God is real no matter how you feel. When God seems distant, you may feel that he is angry with you or is disciplining you for some sin. In fact, sin does disconnect you from intimate fellowship with God. But sometimes this feeling of abandonment from God has nothing to do with sin. It is a test of faith which all of you must face. Will we continue to love, trust, obey, and worship God, even when you have no sense of his presence or visible evidence of his work in your life?
God’s omnipresence and the manifestation of his presence are two different things. One is a fact; the other is often a feeling. God is always present, even when you are unaware of him, and his presence is too profound to be measured by mere emotion. He wants you to sense his presence, but he’s more concerned that you trust him than that you feel him. Faith, not feelings, pleases God.
How do you praise God when you don’t understand what’s happening in your life and God is silent? How do you stay connected in a crisis without communication? How do you keep your eyes on Jesus when they are full of tears? You do what Job did: “Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart.’ The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.’”
Pour out your heart to God. Unload every emotion you are feeling. Did you know that admitting your hopelessness to God can be a statement of faith? Trusting God but feeling despair at the same time. Regardless of circumstances and how you feel, hang on to God’s unchanging character. Never doubt in the dark what God told you in the light. Don’t be troubled by trouble, because circumstances can’t change the character of God.
When you feel abandoned by God yet continue to trust him; keep worshiping him with sincere heart. Jesus gave up everything so you could have everything. He died so you could live forever. That alone is worthy of your continual thanks and praise. Never again should you wonder what you have to be thankful for.
