insights you have received on your journey.

Psalms 138 Prayer Pattern

This psalm was chosen to provide a model designed by God showing ways we can approach Him in a desperately dependent fashion. Use Psalms Prayer Patterns to pour out your heart to God while acknowledging your weakness and His strength, as you grow deeper in your relationship with Him.

Psalms Prayer Pattern

I give you thanks, O LORD, with all my heart;
      I will sing your praises before the gods.
I bow before your holy Temple as I worship.
      I praise your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness;
for your promises are backed
      by all the honor of your name.
As soon as I pray, you answer me;
      you encourage me by giving me strength.

Every king in all the earth will thank you, LORD,
      for all of them will hear your words.
Yes, they will sing about the LORD’s ways,
      for the glory of the LORD is very great.
Though the LORD is great, he cares for the humble,
      but he keeps his distance from the proud.

Though I am surrounded by troubles,
      you will protect me from the anger of my enemies.
You reach out your hand,
      and the power of your right hand saves me.
The LORD will work out his plans for my life—
      for your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever.
      Don’t abandon me, for you made me.       —Ps. 138 NLT

(excerpts from Desperate Dependency by J. Kirk & Melanie D. Lewis)


We would love for you to share in the COMMENTS the insights you have received on your journey.

Psalms 25 Prayer Pattern

This psalm was chosen to provide a model designed by God showing ways we can approach Him in a desperately dependent fashion. Use Psalms Prayer Patterns to pour out your heart to God while acknowledging your weakness and His strength, as you grow deeper in your relationship with Him.

Psalms Prayer Pattern

O LORD, I give my life to you.
      I trust in you, my God!
Do not let me be disgraced,
      or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat.
No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced,
      but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others.

Show me the right path, O LORD;
      point out the road for me to follow.
Lead me by your truth and teach me,
      for you are the God who saves me.
      All day long I put my hope in you.
Remember, O LORD, your compassion and unfailing love,
      which you have shown from long ages past.
Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth.
      Remember me in the light of your unfailing love,
      for you are merciful, O LORD.

The LORD is good and does what is right;
      he shows the proper path to those who go astray.
He leads the humble in doing right,
      teaching them his way.
The LORD leads with unfailing love and faithfulness
      all who keep his covenant and obey his demands.
For the honor of your name, O LORD,
      forgive my many, many sins.
Who are those who fear the LORD?
      He will show them the path they should choose.
They will live in prosperity,
      and their children will inherit the land.
The LORD is a friend to those who fear him.
      He teaches them his covenant.
My eyes are always on the LORD,
      for he rescues me from the traps of my enemies.

Turn to me and have mercy,
      for I am alone and in deep distress.
My problems go from bad to worse.
      Oh, save me from them all!
Feel my pain and see my trouble.
      Forgive all my sins.
See how many enemies I have
      and how viciously they hate me!
Protect me! Rescue my life from them!
      Do not let me be disgraced, for in you I take refuge.
May integrity and honesty protect me,
      for I put my hope in you.

O God, ransom Israel
      from all its troubles.       —Ps. 25 NLT

(excerpts from Desperate Dependency by J. Kirk & Melanie D. Lewis)