Distance from God is something that all Christians experience from time to time. Sometimes it might feel like prayers are unheard, but we must remember that we know they are heard (1 Pet 3:12). There might also be times when reading the Bible feels unfulfilling, but every word you read is from God so reading the Bible is beneficial even when it’s not felt (Ps 19:7-8).
The answer to overcoming a perceived distance, i.e. when God seems far away, is to remember that this is a feeling and feelings can lie to us. We must remember what we know to be true. Jesus has promised that He will never leave or forsake us (Heb 13:5). The feelings of God being distant is usually because of circumstances, emotional struggles, confusion, or some other challenge or difficulty in daily life. Continuing to seek God, in prayer and by reading the Bible will increase one’s knowledge of His presence, and restore the feeling of communion with Him. When we feel something that is not true (i.e. God is distant), we must return to the truths of God’s Word that we know to be true and steadfast.
The apostle James says to “draw near to God and He will draw near to you (James 4:8). Because God is already near (He is omnipresent), this means that when we draw near to God we will be blessed by feeling His presence, His love, His grace, and all the other good and perfect gifts from the Father of Lights (James 1:17).
Promises of Closeness
Read the promises that God made to His people of old, knowing that these promises hold true for you also:
Josh 1:9 …Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.
Deut 31:6 Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.
Isa 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
Zep 3:17 The LORD your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.
Mat 28:20 …lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.
Read more: When It Feels Like God Is Far Away, What Can I Do?
What Does It Mean To WALK BY FAITH? To WALK WITH GOD? To WALK IN HOPE?
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Do You Know Jesus?
The Bible clearly states that everyone has sinned and fallen short of God's glory (Romans 3:23). It also emphasizes that while the wages of sin is death, God offers us the incredible gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23).
If you have not yet accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, know that today is the day of salvation (Acts 28). Turn away from your sinful past and turn to Jesus. Remember, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ will be saved” (Romans 10:13). Don’t wait—find hope and redemption!
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***A Hidden Message in Psalm 23?***
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There is much to be learned from those who have gone before us in the faith. Check out our Cloud of Witnesses category that features the words of departed saints who are now with the Lord in glory. Their words equip and encourage us even to this day. Take a few minutes to hear...
- ONLY ONE LIFE, Twill Soon Be Past – by C.T. Studd (1860 – 1931)
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2024's TOP TEN Videos from Reasons for Hope* Jesus
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