How do we know God is present in our hardships?

Believers often wrestle with feelings of abandonment during trials, yet Scripture reassures us that God is always present. In Psalm 27:8, David expresses a longing for God, 'When You said, “Seek My face,” my heart said to You, “Your face, Lord, I will seek.”' This pursuit indicates that even in spiritual dryness, the believer accounts for God’s faithfulness as an anchor. Just like the bride in Song of Solomon, who sought her beloved even in despair, we too must cling to the truth that God does not abandon His people.

Moreover, in times of strife, He may intentionally withhold His visible presence, not out of neglect but to awaken a deeper desire for Him. It is through these challenges that our faith is tested and strengthened, ultimately leading us back into His comforting embrace. Galatians 4:26 speaks of 'Jerusalem which is above' as the mother of all who believe, implying that the true fulfillment of our identity and comfort is found in being part of God's covenant community, where His presence is assured.