By Cyndi

There’s an expression we Christians use at times when others don’t feel close to God. We say, “If you don’t feel close to God, guess who moved?” This is implying that since we know God never changes – is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow – then it must be us that has separated ourselves from Him.

However, after experiencing the Father’s love for many years now, and knowing that He never leaves me or forsakes me, how can I be far away from Him if the Word says He’s always near me? So I propose a different take on when we don’t feel close to God: neither of us moved, there simply was something put between us to make it seem like we’re apart. He’s there, we just can’t sense His presence. 

Imagine sitting side by side next to  someone, each of us in our own chair, and then, “Boom” a giant wall drops between us. Now we can’t see, hear, or feel each other even though we’re both still sitting in our chairs. Neither of us has moved, but at this moment there’s a disconnect — something has blocked the space between us.

Maybe that something is our job, our family, our friends, a sport, a hobby, an addiction. Maybe we simply stopped communicating with God, or maybe “stuff” has made a wall between us. Yet here we sit together, unable to lovingly connect.

So what happens if we can’t connect, feel His presence, His guidance, or His love? This is when we have to walk by faith and not by sight. Even when we don’t feel Him or His presence, He’s always there. 

Ps 23:4 — “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death… you are with me.“

There may be some of those shadows around me. It may indeed be dark. It may be my own doing that has caused this wall to arise, but no matter the reason, God has not left me alone. He’s there, I just can’t sense Him.

So if I can’t sense Him, did I really move? In my opinion, I think no one did. Just a wall came between us. Sometimes hurts and wounds can put a brick in the wall and it continues to build. But if choose humility, repentance, and healing, it will eventually come down. 

My dear friend, do not fear. Whether it’s a season of testing, of backsliding, or busyness, nothing can truly separate us from His love. (Rom. 8:38,39) We’re still sitting side by side next to Him even when we can’t feel Him. Continue to talk to Him and stand on His promises. Have faith and keep trusting in Father’s love. 

I love living in the Sunshine State. There’s nothing better than sitting in a warm sun and cool breeze outside enjoying the afternoon. And it’s now springtime, so my hibiscuses are starting to bloom and the birds have been coming to my bird feeder more often now. 

Which reminds me of the verse in the book of Matthew that says:

 “Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”(Matt.6:26) 

Wow! How much time do I spend worrying about stuff? Yet, it’s very clear in this verse that God is quite capable of taking care of me, and WANTS to take care of me. I’m much more valuable than a bird in His eyes; I’m His child! 

Now, God doesn’t put out a bird feeder for me to eat from or trees to live in for a place to rest — He does even better. He’s given me intelligence and a highly functional brain to be educated and creative. I have reasoning skills and the capability to acquire knowledge and wisdom, unlike my little feathered friends, so I have the ability to hold a job, make an income to pay my bills, and feed and clothe myself. 

Though it’s not really myself that’s doing it. God enables me to live out my life through His blessings and favor. Situations are tough sometimes — financially, health related, or in relationships — but I know God has, and will always, get me through those seasons. How do I know this? Because I’m extremely valuable to Him, and He’s my Father; and this verse reminds me that He consistently takes care of His treasured possessions.

So I sit here watching these birds fluttering around, so full of life — so free. They don’t have a care in the world and nothing seems to bother them. I’ve thought at times, “If only I could be a bird and be that free.” But God has made me more important than those birds and just as free. He guards me, protects me, and watches over me. He’s saved me and chooses to have a relationship with me, His child. The Creator connects with His creation. 

I love to be in His creation — the sunshine, flowers, and trees are beautiful. I stand in awe of it. But mostly I’m grateful to be one of God’s children. It’s better than being a bird. He loves me more. 

So many times it seems like when we help others it actually helps us more. Whether it’s holding a door open for a person behind you, carrying a package of groceries for someone, or letting another driver merge into traffic in front of you, if our hearts are right, we feel God’s pleasure. 

In Joshua chapter one God gives the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh their settlement east of the Jordan River, yet when the rest of the Israelites were crossing over the river to take the Promised Land to the west, Joshua had asked them to help fight on behalf of the other tribes’ lands. Once the others had settled down, they would then be allowed to return to their own property. These brave fighting men readily agreed to cross over and help their brothers. (Josh.1:12-17)

I find this interesting that God wanted them to help their brothers win their land before they settled themselves. He wanted them to put others first. 

But isn’t this what Jesus did? Didn’t He put us first?

In 1910, the founder of the Salvation Army, General William Booth, was aging and near the end of his life. He was unable to attend their Christmas convention to encourage the soldiers on their relentless service, especially during the holiday season and during the cold winter months, so he simply sent a one-word telegram to be read. And what was that one word he sent that summarizes their whole mission? “Others.”  

That’s what it’s all about, isn’t it? Others?

In a world where some people are simply looking out for themselves, it’s refreshing to see those who are looking out for others. Those who stay a little longer just to help out a co-worker, those who bring meals to the sick, help out the elderly, read to children, or a slew of other types of volunteers — all this is done for the sake of others. 

Matt. 7:12 — “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, 

do also to them…”

So as we go throughout our day, let’s ask the Lord to show us opportunities to help others. And if we can’t physically, then let’s fight for them with prayer and encouraging words. I believe that when we serve others out of love and not obligation, we express the true heart of Father God. 

Lately I have found myself within the halls of hospitals and I must say, it’s not my favorite place to be. I’m not sure it’s anyone’s true joy to sit in waiting rooms or listen to the myriad of sounds in the corridors of a medical facility, however, these things do occur and must be managed. 

In certain situations, I get a lot of reading done, which I DO like to do, though standing by waiting to speak to a medical person about someone who was rushed to an emergency room can be a bit wearisome. Yet, it was here where I found a touch of kindness in the midst of chaos.

My sister and I had been in the ER waiting room amongst crying children and suffering patients for about thirty minutes after my mother had arrived by ambulance. We were listening for an attendant to call her name and talk to the family when a man with a tie and badge on walked up to us (must have been an administrator being dressed up) and asked who we were waiting for. After having told him and disappearing behind the automatic double-doors, he returned with good news that we could come back and sit with her. His voice was calming and reassuring as we followed behind him into the hallway.

It was sincere kindness during tension and turmoil.

He was nice. And so was every other person we came in contact with at the hospital. Though it was late into the evening, I was truly amazed at how considerate and friendly these doctors, nurses, technicians, and staff were. They were all nice. Which meant a lot to me in the middle of this stressful situation. 

Not only in the emergency room, but throughout the entire hospital I found genuine  gentleness and goodness. And you know the other thing I found out? That kindness breeds kindness. As I received the graciousness and forbearance from these hard-working souls, I found myself being kinder to others too — in the lobby, driving home, at the store.

These verses popped into my mind:

• Eph. 4:32—“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
• Gal. 6:9-10—“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
• Luke 6:35—“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them.” 

Reflecting on these, the lesson Father God had for me was simply: “Be nice.”

So that’s my goal. With whomever I come in contact with, wherever I am, just be nice. Smile at people. Help them if I can. Speak encouragement or kind words to them. If an over-worked medical team can walk in kindness during critical, even life-threatening situations, I think I can try to do so also.