“Therefore tell the people: This is what the Lord Almighty says ‘return to me’ declares the Lord Almighty, ‘and I will return to you’. Zec 1:3
Have you ever felt distant from God? God promises “I will never leave you nor forsake you” Hebrews 13:5, so I wonder, why, do I sometimes feel alone?
If you are an emotional person, you may want to ‘feel’ the Lord’s presence constantly. And, if that feeling is MIA, you may conclude that God has left you or has given up on you.
If you are a logical believer, you may claim Hebrews 13:5 , knowing in your head that logically, God is always there.
So where do logic and emotion meet? How can the head both guide and guard the heart?
When I feel distant from God, I review my recent schedule, most importantly, how much time have I spent with Him, in prayer, and in His word? If those have been cut short, I must remedy those immediately. I must make an effort in my relationship with God, as James 4:8 commands. “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”
If I have lost my focus on Him because sin is blocking the way, I must repent and then accept His forgiveness. I must live out James 4:7, “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” Once I oust sin, I must forgive myself. Do not let anyone serve you a large portion of guilt, when you have sincerely sought forgiveness!
Once I have discovered the roadblock, and tried to remedy it, I must wait patiently, (something, at which, I’m afraid, I am not very good!)
There was a point for Job, for Noah, and for countless others, when God’s presence was not felt, seen, or heard. But, Job and Noah knew He was still there, even when He appeared to be silent.
Claim God’s word. He does indeed promise to never leave us, never forsake us. When you feel differently, like God has left you, remember the truth: God will not break His promise.
When you claim His word, you are building your faith and blocking the enemy. (James 4:7) Remember, Draw closer to God and He will draw closer to you, James 4:8.
Return to putting God first, everyday. Return to Him in thought and prayer, and He will return to you.
Reflections:
1) Does my schedule preclude me from prayer and time pursuing God?
2) Does my lifestyle, or choice to ‘live with’ a certain sin keep me from God?
3) Identify any roadblocks in your way.
4) Work to tear down any barriers, today!
5) Identify how to avoid them in the future. Enlist the help of a prayer partner and/or an accountability partner.
Thank you for you kind words of encouragement and your thoughtful comments. I love hearing from you and I sincerely appreciate your forthright opinions. May God continue to bless you as you read and respond. Please return by Monday, August 20, for the next post.