May 30, 2013
Why Do I Feel Far from God? (4-min video)
Why 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.
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And here are some related posts you might find helpful –
- How Jesus Frees Us From Fear (4-min video)
- Don’t Settle For Just Knowing The Truth — FEEL The Truth (4-min video)
- What Keeps Faith From Changing Us?
- Discovering What You Are Really Trusting
(Picture from everystockphoto by meganne_soh.)
This is so timely for me, Steve. Thank you for sharing your wisdom (:
You are so welcome! Thanks for taking the time to let me know.
where can i find you on facebook? your words are inspiring me to keep my faith strong. thank you so much
Hi Jax,
Thank you for your encouraging words. And check out the Living By Faith Blog Facebook page — would love to have you join.
In Christ,
Steve Fuller
So needed this. Thank you!! \o/
I’m glad to hear it Rob. Thanks for letting me know.
Well, you do have two hands. Lol.
Every analogy has its weak point 🙂
Haha nice…
Thank you very much for sharing this.
You are so welcome, Pavel.
I’ve heard this analogy before but not as a response to this question. Thanks for making the connection.
Glad the analogy was helpful for that question — and thanks for letting me know, Jessica.
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.
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
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
I’m so glad this was helpful, Kaleb. And isn’t is great news that as we come to God through Christ He will always give us the strength. Onward!
That just answered a big question I had, thanks!
You are so welcome, Dean. Thank you for letting me know.
This analogy was very helpful for me, and timely as well. Thank you so much Steve. God bless!
You are so welcome, Joe!
Thank you Steve once again for your wisdom and insights.
Great to hear from you again, Shawn. And you are so welcome!
Hi Steve,
can you please give the verses you’re talking of in this video?
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
Hi Steve,
I am referring to to verses which you’re asking us to meditate.
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
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!
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.
Thank you so much for the encouragement, Praverb.
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
You are so welcome, and it’s a joy to hear from you!
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!