From time to time we read of the Psalmist asking God how long it will be until He comes to the rescue.  There are moments when God's presence seems absent in our lives, and there is even a temptation to believe that God is either neglecting us or not even real at all.  I like to think of that as an emotion-based faith that is determined by what is happening in a person's life and what he or she is feeling at a particular time.  I think we all have moments where our life circumstances affect our belief in God, but the truth is that it is a dangerous way to look at God.  Just because God seems absent it doesn't mean that God is absent.  I have found in my own life that it's important to take those moments when God is "away" to reflect on what He might be trying to teach me at a particular time.  On Sunday Pastor Tom reminded our congregation at LifePoint that God often teaches us more through the challenging circumstances in life than in the normal or even especially good circumstances in life.  Gold is refined by heating it up – the refining process of this precious metal takes time and energy, but in the end the purity of the gold is worth the effort.  It may seem like God is far away, but you shouldn't give up hope.  It may be that He is teaching you an important lesson that couldn't be learned under any other conditions.  It could be that He is shaping you into the type of person He wants you to be.  Keep trusting in Him and being faithful.  As Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, "acknowledge Him in all you do, and He will make your path straight."