So many people tell me that they no longer feel God's
intense presence like they once did, and they want that feeling back. They say
that God left them alone in the wilderness, and they cannot find His presence.
This is impossible. God lives within us (Colossians 1:27). There is
no way that He would ever leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).
If we do not feel His presence it is for one of two
reasons. Maybe we sinned and grieved the Holy Spirit. When this happens, God
turns His back because He cannot look upon sin (Habakkuk 1:13). The
other reason is that He is enjoying some companionable silence with us; and in
our insecurity, we fail to realize that He is still and always will be right
here within us.
God is constantly near us. He sees us no matter where we
are or what we are doing (Psalm 139:8). He fills the heavens and earth,
and this includes the lives of those who put their trust in Him (Jeremiah
23:23-24). The first step in restoring our intimacy is to allow God's
Spirit to search our heart (Psalm 139:23-24). He will point out to us
any idol or sin, which is blocking the connection between Him and us.
The second step is to relax and enjoy God's companionable
silence. We do not need goose bumps, constant revelation from His Word or His
still, small voice within us in order to believe that He is with us. We have
His promise that He is there, and that is all we really need. Rather than
seeking a feeling, just spend time praising God, because our connection with
Him can never be lost.
Prayer:
Father God, You inhabit the praises of Your people (Psalm
22:3). There is no quicker way to connect to Your presence in us
than to praise You with an obedient heart full of gratitude and trust. Remind
us that once we are free from unconfessed sin, empty of all known idols and
trusting in Your goodness, we will bask in the waterfall of Your love, which
You pour over those who rest in Your will.
Thought for the Day:
Never allow Satan to convince you that this perceived
"dry spell" means that God is withholding His presence from you;
confess known sin and then enjoy His companionable silence by sitting still and
knowing that He is Your God now and forever. - Psalm 46:10
