The Hidden Face of God, Compact Disc [CD]

When David laments in the psalms or Job complains to God, more often than not they accuse God of hiding His face. They know what we have forgotten; the answer to our suffering is never the specific solution for which we cry out. It is not some cure or provision that we really need. We never ask for what we really need, and so it is no wonder that we are so often disappointed in our prayers. Because what we need is Presence. We need to see the Face of God.

This is a collection of songs about the dilemma of finding that hidden Face. There are songs about lament as well as laments themselves. The collection is offered as "companion songs" to sing along this difficult journey.

Still discovering God’s face long after “El Shaddai”

Back in the day—the early 1980s to be exact—singer/songwriter Michael Card established himself as one of the church’s most talented treasures. His 1983 hit “El Shaddai” has been immortalized in countless services, regardless of the denomination, and paved the way for his 19 No. 1 hits during 20 plus years of peaceful pop with a praise bent. Those trends continue in classic Card fashion on The Hidden Face of God, the troubadour’s latest diary of vulnerable entries (and his first album in three years).

But even with the time off, he hasn’t missed a single step thanks to an in-depth exploration that has resulted in a concept album of sorts relating to the topic of lament. Though the subject is rarely discussed on record (and perhaps light should have been shed on it sooner), the results are just as eye-opening as they are refreshing.

Culling his inspiration from the Psalms, plus biblical characters such as Saul, Job and even Jesus, the tunesmith addresses the varying emotions under the umbrella of lamentation, including anger, frustration, regret and grief toward God. Out of the seven self-written offerings, “Come Lift Up Your Sorrows” attempts to come to terms with a weary believer’s wilderness experience as “Older Than the Rain” traces the fact that human tears even preceded the earth’s rainfall. The banjo-tipped, African-American spiritual “Walk With Me, Lord” (with lead vocals by Reverend Denny Denson) further addresses perseverance, while the hymn “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded” marinates in worshipful strums. All the while, this revered artist sticks to his cozy acoustic instrumentation and soothing pipes, making for yet another inviting listen and engaging topical exploration.

ANDY ARGYRAKIS – CCMMagazine.com

Average Rating:

6 of 6 Reviews Showing:

Reviewed by Charlotte Hice (Pontiac, MI), February 21, 2009

A delightful, spiritual experience with a mix of new, old, and oldest worshipful songs. I've been a Michael Card fan for over 20 years (including his local performances) and thank God for his use of God's gift.

Reviewed by Kris Roberson (Delton, MI), September 17, 2008

This album goes to the heart of sorrow and grief. If Jesus, the Man of Sorrows and Acquainted with Grief wept, why can't we? It's Ok to bring sorrows and grief to our Lord God. He's been there. He understands, Intimately, what it feels like to grieve. He's there waiting for us to bring our grief, unashamed and open. This album is a magnificent tribute to God's unfailing LOVE for us, no matter how messed up we are.

Reviewed by Deborah (Ijamsville, MD), May 08, 2008

This is a ministering CD for those who are suffering and feel alone or that God has forgotten them. The lyrics are comforting, and the music is soothing. This is one of his best CDs and I also recommend his CD "Unveiled Hope" for a glimpse of what is coming.

Reviewed by Laurel E Stevens (TX), March 07, 2008

As soon as I heard this album I soaked up every word and note, but a year later when my brother committed suicide this song became an anchor for me. I listened to it to help me fall asleep every night, and in the daytime I cried out on my knees as Card sang, "Come worship him with your wounds, for he's wounded too." I was reminded over and over again of God's brokenness ("I was unaware of how it is with a broken God") as I feel so broken. In Card's talented and compassionate way, he comes alongside me in my struggles, loneliness and doubt, using the words of scripture. This album gives me a voice for my anger and disappointment as I deal with my loss and ultimately points me to my wounded savior.

Reviewed by JeanneAlmasy (Freeport,IL), April 23, 2007

God works through Michael to express lament through his talent. The focus of prayer and sharing each others burden, by listening, and caring for each other in a troubled world of today is expressed. The importance of reading Job before the Psalms shows us how we must focus on lament.

Reviewed by Johnson (NY), August 08, 2006

Awesome song to get know how to lament.

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