Ever feel like God just isn’t close. Like you can’t even sense He’s near? WHY ISN’T GOD
RESPONDING?!
What’s the Lie? What’s the Truth?
Here’s the thing. God is there. Psalm 145:18 tells us that God is near to all who call upon Him. Are you calling? From the moment you ask Jesus to come in your heart and save you, the Holy Spirit lives in you. So first, recognize the lie in “God is not close.” He does not move away from His children; He moves towards them. He’s always near.The truth? If there’s ever any distance, it’s on our part. Remember the prodigal son story? Luke 15: 20 says that the son, who represents us, was afar off, but his father, representing God, was watching for him while he was away. He waited for his son return and be restored. The father was in the same place the whole time. The son left, and when the son realized life without his father wasn’t worth it, he knew exactly where to go. You know what I love? There was no lecture or repercussion for the son. Only love. His father just wanted him near and no longer away from him.
If you’re feeling distant and like God is nowhere near you, ask yourself have you left home? Did you forfeit your closeness to God because something was more attractive than staying at home with God your Father?
What I’m learning is, you have to choose FACTS over FEELINGS. The fact is, God is worthy of our obedience and sacrifice because of WHO HE is and what He has done for us, regardless of temporary feelings. Many days, I don’t feel like praying, reading my bible, or listening to Christian things. Whenever I choose to give in to my feelings to guide my actions, I inevitably start a routine of distancing myself from God. And can I be honest? Before long, those feelings shut me down, and I find myself running back home because I realized it’s much better there with my Father than doing life on my own because I think I’m too good for my Father’s help.
Bible Verse to Add to Read:
- James 4:8- Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
- Psalm 16:8- I always let the Lord guide me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Moving Forward:
- Recognize that somewhere along the way, you may have intentionally or unintentionally taken your eyes off God. It happens to all of us. Get it right. (Colossians 3:1-2)
- Study the story of the Prodigal Son in your personal devotion time (Luke 15: 11-31). We are the son, and the father represents God. What does this tell you about the choice to be distant versus God’s consistency?
- Ask God to show how you became distant from Him. Confess your wrong. Pray for forgiveness and redirection.
- Establish or re-establish your routine. Re-commit to daily Bible reading and prayer. Ask someone to keep you accountable and check in OR try a habit tracking app.
- Decide how will you hold yourself accountable when tempted to NOT follow your routine.
God, You are not distant. Help us not deflect from the true culprit: Us. We are the ones distant from you. Like the prodigal son's father, you are always awaiting our return: always awaiting us to come closer to You. We thank You for such an amazing privilege. Help us not take advantage of it. When we are tempted to beliee the lie that you are distant, help us remember the truth- You are always near.
Earnest Pugh- Show Me Your Glory
Tye Tribbett- Out of Hiding
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