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.