When God Feels Distant
There are moments in our lives when God feels so distant and out of our reach. What are we do when those happen? How do you begin to feel close to him again? Have we lost his favor or love? The truth is no matter how distant God feels he is always with us.
Of course that is much easier said than felt. When God feels so far away it could be for various reasons. One of the biggest reasons is because God is wanting us to grow in some way. Maybe that closeness we felt previously is being tested and we need to learn to make a choice. Maybe the original closeness is not a real closeness and God is distant so that you will recognize that. It is not uncommon to feel distant from God.
The first thing you need to remember is that no matter how distant God feels you can always find your closeness again. You can always find you way back. Believe me I know this from experience. There was a time in my life when I couldn’t imagine that God would ever forgive me my transgressions. I felt as though I had used up all my second (millionth) chances.
Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.”
Matt 18:21-22
There is no limit to God’s forgiveness nor his love. That was one of the most difficult lessons I have ever had to learn. That no matter how much I messed up, no matter how far I strayed from him God will always forgive me. Not only forgive me but welcome me back with open arms each and every time. There was (and is) no shame in my failures.
FEELING CLOSER TO GOD
One of the ways I feel closer to God is by mediating when I have a huge problem or feel that distance beginning. I don’t pray so much as I sit quieting in my room on the floor. I don’t cross my legs because they don’t bend that way anymore but I do concentrate on my breathing and then just mentally talk with God. I ask him to help me find that closeness again. Help me understand what may have caused the distance.
I take as much time as I need and most of the time I begin to feel better and the distance feels much less. Sometimes it doesn’t happen that way but I know that I am on my way towards getting the closeness back. Sitting down and quietly chatting with God allows me to access things in my life or my feelings that could be causing part of the distance. Again, there are times when that is easier said than done.
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When God feels distant the best thing you can do is sit down and figure out what may be causing it. While it is easy to blame God for the distance most of the time it is something going on with us that is the problem. Meditating is a great way to reconnect with God and work through your issues at the same time.
WHAT DO YOU DO TO FEEL CLOSER TO GOD WHEN THE DISTANCE SEEMS TO GREAT? SHARE YOUR METHODS WITH US IN THE COMMENTS PLEASE.
