Distant from God

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   Jen Buczynskiposted 12 years ago

   Christians:
   When you feel distant from God, what do you do?

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      Brenda Durhamposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Several things, at any given time or other.
      
      Repent (because I know He never leaves me, but I'm tempted to stray from Him).
      
      Call a Christian friend, who invariably will either pray with me or encourage me in some way.  Sometimes, just making contact with another Believer will boost one's Spiritual strength.
      
      Pick up the Bible and just read.
      
      Pray for Him to draw me closer.
      
      Go to church.
      
      
      
      Sometimes, if I'm in a doubting mood or rebellious, I don't do anything!  Or I just try to ignore Him or hide.  Which really does no good.  That's when HE calls on me.  Be it chastisement or just reminders of His promises, there's no avoiding His power forever.

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         Jen Buczynskiposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         I asked my friends this same question last night, and got a variety of answers very similar to yours! Funny, the guys (2) both agreed that they are more likely to ignore God until the point of frustration where they feel so distant that they become really hungry to be near Him again.
         The girls (3) were more likely to either call a friend or read the Bible.
         
         Myself, I can't read the Bible when I feel far from Him. I have to pray, even when it feels like He can't hear me. Ignoring Him, as you said, doesn't work out so well. It really just weighs on my heart, even more than not being near Him.
         
         Thanks for your answer!

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      starsofeightposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I don't feel distant from God.

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         Jen Buczynskiposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Never? Good for you.

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            starsofeightposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            Thanks.

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      paarsurreyposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Just try to be closer to the Creator-God as Jesus used to do; and pray to the Creator-God, as Jesus used to pray to.

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         Jen Buczynskiposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Why is it necessary to mention "Creator-God" instead of just saying "God"? Jesus did not pray to any except His own Father, who is the only God.

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            paarsurreyposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            Jesus was just a human being; he created nothing, hence it is important to mention the Creator-God, so that there is no confusion.

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               Jen Buczynskiposted 12 years agoin reply to this

               This is not meant in offense, however, my original question clearly states that this question is meant for Christians to answer. In theology, we believe that all things were created in and through Jesus Christ, therefore He, as a member of the Trinity, most definitely had a hand in creation.
               
               If I had meant the question for people of all religions to answer, I would have not said "Christians." Thanks for your input, perhaps I should make an additional question for you to repost your answers in.

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                  paarsurreyposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                  It is an open discussion forum; cannot be restricted to just one sort of people which would make it a restricted forum, sorry.
                  
                  Jesus did not believe in any Trinity; he only believed in One-True-God. Trinity was coined later by the Church to confuse the Christians; it has nothing to do with Jesus.

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                     Jen Buczynskiposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                     While it may be an open forum, usually there is some respect allowed to the OP.

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      yankeeintexasposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Just because we feel distant from God does not mean he is not near! He is probable right behind us, waiting for us to call for Him!

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         Jen Buczynskiposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Quite right!

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      May PLposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I pray.

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   Brenda Durhamposted 12 years ago

   You're welcome.  Thanks for the question actually; it's a good subject!
   Interesting results you got from asking your friends.  It figures guys are more stubborn!  haha I'm joking! 

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      Jen Buczynskiposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      No really! That must be it

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   SandyMcCollumposted 12 years ago

   When I feel distant from God, it's of my own doing. The answer is to get close again. How? By prayer, prayer rocks!

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      Jen Buczynskiposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Prayer does rock!

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   senuffposted 12 years ago

   To get a little closer to God, praying is good, time alone seeking the nearness of God.  Reading the Scriptures, seeking His Word, meditating on his Word, memorizing His Word.   Christian fellowship is great, being near His Children, loving one another is loving God.

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      Jen Buczynskiposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I think memorizing really has the power to bless. I haven't done that in a while, but it really opens up the Scriptures.

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   senuffposted 12 years ago

   just got started on hub, second post, hook me up as a friend.  having problems loading my pics though, whats up with that?

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   ediggityposted 12 years ago

   I pray.

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   Mikel G Robertsposted 12 years ago

   Though I no longer consider myself to be a "Christian"...
   
   When I feel distant from God. I reach out with my emotions, praying in my way, until I feel again connected with God.
   
   Sometimes what makes me feel connected is a sign from God.
   
   Sometimes that sign is a person that gives me a hug, or a ride home, or both. Sometimes the sign is a beautiful sight that is to me breathtaking. Sometimes it is a gentle breeze that makes me feel loved, at peace, and a part of Mother Earth.
   
   Sometimes the sign is a swift kick in the butt that tells me to stop being a crybaby and carry-on.
   
   ...But that's me.

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   christiansisterposted 12 years ago

   When I feel distant from God it is because I have gotten so immersed in the trivial tasks of life here that I lose my balance. So, I have to break myself away to someplace quiet and listen to the inner dimension of silence. Which is not silent at all.
   When I stop the world from spinning around in my mind and stop paying attention to the world and look inside the realm of my spirit I find that I was not distant from God, I was just preoccupied.
   And then I see that it was me, not God who wandered off.

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      Jen Buczynskiposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      The "inner dimension of silence." What does that mean to you? Sounds intriguing. Silence does seem to invite the Lord's presence.

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   Flightkeeperposted 12 years ago

   Being distant from God is uncomfortable.  I feel out of sorts.  The quickest way for me to get close to God is to pray.
   
   It's an interesting question.  Some theologists conceptualize evil as straying from God.

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      ediggityposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      That's a good point.  It's easy to get distracted with different temptations that could be considered evil. 

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      Jen Buczynskiposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Amen flightkeeper, being distant from God is really uncomfortable.
      I almost think that's why it happens. To push us to seek Him more, so we reach that comfort level with Him.
      Then again, the "comfort level" really is quite elusive--probably again, on purpose!

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    Woman Of Courageposted 12 years ago

    I pray, read the bible, and sing worship songs when I feel distant from God.

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       Baileybearposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       what if you're too sick, exhausted, depressed, lonely to pray, read the bible or sing?

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          SirDentposted 12 years agoin reply to this

          Walk by Faith.

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             Baileybearposted 12 years agoin reply to this

             a christian cliche doesn't help much

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                SirDentposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHdcyue0bSw
                
                It is more than a cliche.  It is the Word of God.

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                   Baileybearposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                   I'm sure your words would sound hollow to a person that is severely depressed, lonely, extremely sick

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                      SirDentposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                      Truth sometimes hurts, but it is still the truth.  Also if I knew someone who is depressed, I would say the same thing and offer to help them through it.

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          Sky321posted 12 years agoin reply to this

          I have felt like that before Baileybear, I just asked other people to pray for me.

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          Woman Of Courageposted 12 years agoin reply to this

          Baileybear, You have made a good point. I just do works for me. In a situation which you have stated above, it is best to say the name of Jesus. There is power when we call on the name of Jesus and this is how one can recieve a breakthrough. God is always there, even in the times in our lives when we feel distant from him.

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             Woman Of Courageposted 12 years agoin reply to this

             Sorry for the error in the first sentence. Correction, I just do what works for me.

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          Jen Buczynskiposted 12 years agoin reply to this

          Baileybear, I agree with Woman of Courage. In those times that I feel so depressed, lonely and sick, I simply call on the name of Jesus. It may not seem like something that makes sense, yet when the Bible says, "Those who call upon the Lord shall be saved", I think this doesn't just refer to eternal salvation, but rather day-to-day life, in which we will be saved from loneliness, depression, and the like. Interesting points, both of you--Baileybear and Woman of Courage.

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             Woman Of Courageposted 12 years agoin reply to this

             Hi Jen, Welcome to hubpages. Actually, trials and tribulations draws me closer to God, and that's a good thing. I love this thread.

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                Jen Buczynskiposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                Thanks for the welcome!

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    nybride710posted 12 years ago

    I find this is pretty normal in my Christian walk.  I go through peaks and valleys of feeling close to or distant from God.  Unfortunately, I usually feel the closest to God when I am experiencing a crisis.  When life is going well, I probably get too complacent.  I just continue to go to church and fellowship with other believers, regardless of how I am feeling.

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       Woman Of Courageposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Hi nybride, I feel the same way. We all have to face trials and tribulations.

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    immolatedposted 12 years ago

    When I am feeling distant from Him, I ask myself why. And then I ask Him to help me to get out of myself, to break the hold by focusing on someone elses need. If there is one thing that distances me from Him, it is ME. My ego, my selfish desire, my need for attention and my feelings. They are all valid, but, after I lay down on my bed and talk to Him. (my prefered place) When we focus on someone else's needs, and not for money or glory, but for Him. We will not even realise that wow, that feels wonderful, spiritual, and for that timebeing, was not worried about my own crap. That is when I thank Him.Continue seeking spiritual progress. Today God, I wont worry about my small problems and issues, even though they feel HUGE. Please put someone in my path that I can love and help today. Please release me from this bondage of myself. Thank You Father

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       Jen Buczynskiposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Immolated,
       Wow! I loved your answer! Awesome. Release from the bondage of ourselves and look into someone else's bondage, and their needs.
       
       Thank you so much for posting!

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    paarsurreyposted 12 years ago

    Nearness to the Creator-God or being close to Him is heaven and to be distant is the hell.

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       Jen Buczynskiposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       I have to guess from this random comment that you do not believe in a literal heaven or hell after death. True?

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    Frank Menchiseposted 12 years ago

    When I feel distant from God, I start reflecting about why we are here and the meaning of life. Then I turn to God and pray.

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    immolatedposted 12 years ago

    If someone wants to talk about a bondage that has them hurting or anything they want to discuss, I will listen to them. Just as some of my close freinds and God listen to mine. Getting out of ourself and being released from the "bondage of ourself" is not focusing on someone elses bondages, it is just being unselish. Self-less and humble, I found, helps to be closer to Him. Whether it is listening to someone else's problems or helping someone move, volunteering somewhere, etc.  We are not perfect and never will be. Progress not perfection. God is awesome! He is our trength.

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       Woman Of Courageposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Hi immolated, I can relate to your response. God will turn our situation around when we are helping others. This is what I have witnessed.

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    Midnight Oilposted 12 years ago

    When I feel distant from God - I look for his house on Google maps...
    
    Not sure if he has street view though....

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       dingdongposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Google will be getting tired of searching for him.. oops!!

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    SirDentposted 12 years ago

    David wrote a lot of psalms that started out what we would call dark.  By the end of the psalm he would always be praising the Lord.  He wrote at least one time that he encoureges himself in the Lord by remembering what the Lord did for him before.

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    immolatedposted 12 years ago

    Through trials and tribulations comes growth. Our roots would not grow deep and take hold if we did not experience uncomfortable and unpleasant things. Living life on lifes terms helps us to develope character and patience. When we pray for Him to help us get through difficult times, He may see helping us in a different light.

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    SirDentposted 12 years ago

    Psa 100:4  Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

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    immolatedposted 12 years ago

    Thank you woman of courage and Jen for sharing your opinions.

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       Woman Of Courageposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       You are welcome.

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    paarsurreyposted 12 years ago

    To be distant from the Creator-God is to be in hell as nearness to Him is heaven.Jesus always tried to be close to the Creator-God whom he used to say God-the-Father.
    Jesus did not believe in any Trinity; he only believed in One-True-God. Trinity was coined later by the Church to confuse the Christians; it has nothing to do with Jesus.

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