How Long Will You Hide Your Face From Me

Psalm 13:1, 5-6

Published on: September 30, 2025

Last updated on: September 30, 2025

How long will you hide your face from me?

How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
. . .
But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
I will sing the Lord’s praise,
for he has been good to me.
Psalm 13:1, 5-6 NIV

As a Christian, do you ever feel like God is far away? That your prayers are bouncing off the ceiling? That your joy in Christ is missing? I think we all go through periods like that. Especially if you have been a believer for any length of time. And clearly, David experienced it. But what do you do when you find yourself in that condition?

I believe there are two things you could do. Some will wander away from God. And they will look for fulfillment, satisfaction, or joy in some other source. But that is the road that leads to ruin.

Trust in God

At the end of this Psalm, David expressed the alternative that he chose. David chose to continue to trust in God and to rejoice in His salvation. Even when his situation screamed for him to seek help elsewhere, David chose to remain faithful to God.

David’s example for us is good. If your sin is causing separation from God, repent and seek restoration (Psalm 51). But other times, when it seems God is distant, choose to remain faithful to Him and His call in your life. Don’t trust in your feelings. Trust in God. Know that He loves you and cares for you more than you can know. Trust that He is always near, even when it appears otherwise.

Their Hearts Were Hardened – Mark 6:51-52

In my head, I know that God can do anything. Yet how often do I doubt? And how often am I surprised when He does something unexpected?

The Work of the Potter’s Hand – Isaiah 64:8

I might wish I had the abilities of some other people. But I am the work of the master potter’s hands. I am what God has made me to be.

Don’t Take the Easy Way – Matthew 4:8-9

Stay the course, faithfully serving the Lord, and leave the results to him. Don’t allow Satan to lure you into taking the easy way.

Forgetting the Past and Looking Ahead – Philippians 3:12-14

As believers we should follow Paul’s example. Forgetting our past failures and successes, and looking forward to what lies ahead.

(This post was originally published on

March 20, 2019

)

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Ed Jarrett

Just an old clay jar that God continues to see fit to use in his kingdom's work. I am retired, married with 2 children, and 4 grandchildren. I have followed Jesus for many years. And I love to share what He has given me from His word.

A Note to Readers

The views expressed here are solely mine and do not necessarily reflect those of any other person, group, or organization. While I believe they reflect the teachings of the Bible, I am a fallible human and subject to misunderstanding. Please feel free to leave any comments or questions about this post in the comments section below. I am always interested in your feedback.