Living By Faith Blog

Icon

Biblical, battle-tested, real-life help for "living by faith in the Son of God" (Galatians 2:20). — Steve Fuller

Why Do I Feel Far from God? (4-min video)

Alone on everystockphoto by claaritaWhy Do I Feel Far From God?

In the Bible God does not just say that we can know about Him.  God says we can actually experience His love, taste His goodness, and feel His glory.

But why do we so often not experience this?

Why do we pray — but feel nothing?  Read the Bible — but it’s just words?  Sing worship — but it’s just music?

There are many possible reasons.  But in this video I talk about one of the most common reasons — and what we can do about it.

Comments?  Feedback?

I’d love to hear them.  Leave a reply below — thanks.

If you know someone this would help, email it to them using the “share” button below.  Or use the other buttons to share it on your favorite social media.

If you would like to interact with others who are seeking to live by faith in Christ, visit our Forums page.

If you would like to receive a Saturday email summarizing the week’s posts — subscribe here.  (I will only use your email address for Living By Faith Blog communications, and you can easily unsubscribe at any time.)

And here are some related posts you might find helpful –

 

(Picture from everystockphoto by meganne_soh.)

Category: Videos to Strengthen Faith

Tagged:

33 Responses

  1. Nagi says:

    This is so timely for me, Steve. Thank you for sharing your wisdom (:

  2. Rob C. says:

    So needed this. Thank you!! \o/

  3. E.A. says:

    Well, you do have two hands. Lol.

  4. Pavel E. says:

    Thank you very much for sharing this.

  5. Jessica says:

    I’ve heard this analogy before but not as a response to this question. Thanks for making the connection.

  6. Peter says:

    Pastor Steve, the things I long for deal with social justice, humanitarian aid, and reaching the lost. Yet, there is still spiritual indifference when I read my bible or pray. Can zealousness to see people come to Christ or my longing to help diminish temporal human suffering be an idol? Don’t those two things flow out of a right relationship with Christ? Or maybe this is just a misunderstanding of what “experiencing” or “tasting his goodness” means. Are we dealing with feelings or emotions here? Is it similar to being in love or having a sense of emotional peace? How does this work out mechanically? I can honestly say I’ve never emotionally “felt” anything when reading my bible or praying. I might have once or twice but that’s the confusing part, one never really knows. What does experiencing God or drinking his goodness actually mean? I understand there is a spiritual element to Christianity and is not exclusively facts and intellectual knowledge but I guess I’m just having a tough time getting in touch with the spiritual aspect of it. What are your thoughts?

    Thank you.

    • Steve Fuller says:

      Hi Peter,

      You raise some weighty questions.

      I’ve been helped by pondering 2 Corinthians 4:6. This verse shows that conversion involves God changing my heart so I am able to see and feel how glorious Jesus Christ is. This is a feeling of love, joy, worship, and pleasure — similar to (but much, much greater than) what we feel when we behold the beauty of Yosemite Valley or the Grand Canyon.

      Then when my heart is full of love for Jesus Christ, I overflow with compassion for those who suffer injustice and poverty, and especially for those who face the eternal suffering of hell.

      I think it is possible to make evangelism or social justice an idol. Maybe a helpful question to ask is — why do I long for people to be saved? If it’s because you long to have them share with you in the joy of knowing Christ — then it’s probably not an idol.

      Or regarding social justice you could ask — why do you long for people to be freed from oppression? Is it because oppressors are dishonoring Christ and you long for Christ to be glorified — and because the oppressed are suffering and your love for Christ moves you to want to help them? If so — it’s probably not an idol.

      That’s the best I can do — and hope it helps some.

      In Christ,

      Steve Fuller

  7. Kaleb Sargent says:

    Bro u have no idea how much this just opened my eyes, thanks man, and keep preaching that truth, and hopefully God will provide me with the strength to do the same! Legit! Haha much love man

  8. Dean says:

    That just answered a big question I had, thanks!

  9. Joe says:

    This analogy was very helpful for me, and timely as well. Thank you so much Steve. God bless!

  10. Shawn Cox says:

    Thank you Steve once again for your wisdom and insights.

  11. D Julia says:

    Hi Steve,

    can you please give the verses you’re talking of in this video?

    • Steve Fuller says:

      Hi D Julie,

      I would be glad to. 1 Thessalonians 1:10 is the Scripture about how we need to turn from idols to God.

      I do not remember mentioning any other Scriptures. Were there others you are wondering about?

      In Christ,

      Steve Fuller

  12. D Julia says:

    Hi Steve,

    I am referring to to verses which you’re asking us to meditate.

    • Steve Fuller says:

      Hi Julia,

      Oh yes, I see. You are asking about Scriptures to meditate on that would stir our hearts to love and trust Jesus Christ more.

      Here are some passages I have found helpful —

      Jesus’ compassion in Luke 13:10-13
      Jesus’ zeal for His Father’s glory in John 2:14-17
      Jesus’ motivation in Mark 10:45.
      Jesus’ suffering on the Cross (Mark 15:34)
      The descriptions of Jesus in Rev 1:5; Rev 1:12-18.
      Paul’s description of Jesus in Colossians 1:15-20 and in Philippians 2:5-11.

      I hope that helps.

      In Christ,

      Steve Fuller

  13. Shawn says:

    The timing of this could not be more perfect. I am working on this area of idolatry in my own life personally and am preparing a women’s retreat on the subject of “Living With Unmet Desires.” Thank you! God has used this video to affirm the message that He has directed me to share with the ladies. Thank you for pointing out the truth of 1 Thessalonians 1:10. Blessings!

  14. Praverb says:

    Thank you Steve for the awesome video. Watching your video made me realize that I was holding onto a multitude of things. I want to feel closer to God. Your blog is excellent, thank you.

  15. Eric Burriss says:

    Pastor Steve,

    Thoroughly encouraged by this message and the insight that it brings to those of us who long for more of Gods presence.

    Thanks for sharing!

    Eric

  16. Bill Schuler says:

    Great to SEE you Steve!! I hope you do more videos! Great message. Been struggling with a cold heart lately. You know, when I finally go to the gym and work out, I get back to that place where I clearly see that this is good and I want this in my life and it needs to become a lifestyle change, yada yada yada…until day’s later I’m sitting on the couch knowing I need to go work out but dreading the chore I’m thinking it is. This is similar to what I have been going through spiritually lately. It seems like a chore. Until I press through like going to the gym and then for a brief moment my eyes are opened. Why is it that the right things are work to me and sin comes so naturally lazy to me? What scares me is where has my passion for Jesus gone? My idol is school work (straight A’s though this sem :)But the work consumes me. It seems like I have trouble passionately focusing on more than one thing at a time. None the less I can’t have this coldness go on much longer. The title to this blog caught my eye and I knew I had to stop by and listen to my mentor. Thanks. Praying for your partnership with God in what He’s doing in Abu Dhabi!

Leave a Reply

Join 3,436 people who receive Living by Faith updates —

More Help for Your Faith

  • RSS Feed
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Feedback

"I just found your blog recently, and I've NEVER found such clarity, understanding and comfort before." (Sarah)

"AWESOME. Going to mangle this sin tonight with the Promises of God." (Alec)

"If I could subscribe to only one blog, yours would be it." (Lyn)

"I think you are really on to something with this blog. I don’t know of anything else like it." (Doug)

"Excellent comment. Really well put and wisdom that is strangely lacking in much evangelical thinking." (John)

"Thank you -- I needed to hear this. So clear and concise yet captivating." (Stacey)

"Such a helpful post. I’ve bookmarked it and reread it two or three mornings just this week." (Doug)