It is easy for us to remember and thank God when things are going great in our lives. But how about when we are experiencing unpleasant circumstances? What do we do when God seems a million miles away?
“God is REAL, no matter how we feel.” — Rick Warren.
The deepest level of worship is praising God in spite of pain, thanking God during trials, trusting Him when tempted, surrendering while suffering, and loving Him when he seems distant.
Our relationship with God is like our relationship with friends and families. Like friendships, we are often tested by separation and silence. It is a test of faith — one we all must face. Will you continue to love, trust, obey and worship God, even when you have no sense of His presence or visible evidence of His works in your life?
The most common mistake Christians make in worship today is seeking an experience rather than seeking God.
Faith, not feeling, pleases God.
Here are 3 things we should do when God seems distant:
1. Tell God exactly HOW you feel.
God can handle your doubt, anger, fear, grief, confusion, and questions. Admitting your hopelessness can be a statement of faith!
Back when I was on my teenage years, and before I met the Lord, I always got mad at God. I always blamed Him for all the things that have been happening in my life that didn’t make me happy. I always wondered why God was doing those things to me. I never remembered a moment when I got Him to answer all my questions… but now I understand that it wasn’t the feeling that was going to solve those matters. It is my faith in God! Faith to believe that no matter how I feel, God is still with me and is taking care of me! And HE IS and HE DOES.
2. Focus on WHO God is — His Unchanging Nature.
Remind yourself what you know to be eternally true about God. He is GOOD, He LOVES you, He is WITH you, He KNOWS what you are going through, He CARES, and He has a good PLAN for your life!
“Never doubt in the dark what God told you in the dark.” — V Raymond Edman.
3. TRUST God To to Keep His Promises.
During times of spiritual dryness, you must patiently rely on the promises of God, not your emotions, and realize that He is taking you to a deeper level of maturity. A friendship based on emotion is shallow indeed.
Do not be troubled by trouble. Circumstances cannot change God’s character. God’s grace is still in full force; He is still for you, even when you don’t feel it. God Himself said, “I will never leave you; I will never abandon you.” — Hebrews 13:5.
4. REMEMBER What God Has Already Done For You.
God’s son, Jesus, died for YOU. Jesus gave up everything so you could have everything.
When you feel abandoned by God yet continue to trust Him, you worship Him in the deepest way.
God bless you!
(Special thanks to Rick Warren for his insights on this personal reflection.)
