song of songs, the journey of the bride by Brian Simmons

• We tend to interpret difficulty as either punishment from God or the direct activity from satan. Often, it is simply God's way of training and bringing us to the place of maturity.
• He will train us by hiding from us. The silence of a hiding God must do it's work in our soul. God seems silent; no amount of pleading brings Him out of hiding. These moments test us severely, but they bring forth fruit that will remain. As we refuse the devil's voice of accusation we are able to live under the truth; His banner over me is love" .
  
• It is important to lay down our guard to Him when we do not understand what He is doing in our circumstances. When we can not see His face, we can trust His heart