God, where do you hide?

[of_the_rose]

The last few weeks of my life have been strange.
I feel as though God is nowhere near.
Usually when this happens, I will pray more, read the bible more, and marvel at God's beautifull handiwork (nature). Nothing seems to work now.

My relationship with God feels as though it is crumbling.
I almost feel like a diest. Like the God who created all of this, just walked away, and left me here all alone.
- I start to wonder if I have done something terribly wrong, and wonder what is keeping me from being close to him.

What can I do to revive my relationship with God?
and how can I keep my relationship strong?

 

[Snowrose]

Hi of_the_rose,

You are never alone. Please remember this first and foremost. I have learned this in my walk / my relationship with God is more than just a feeling. I was in that spot that you are in now. Some days I can't explain why and somes days because of my own doing. But I do know this - He is as close as a whisper and even when we can't hear Him - He is there. Don't despair dear one - He loves you. Use this time to lean closer to Him and don't stop leaning. Here is one of my favourite poems - I hope that it will encourage you.

FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND

One night a man had a dream.
He dreamed he was walking along the beach
with the Lord.

Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.
For each scene,
he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand.
One belonged to him, and the other to the Lord.
When the last scene of his life flashed before him,
he looked back at the footprints in the sand.

He noticed
that many times along the path of his life,
there was only one set of footprints.
He also noticed that it happened
at the very lowest
and saddest times in his life.
This really bothered him
and he questioned the Lord about it.:

"Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you,
you'd walk with me all the way.
But I have noticed that during
the most troublesome times in my life,
there is only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why when I needed you the most
you would leave me."

The Lord replied,
"My precious, precious child,
I love you and would never leave you.
During your times of trial and suffering,
when you see only one set of footprints,
it was then I carried you."
~Author Unknown~

Also remember the verse - "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." - Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)

God bless,
Snowrose

 

[Gideon]

of the rose,

You don't have to feel far from God and doubt His love. You can always be sure of God's love. The word of God says in Romans 5:5 " Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us."

Don't doubt God's love. Also in Romans 8:38 - "..I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to seperate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Without faith it is impossible to please God and so it is also impossible to receive from God. Faith alone can connect you to God. Know for sure that whatever you may be feeling Jesus is a High Priest who sympathizes with our weaknesses. "Let us therefore, come boldly to the throne of greace, that we may obtain mercy and grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16

You need to spend more time with God. Be true with what you feel. Spend time reading and meditating scriptures. Coz "Faith comes only by hearing and hearing by the word of Christ."
If there is any unconfessed sin or rebellion or bitterness ask forgiveness and receive it. Usually a sin can be the root of any distraction which further leads to frustration and dryness.
I also encourage you not to think what your situation makes you feel like. But be on the alert.... "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for the pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ "
2 Corinthians 10:4,5
Make sure that when you have a negative feeling or discouraging thought which is contrary to the word of God, you immediately bring it into captivity to the obedience in Christ... meaning, you replace it with what God promised you in Christ Jesus.

"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care on Him for He cares for you."
1 Peter5:6,7

Like Snowrose mentioned in her post, this is common to all bretheren. But being a Christian you need to battle it down. Quoting the scripture that snowrose mentioned, Deuteronomy 31:8, "He goes before you, ...He will not leave you nor forsake you."

Remember Jesus prayed for you ... John chapter 17.

God bless you.

 

[jiggyfly]

Very good posts everyone. of_the_rose, There is a very good book that might help you in your current situation. It is called "Victory In The Wilderness" by John Bevere.

 

[Fellowservant]

Psa 34:7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.


If you love him and have the wisdom to fear him... hes with you always.

God bless

 

[morethandiamonds]

It has been my personal experience, that when it feels God is withdrawing Himself from us, it is His way of testing our faithfulness. He wants us to need Him. He wants us to desire Him. Without Him, we are nothing. We are filthy rags. But with Him, we are victorious. With Him, we are royalty. When you reach a place of feeling deserted, just remember this. Jesus Himself was in the desert. His Father is our Father. And His Father didn't fail Him. Nor will He fail us. Although it may feel like He isn't there, He is closer than your next breathe. Go to your prayer closet. Whatever that may be. Sit in the silence and listen. He wants you to listen for Him. Sometimes we get so caught up in praying for God to "give us a sign" or "talk to us". We can hear the voice of God in many ways. The song of a red bird. The wind blowing through the trees in the backyard. The laughter of a child. The tender touch of a loved one. He NEVER separates Himself from those He calls His own. Rest assured, that even through the desert He is with you and He loves you just as much as if you were His only creation.

 

[of_the_rose]

Thank you very much everyone for your advice.
I hope that this time of struggle, can also be a time of growth for me.
You all seem to have alot of wisdom on the concept!
I especially like the idea of God testing me, and wanting me to need and desire him.

may God be close to you all!
-thanks again

 

[SpiritLedEd]

The last few weeks of my life have been strange.
I feel as though God is nowhere near.
Usually when this happens, I will pray more, read the bible more, and marvel at God's beautifull handiwork (nature). Nothing seems to work now.

My relationship with God feels as though it is crumbling.
I almost feel like a diest. Like the God who created all of this, just walked away, and left me here all alone.
- I start to wonder if I have done something terribly wrong, and wonder what is keeping me from being close to him.

What can I do to revive my relationship with God?
and how can I keep my relationship strong?

Have you ever read the Book of Esther? That book shouts, "God is with us!" on every page, yet you will not find Him mentioned anywhere in the book. God often works incognito.

The fact that you are crying out to Him right now is evidence that He is working in your life. You did not plant that longing for relationship with Him in your heart, He did. He is working in your life, but He is doing it anonymously.

He is challenging you to believe that He is working even though you cannot "feel" it.

"Now faith is (deciding to be) sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for." (Heb 11:1-2).


SLE

 

[of_the_rose]

Thanks SLE!

I'm going to read the Book of Esther asap! Come to think of it, I don't think that I've ever read that book.

I guess the step/level of faith I am at right now, is the one where people realize that God is more than just a "feeling," but present on other multiple levels. I am really excited to be on this faith journey! And I hope that I can to grow closer to God, and overcome all of the struggles on the way.

 

[of_the_rose]

I read the book of Esther today. It was amazing!

When Mordecai was given special honour, and when Haman got what he rightfully deserved, I could definately sense God's justice, and presence in all of their lives.

Thanks for the recommendation SLE!