Rouse yourself! Why do you sleep, O Lord? Awake, do not cast us off for ever! Why do you hide your face? Why do you forget our affliction and oppression? For we sink down to the dust; our bodies cling to the ground. Rise up, come to our help. Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love. (Psalm 44: 23-25)

I have never perceived that God was asleep. I have experienced the absence of God, but that has been the result of my choice to step away. God has honored my choice.

I have experienced confusion, shame, and failure. But God has clearly been with me in these times. I have not always listened carefully or responded faithfully, but God has continued in relationship with me.

Some - like the psalmist - speak of God being out of sight. In my experience this has meant I have been facing the wrong way.