At times, I have a feeling that God is very distant. It is a passion that most humans go through, particularly when life becomes challenging. Sickness, problems and our hearts get heavy with unanswered prayers. We are asking ourselves why God appears to be silent or distant.
The fact is that God is never distant; however, it may be difficult to feel His presence because of the circumstances or the heart. As the Bible indicates, the Lord is close with those who call on Him, to all those who call on Him in reality (Psalm 145:18). This makes me remember that it is quite possible that I may feel alone but God is not too far.
The fact that God is far away is one of the reasons why we have to feel that way due to sin. When we commit our evils we might feel guilty or unworthy to come before Him. Isaiah 59:2 states that, but your iniquities have broken between you and your God; your sins have concealed his face out of you, and he shall not hear. I have experienced this on the personal level. It is good news, though, that God can and does accept us back when we turn ourselves in.
The other reason is that God at times lets us remain silent to help us learn patience or to increase our faith. Similar to the wilderness Jesus was in, we too can pass through testing times where we cannot tell that Jesus is there.
Yet, He is working for our good. Romans 8: 28 gives us encouragement: And we know that in all things of us God works to the good of them who love him, who have called according to his purpose.
I have also realized that it is not that God is not there when you feel that He is not there. It makes me pray more, have more trust, and keep on with His promises.
Even in cases where He appears distant, He remains true. We only have to seek Him with our heart and heart and He would not leave us.
God bless his word
Amen