Christian

When God Feels Far Away

Cindy Dawson

If I’m going to call my blog “REAL Christian Women”, I’m going to have to get real, right?

So I’m going to tell you about a time, not too long ago, when God felt far away. It seemed like my faith was losing steam, and my zeal and enthusiasm for God were draining away. Have you ever felt like that?

Satan was putting discouraging thoughts 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”.

Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have come the salvation and the power
    and the kingdom of our God,
    and the authority of his Messiah.
For the accuser of our brothers and sisters,
    who accuses them before our God day and night,
    has been hurled down.” Revelation 12:10 NIV (emphasis mine)

But then God . . .

Then, one Sunday morning 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 stronger 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

Persevere: to maintain a purpose in spite of difficulty, obstacles, or discouragement; continue steadfastly (Dictionary.com)

“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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40 thoughts on “When God Feels Far Away”

  5. Thank you for this encouragement, Cindy. I believe we all have seasons like this. I love that you didn’t try to give formulas on how to change the season but gave us the encouragement instead to press on IN the season. Have a blessed weekend!

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  6. Thank you Cindy for sharing your experience.

    In addition it’s important we develop the right attitude when tests come and the results seemingly go wrong (or right). And the sweetest part? Knowing that God can use our tests (failed or not) to achieve something beautiful in us and knowing that even our failures are no surprise to Him gives me the courage to forgive myself. We beat ourselves so much and wallow in condemnation maybe because we think God is so shocked and disappointed in us.

    God bless you.

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  7. Such an encouragement Cindy. Even when we do not feel like doing all those things, you pushed past your feelings deep down knowing that even though God felt far away in that time, he was there for you and is always faithful. He refines and strengthens us in our journey.

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  9. I have a framed copy of that song lyric hanging on my wall. I’m fairly sure my testing will not be over until I awake in glory, so it’s nice to have that prayer on my wall to encourage my soul. May the Lord bless and encourage your heart.

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  13. One of the great lessons God gave me during my time of testing is that God blesses obedience. Like you, I continued in my Bible reading, prayer, church attendance, etc. But I had no heart for it. I wondered why I was doing it, what did it matter?
    But God blessed that, even stiff-necked obedience.
    Even when we don’t FEEL it, God is still right there with us. When we remain obedient, He brings us through with new strength and wisdom.

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    1. “In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” (1 Peter 1:6-7)
      Blessings, Ken!

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  15. I know all too well of these “lost in the desert” experiences Cindy. They are hard. After one reaches the other side of that desert we find out that God was not far away. Satan can sure play havoc with our senses and God seems to be ok with those testing’s.

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    1. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this, Gary. It is encouraging to know that others have experienced this, too. But we know He is near whether we feel it or not. His Word is true. Blessings, Brother!

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