Day 014 - When God seems distant

God is real, no matter how you feel.

It's easy to worship when things are going great. But how do you react when circumstances are bleak, and God seems to be a million miles away?

The deepest level of worship is praising God in spite of your pains. Thanking Him during trials, trusting Him when being tempted, surrendering to Him while suffering, and loving Him even though He seems distant.

Friendships are often tested by separation and silence.

You are divided by physical distance (unable to touch), or you are unable to talk or communicate in any way. (Thank God for the internet, social networks and email) Makes it minisculely easier; but the sense of loss remains.

He has promised repeatedly: "I will never leave you nor forsake you". So why do we feel that He has left us behind? Why does it seem that He doesn't care? You're doing everything according to His Word, yet it seems He just isn't there for you?

God admits that sometimes He hides His face from you.

Sin does disconnect us from intimate fellowship with God; but that is not the reason for His seeming absence. This is normal; it's a part of the testing and maturing of your friendship with God. Albeit painful and disconcerting; it is absolutely vital for the development of your faith.

The feeling of abandonment or estrangement from God is a test of faith - one we all must face.

A common mistake Believers make in worship is seeking an experience rather than seeking God.

God is always present, even when you are unaware of Him, and His presence is too profound to be measured by mere emotion; He wants you to trust Him, way more than He requires you to feel His presence.

HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR EYES UPON JESUS WHEN THEY ARE FILLED WITH TEARS?

Tell God exactly how we feel~

Pour out your heart. Unload every emotion that you are feeling. He can handle your doubt, anger, fear, grief, confusion and questions. Admitting your hopelessness to God can be an act of faith, showing that you believe that even through your venting He will still love you.

Focus on who God is~

Hang on to God's unchanging character. Remind yourself what you know to be eternally true about God:

+ He is good and loving

+ He is all-powerful

+ He notices every detail of your life

+ He is in control

+ He has a plan for your life

+ He will save you

Trust God to keep His promises~

Patiently rely on the promises of God, not on your emotions. A friendship based on emotions is shallow, if anything. Circumstances cannot change the character of God; hence His grace is still in full force.

When we feel abandoned by God yet continue to trust Him, we worship Him in the deepest way.

Remember what God has done for us~

If God never did anything else for you, He would still deserve your continual praise. Simply, yet grandly, because He sent His only Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, to die for you!

We forget the cruel details of the agonising sacrifice God made on our behalf. Jesus took all of mankind's sin and guilt on Himself.

"My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?" - Jesus could have saved Himself - but then He could not have saved you.

Why did God allow and endure such ghastly, evil misteatment? So that you could be spared the eternity of Hell, and so that you could share in His glory forever!

Jesus gave up everything so that you could have everything. That alone is worthy of your continual thanks and praise.

NEVER AGAIN WONDER WHAT YOU HAVE TO BE THANKFUL FOR...

Enjoy your day under God's love. ~ SB