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Does the Lord Seem Far Away?

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Why do You stand afar off, O Lord? Why do You hide Yourself in times of trouble?

Psalm 10:1

David wrote this psalm because the Lord seemed far off during his time of trouble.  Have you ever felt alone because the Lord seemed far off? Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. (Psalm 27:14).  Our faith is surely tested when we wait for the Lord, especially when we need his guidance.

The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save. He will rejoice over you with gladness. He will quiet you by his love. He will exult over you with loud singing, (Zephaniah 3:17 ESV) If we are entertaining sin in our life, then the Lord will feel far off. If we repent with Godly sorrow, we will know the Lord is with us. I have felt the Lord to be distant, but I seek the Lord through His Word, prayer, and fellowship.  I refuse to believe the Lord is distant, and I pray daily for the Lord to reveal anything in my heart that is displeasing to him.

Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. (James 4:8) Whether the Lord seems close or far away, we continue to serve the Lord and check our life for anything displeasing to God. We walk with a repentant heart in a close relationship with the Lord, and we are grounded in the Word. We live on God’s promises because we know the Lord is faithful.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9 ESV) Live by this promise and know the Lord is always with you through the Spirit. Seek to be close to the Lord, and know he hears your prayers, and he will answer. If the Lord continues to be far away, pray and ask the Lord why he seems far away.

Today, know the Lord is with you and pray that everything you do will be pleasing to Him. Be comforted and know He is with you. The more you serve the Lord and the more you depend on Him, the more he will reveal his presence, especially when ministering to others.

Prayer: Lord, I pray that I will always be comforted by your divine presence and I pray you will reveal any behavior in my life that displeases you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.