When God feels distant.

Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully. - 2 John 1:8

So often when I am faced with stressful times I feel alone. Friends are not around, or don’t want to deal with my issues. Family is busy and God feels like a million miles away. This cycle starts to spin out of control and the issue becomes compounded by the feeling of abandonment.

Like it’s been said a few times on this Blog, God can feel distant because there is no physical body here with us, and we need “skin on God” (a term I got from my pastor Josh Clark). In other words, we need a person to do God’s work and be here for us. But sometimes that is not possible. Remember Man (and woman) is faulty and are not 100% reliable. So if you wait for people to do the work of God a lot of times you will be disappointed. ***You need to take action yourself***

The title of this Blog entry, “When God feels distant” is important to break down.  The word feeling doesn’t imply reality it’s just a feeling. It might be true and it might not be. But also we must realize that these feelings of distance are a reality to us. Two of the ways that God can feel distant is either we are pushing God away, or it can feel like God is pushing us away.

Pushing God away is the only way that God can be distant from us. We distance ourselves from God by turning our back on God, and physically detaching or disengage from Him. As a father I can tell you it pains me when my child disengages from my love, so it is fair to assume that God feels the same way.

And remember, this is important! HHHHe will never distance Himself from us. As it says in Deuteronomy 31:8 The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

When faced with a horrible situation which situation should you do?

1.       Crying, Lord, why is this happening?

2.       Now that this has happened Lord, what do you want me to do?

3.       Lord, please help me be strong in this case

All three are correct. Jesus demonstrated each one. An example of the first one is found in the book of Mark. And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”). -Mark 15:34

The key is not to focus on the first one and dwell on it too long, because the Devil can use that one to discourage us. So briefly use situation 1 but then quickly move to #2 and 3. Ask God to help you be strong and for direction. If it appears that God isn't answering #2 then I would say do something. Use good judgment and move forward while continuing to seek His guidance.

The last part of this is action we need to take. This is not when we are in a situation that is testing us. This call to action is two parts.

1.       Be on the lookout for those who are in need

2.       Be there for those you see who need help and be “Skin on God for them”

My Prayer: Lord help me stick to my own advice. Please help me be aware of those in need and actually help them. But also when I am that person in need and no one is there for me, that I turn to You first and seek Your guidance and not to distance myself from you. Thank you for your un-ending love. Thank you for your Son’s example. In Jesus name, Amen.

Note: The reason I added this famous picture taken from the Sistine Chapel is because of the body posture of man. Man is putting very little effort to reach out to God. If you look at God who is stretching out as much as he can to reach man. We just need to make a little effort to close that gap.