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God is Real, No Matter How I Feel

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Hebrews 13:5 (KJV)

For God has said, “I will never leave you; I will never abandon you.” Hebrews 13:5 (TEV)

Question to Consider: How can I stay focused on God’s presence, especially when he feels distant?
This chapter has really encouraged my spirit. I have asked so many times, what’s wrong with me? I realize sin pushes us away from God and that there’s always something that I’ve done that has made God turn away from me. But often, it seems that I allow myself to be condemned and I focus on that so much that I forget that God’s power to forgive is always ample. Yet, I waste time kicking myself instead of asking for forgiveness and then moving on and away from it.

Instead of focusing on my sin and how far I’ve pushed God away – I need to be praying and focusing on all he has already done for me. I need to focus on his promises and live my life as if my prayers have already been favorably answered. When I feel that nagging emptiness and loneliness – I need to remind myself that the devil is a liar – I’m not empty or lonely because God is always there to watch over me and I’m filled by him. Condemnation is just a trick to make us think we don’t have the love of Jesus in our hearts. If I can just remember the very first song I ever learned: Yes, Jesus Loves Me! I will be alright. Hallelujah!

Important Quotes:
“The deepest level or worship is praising God in spite of pain, thanking God during a trial, trusting him when tempted, surrending while suffering, and loving him when he seems distant.” (Warren, 107)

“To mature you friendship, God will test it with periods of seeming separation – times when it feels as if he has abandoned or forgotten you.” (Warren, 108)

“The most common mistake Christians make in worship today is seeking an experience rather than seeking God.” (Warren, 109)

“God is always present, even when you are unaware of him, and his presence is too profound to be measured by mere emotion. Yes, 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.” (Warren, 110)

“Remind yourself what you know to be eternally true about God: He is good, he loves me, he is with me, he knows what I’m going through, he cares, and he has a good plan for my life.” (Warren, 111)

“During times of spiritual dryness you must patiently rely on the promises of God, not your emotions, and realize that he is taking you to a deeper level of maturity.” (Warren, 111)

“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.” (Warren, 113)

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