In the Torah portion of Vayelech, the verse (31:17) states: "...and I will abandon them and hide My face from them, ... and many evils and troubles will befall them, and they will say on that day, 'Is it not because our God is no longer among us, that these evils have befallen us?'" Maimonides explains that as a result of the divine concealment, it will seem as if the Jews have been abandoned to chance, and troubles and hardship will come in its wake.

However, this loss of divine protection and providence is only an illusion. It will appear that G-d has removed His presence; however, in truth, G-d never abandons his people, as the verse in Psalms (94:14) states, "G-d will not cast off His people or abandon His inheritance." Only His revealed presence will be removed.

 If we carefully examine the wording of the verse in the Torah, it states "I will hide My face," but not, G-d forbid, "I will remove My face." G-d hides Himself from us, but never removes his supervision and protection. As Maimonides himself writes, when troubles come upon a person, he must not say that it is merely "the nature of the world" or "a coincidence that occurred." One must recognize and realize that this was determined from Above.

 As written in the book "Shomrei Emunim," nothing happens by chance, without Divine plan and intention. Even things that appear to be happenstance were brought about by G-d.

When the Redemption will come, the concealment will be removed, and we will clearly recognize G-d's providence, which was ever present, even during times of exile.

(Moreh Nevuchim Part 1, ch. 23, Part 3, ch. 51. Maimonides, Hilchos Taanis, 1:3. Shomer Emunim. Likutei Sichot vol. 18, p. 199)