What if God seems really distant in my life?

I think it's totally normal to go through seasons in our life. It makes sense to me that there are seasons. For example, seasons like a baby, a toddler, a teen, a middle aged, and a senior. Life progresses like that. Then in God's creation, we see seasons as well. Spring - full of new leaves and shoots, Summer - when the fruit is ripe and yummy, Autumn - when the leaves turn and trees start to produce the part of the trunk that makes it strong, and finally winter - when things seem hopeless and lifeless.

So, I think it's normal to have seasons in our walk with God...times when the 'closeness' just isn't there as much as it was before. I want to encourage you to consider this possibility. Of course, there are pat answers like "read your Bible more" or "just pray more", but they don't really answer much, do you think?

Maybe this is just a refining time in your life where you need to just follow God as best you know how, love Him, tell Him so and let the feelings come later. You can have a Christian walk even when you don't 'feel' close, know what I mean? You've given Him your life, you belong to Him and nothing can change that.

All your strong Christian friends will share similar experiences with you if they're honest. I know lots of believers who have had times like this.

Of course, there is always the possibility that there is sin in your life. You could take some time to really talk to God about that. Ask Him to show you if there is anything in your life that is short circuiting your communion with Him. But if He doesn't show you anything specific, then it's probably safe to say that it's not that. See Psalm 32:5 -"Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the LORD'-- and you forgave the guilt of my sin."

I would spend time with people who encourage you in your faith. Tell them how you feel and ask them to pray for you. When you spend time with God, give Him the freedom to just love you - seek Him for HIM, not for the feeling of closeness that you desire. That is not bad by any means, but just be patient.

Spend time thinking about what's true of you because of Jesus. You are God's child. You are forgiven.

We know that "He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1:6), so we know He's working in you even if you can't see it or feel it!

Ask Him to help you trust and wait. You'll be okay. I hope that doesn't sound like a pat answer. I don't mean it to...I just know that even though this time may be a little scary, He is watching over you with a love that never ends (Jeremiah 31:3).

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