LEARNING DAILY

Psalm16:8-9, I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. (NLT)

Psalm 88:13-14,“But I, O Lord, cry to you; in the morning my prayer comes before you. O Lord, why do you cast my soul away? Why do you turn your face from me? (NLT)

That is quite a difference in thought – God is right with me and I will not be shaken and wanting to know why God has hidden from the Psalmist. It is knowing God’s presence in one’s life and then going through a time when God does not seem near. What happens when God feels far away? Pastor Jonathon Moore had four thoughts about what might be happening during this time.

“Maybe you are over sensationalizing God’s presence.” “Perhaps you are looking for God to give you a dream, or a vision, or a sign regarding something you want to know. During the time Jesus walked on this earth, there were those who asked Him for a sign. John 6:30, “So they said to him, "Then what sign do you do, that we may see and believe you? What work do you perform?” Those in the crowd asked for a miracle or a sign to believe in Jesus and to follow Him. In fact, the miracles were the reason many followed Him. Audrey wrote in her notes, “If you always felt God, you would not need faith.” Feelings are too often used to replace faith; and those feelings often lead one astray. Be careful! Pastor Moore stated that the Bible should be consulted for all the answers the Believer has to life’s questions.

“Maybe your heart has hardened.” Matthew 13:14-15, “Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says: ‘You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive. For this people 's heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’” When one is hurt, or betrayed, walls can be built to prevent things from entering your life. But God often uses people to build faith or bring a message of hope to us (JM). Audrey wrote, “The main cause of a calloused heart is ongoing sin that [a person] tries to justify/rationalize so it is accepted in their life. When you get comfortable with the unholy, you get calloused toward the holy.” The answer is to be forgiving toward those who have hurt you and be repentant for your actions.

“Maybe you need to pursue God.” Acts 17:26-27, “And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us.” “God’s purpose is for Believers to seek, pursue, chase after Him!” (JM). Audrey wrote, Deprivation (lack, denial, scarcity) draws out desire.” Jeremiah 29:13, “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” James 4:8, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

“Maybe you are not recognizing God in your situation.” Read Matthew 14:24-27. The disciples were in a great storm but did not recognize Jesus when He came. When the storm comes and we do not know what to do, reach out to Jesus. Seek Him, diligently. Jesus said to His disciples in the storm, “But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” He said. “Take courage. I am here!” “Just because God feels distant it does not mean He is absent.”

Psalm16:8-9, “I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety.” All of us need to keep this in mind – at all times.