Christian

When God Feels Far Away

Cindy Dawson

I want to tell you about a time, not long ago, when I felt like God was far away.

I felt like my faith was losing steam and my zeal and enthusiasm for God were draining away.

Satan was putting doubts in my mind. I kept hearing this: “Who do you think you are?”

I couldn’t feel God. I didn’t feel like praying. I didn’t even feel like going to church. I didn’t feel like reading my Bible. I just wanted to watch TV, play games on my ipad, and eat junk food.

But instead, I did pray (although without emotion). I did go to church. I did read my Bible. And I continued to write my blog. I went through the motions; all the while Satan whispered lies in my ear. (Who do you think you are? You can’t write a Christian blog!) At the time, I was ashamed because I thought they were my thoughts!

But Jesus said, “When (Satan) lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44. Satan is also called the accuser of the brethren. (See Revelation 12:10)

But then God . . .

Then, in church, we sang, Jesus Draw Me Nearer by Keith Getty. As I sang the words, I knew God was explaining things to me.

May this journey bring a blessing,
May I rise on wings of faith;
And at the end of my heart’s testing,
With Your likeness let me wake.

God was testing my heart! I realized that God was making me stronger. If I lost all emotion, all feeling and joy, would I still pray? Would I still read His Word? Would I still serve Him?

Yes, Lord. I will. Let me pass the test. Make my heart pure. Make me strong.

Did God let Satan test me? I think He did. Once I realized that I was in a test, I became strong because I knew those thoughts of doubt were lies from Satan. I knew God wanted to make me stronger.

So the next time God seems far away or something happens that you don’t understand – maybe you’re taking the same test. Maybe God is making you stronger!

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,  because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4 NIV

“The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart.” Proverbs 17:3 NIV

I am thankful for my church and my pastors, especially my Minister of Music, Ricky Clark, who always seems to be leading us in a song that is straight from the heart of God.

With Love, Cindy

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17 thoughts on “When God Feels Far Away”

  1. Pingback: When God Feels Far Away — Real Christian Women – Ken's Devotions

  2. Excellent post Cindy. I think a lot of us are being tested and I agree with you, sometimes it can get pretty bare bone, but . . . God is so faithful and He does not leave us alone. I am discovering that just like God’s presence can ebb away in small increments, in like manner, He returns when we in faith call and reach out to Him, and prayer is so vital. I just tell Him like it is (He already knows anyway) and how I need Him. I love the ministry you have here, the way you share from your heart. He is stretching our faith and it is good. God’s peace, grace and blessings, as always, to you and yours.

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  3. Hi Cindy, what a beautiful devotional post my sister! I can so relate to your journey, as I am sure can many others. The joy in this is that through Him you prevailed and conquered the trial. What a blessing it is when He guides us out of the mire and sets us on a rock, Amen! You need a new YouTube music link for the song by the way. God bless you sister.

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  5. A very encouraging message to keep praying, reading His word and continue to fellowship even when we do not feel like.
    There is a saying when we are in a test the teacher is silent but very much around. It is good to remember that.
    Blessings to you Cindy.

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  6. Sometimes this old world and all its troubles weigh me down, as well as desires and concerns for those I love. I was just telling a friend yesterday that sometimes I feel flat. Thank you for speaking to my heart today, Cindy. This was affirming and encouraging to me. Bless you!

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  7. What an encouraging message! I have definitely felt the way you have. One day you are full steam ahead and then out of nowhere the brakes are slammed on and it all comes to a screeching halt. The enemy thrives on these moments and takes the opportunity as the next social media challenge. Those whispers come in and sometimes it’s hard to find the light at the end of the tunnel. In each step of our journey we encounter things to strengthen our faith and trust in Him. All we have to do is stay the course, and the reward will be that day we hear, “well done my good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of the Lord.” God bless you sister. God is good!

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  8. “I was ashamed because I thought they were my thoughts!” Yep, as I said in one of my posts, Satan speaks in a voice that sounds just like mine – and in the first person!

    PS. I went to tap on “See Comment” for your feedback on my post “When God says ‘No'” and accidentally hit “mark as spam.” :/ I want you to know you will NEVER be “spam” in my book! ❤

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