Nowhere to be found...

[shadowofthepast79]

Why does God seem so distant when I need Him the most? Why does it seem my prayers bounce around aimlessly? How long can He turn his face from me? How long can He ignore my cries? I'm in the pit of despair. I'm on the verge of giving up my boulder. http://www.hyccoaching.com/Flash/movie.htm

In the Bible, it says that if we seek wisdom, He will provide abundantly... so where is this abundance? If we seek Him, He will be a light unto our path... so why am I standing in the dark? That He is always with us... so why do I feel so alone?

Don't misunderstand me, I'm not trying to say that God isn't there or that He doesn't keep His promises... just that He's trying my faith and I just wish it would end. I know that when this is over, I will be the better for it. Like it was mentioned on another post, all things work together for the good of believers. It's just that everyday hurts and everyday seems farther from God. I don't belong here.

 

[KeilCoppes]

God's timing isn't always what we want, is it? Lord, I want patience and I want it now...

I've been there as well - curiously, God kept me there until I either ran out of my own strength and had nothing left but Him, or until I let go my own desires (which were godly but out of His timing). In the end I ended up praying 'thy will be done' earnestly, but it took a lot of doing and there were still bumps as I got into that path. God was there, but my own desires were getting in my way of feeling that way.

As always, keep in fellowship - don't withdraw, keep doing for others - it shifts the focus and can help you feel better. Keep in the word, in prayer, and in worship. And _talk_ to someone in person. You're not alone, and there is a reason God puts us together in the church - to bear one anothers burdens and encourage one another.

Even if it feels that way, God does not abandon us - that's our feelings talking. Keep your chin up and your eyes on the end - on Jesus who is the author and finisher of our faith, who for the glory set before Him...

 

[klewlis]

Keil gives very good advice. I second his post.

I've been there too, and all I can promise is that God *is* faithful and there is an end to it, even if that end doesn't seem to be anywhere in sight. Keep plugging.

A book that I found very helpful was "Reaching for the Invisible God" by Philip Yancey. Maybe it can encourage you too.

 

[Crain]

God wants to change you.... You'll eventually get what u want but u might not be ready for it... So God changes us so when he gives us these things we desire. We can handle them and NOT LEAVE HIM. I have known some people to get what they want from God and suddenly disappear. Like they used God to get what they want. God doesn't want anyone to get what they want and then leave him until they want something else.

 

[stormgade4]

doulos, I can't offer anything new from what the others have said. Faith is a strange thing sometimes. I experienced an episode similar to what you described recently in my life. I found, flat out stubbornness works. "Hey God, I can't really feel you right now, but I'm going to keep my faith in you." Sounds ridiculous, i agree, but I said that out loud once. Keep believing, God is planning good things for you.

 

[Joyfuldove]

Doulous, I agree with you. I think we need to pray for wisdom. God promised the Israelites a land flowing with milk and honey but the people had to fight to claim the land. Once they conquer the land, they have to sow seeds, plant gardens, learn to hunt, learn to cook good meals. Then, they really enjoy the land flowing with milk and honey.

Yeah....this is something in my mind and so I am doing lots of study and want to know how I can really live in the life that God has promised to me.

Joy