Where is God?

Ever ask the question: "Where is God?" If you have you are not alone. I have asked it too. It is very easy with all that is going on in our lives that we feel an absence of the presence of God, and besides what is that supposed to feel like?

I wish I could tell you the "feeling" you get, or what happens when you feel God's presence...but it is different for each of us. I have heard all kinds of stories and experiences where people have felt and/or had an encounter with God. But most of the time I get asked questions like: "Why can't I feel or hear God right now?" or "If God is loving where is he in this horrible event?".

I answer both of those questions the same way - God does not move, because He is everywhere. He is next to you when you feel all alone, and He is with those suffering in or going through a tragedy. He is there even though you do not "feel" Him. Maybe the question is not "Where is God?" that should be asked, but rather "Where did I leave Him?".

"'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me." Matt. 15:8.

When we become believers, when we accept that we can not fill the void in our lives with anything other than the comfort that comes from connecting with our Creator by inviting Jesus to come into our hearts and lives, everything changes. We no longer have to carry every burden that comes our way. We no longer have to struggle with thinking we are not enough.

Jesus died for you so you could have a relationship with God without doing anything, period. That act alone tells you that you are important, valuable, and that God desires a relationship with you. And when we first invite Jesus into our lives we are on fire! That God would love us THAT much...then something happens called life. Life comes at us with ups and downs, happiness and sorrow...and busy. Busy says everything is urgent, and important will just have to wait. And slowly we get further and further away from God, until we simply don't "feel" Him anymore.

Life is fragile and all too short. Ask yourself this question: What matters most in life? Position? Reputation? Be honest with your answer. In all of God's creation the thing that matters most to Him is YOU. If you are wondering where God is I suggest two things - First, stop. Second, turn around...He has been right there the entire time. He is not there to "make" things better. He is there offering hope. Hope that will carry you through and light your path during your darkest times if you let Him. He is there to let you know that this is not all that there is. He is there.

Our personal experience with God is completely determined by us, because, you can't have a relationship with anyone you do not make the effort to. You can't put false expectations on God either...tell Him what to do to show you know He is there.

He is there. If you feel led here is a link to a passage to read and reflect on if you are feeling a distance between you and God...God is only as far away from you as you are from Him.

http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Isa&c=40&t=ESV#28

May your week be filled with more of Him, and may you feel His presence in a new and fresh way.

Blessings,
pastor pat