It was another dark morning, and I really didn’t want to do my quiet time. My Bible, journal, and colored pens were nearby on my desk…but other things demanded my attention. My phone, laptop, and to-do list all beckoned me. I had a choice to make.
That morning, I chose to open my laptop, look at recipes, visit blogs, and write a post. Sometimes, I make better decisions. But most days, I don’t.
Sure, I do my quiet time. I actually do sit down with my Bible, journal, and colored pens. But I rush through my devotions. I don’t set my alarm early enough. I hurry off to class without even praying. I suppose it’s not surprising that God seems so far away.
Why He Feels So Far Away
For years, I’ve struggled with feelings that God is distant. He seems to be present in others’ lives but not in mine. I can see Him working in the hearts of others but not in my heart. I listen to other people say they “hear” God, but I just can’t.
Why does it seem impossible to pursue Him? Why is it so easy to pursue my interests, goals, and dreams but not Him? Why is it so difficult to imitate His character?
Maybe because I’m human and therefore sinful. I still tend to be self-centered, even as a Christian. Perhaps it’s simply easier to pursue something that I can see than a God who I can’t see.
But even though we can’t see Him, He’s still very much here with us.
Not as Far Away as He Feels
God didn’t full reveal Himself to mankind until He sent Jesus to Earth. That was the first time that God came to us in human form to live among us. We were no longer apart. And we are still not apart.
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. (James 4:8 NASB)
This is a promise from God Himself. We may not be able to feel Him, but we’re promised that if we seek Him, He’ll draw near. We might not be able to observe His pursuit of our hearts, but His pursuit is real—and devoted—nonetheless. We might not be able to hear or see Him, but He can still be found.
“‘Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you,’ declares the Lord, ‘and I will restore your fortunes and will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you,’ declares the Lord, ‘and I will bring you back to the place from where I sent you into exile.’” (Jeremiah 29:12-14 NASB)
This passage was written by Jeremiah, who wrote it for the exiles who had been captured by Nebuchadnezzar but were going to return to Jerusalem and find spiritual restoration (Jeremiah 29:1, 10, 14). It’s an encouraging reminder that even though God may not reveal His plans or purposes to us, He isn’t trying to hide from us. We must consciously choose to keep pursuing Him, no matter how we feel. We can’t rely on our frequently changing emotions to show us where God is.
On This Side of Heaven
Our pursuit of God won’t end until we meet Him in Heaven. Until then, we likely won’t be able to physically see or hear Him. But that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t try to find Him. We can seek Him by reading His Word, praying, and receiving guidance from other believers.
We may often struggle with the feeling that God is distant. That’s part of living in a flawed world. But some of our emotions, questions, and doubts can be resolved with a more dedicated pursuit of God.
Friends, our pursuit of God doesn’t have to feel impossible. It’s only impossible if we refuse to follow Him.
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