When God Seems to be Far Away.
That feeling is unforgettable. It’s like you have been thrown into the Kalahari Desert and left for the mercy of the sun. It’s at this moment that the word of God appears similar to the ancient Greek language. Praying is like trying to break through a hard cage unsuccessfully. You have the desire to spend time with God, but you just don't feel the breakthrough. You even feel ashamed to appear before Him.
Have you been here?
Jesus at the Cross
This feeling is not new. Many biblical characters faced the same situation. A good example is Jesus at the cross. Indeed, He was the son of God. He did miracles signs and wonders but still had that feeling of solitude at the cross. Jesus wasn’t a sinner and didn’t deserve it. But in some way, God allowed it to happen.
He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. - 2 Corinthians 5:21
What is the reason behind this "suffering?”
Sometimes God wants to “leave” us and watch from afar. It’s at this time that every form of affliction is opened to knock our doors. He wants to see if we will still trust Him without His presence. Indeed, He is loving, kind, and gracious. What we also don’t realize is that he is a teacher. And he loves teaching us from experience.
Most Christians today will only love God as long He is working in their lives. When he is not around, we start questioning our faith.
"Does He really care?"
"Has he forgotten about me?"
"Or does He even exist?"
When Jesus was performing miracles, God was sitting on His throne. And He was still on the same throne when Jesus cried out, “Lord, Lord, why have you forsaken me?
Quenching the Spirit
In some cases, we lose God’s presence because we have left His will. The reason for this is the flesh, which is the biggest enemy of the Holy Spirit. The flesh will never submit to the will of God unless you tame it. Paul had a similar challenge.
“I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.” - Romans 7:15
The feeling of denying the will of God knowingly afflicts Paul’s heart. We are no different. We find ourselves quenching the spirit many times. As a result, He leaves, and our hearts remain empty. Our heart cries for the mistake we do, but we live to face the ordeal until we repent.
What is the remedy then?
Four words – THE WORD OF GOD.
The answer lies here in either case. The book of Colossians 2:11-23 encourages us to let the word of God abide in us. Why? It teaches us how to react when we undergo a series of dryness. If God is teaching us something, it will encourage us to persevere. The Rhema word (God’s word dwelling in our hearts) shows us the way when we fall away from His direction.
Until next time,
