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January 23, 2006
I like your feedback.....
"What do you , Rhett, do when you feel distant from God?"
That is the question that I received this week from an anonymous student. Even though I field tons of questions from students throughout the week I instituted something new this week. I leave 3x5 cards up at the front of the sanctuary next to a basket. And I told students that if they ever have any questions, and maybe they don't want to ask them out loud, or just don't have the time, they can write any question they want down onto a card, and place it into the basket. The questions can be about anything that is on their mind, from something I said in a sermon, to something they are struggling with, to listing doubts, or fears, etc.
So this is the first question?
I have some thoughts on this issue, and I will come back to that, but I would like to hear from you.
If you were to answer this question for yourself in a paragraph or less, what would you say?
Posted by rhett at January 23, 2006 08:57 PM
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Comments
When I feel distant from God, it usually is not God's end. If I believe that God has forgiven me, then I know he is with me. However, my faith is really the issue, not God. I just don't believe sometimes that God loves me. And, I know that I am sinful. But when I sin, it becomes worse--that feeling of distance. And, I do sin. So, there is the issue. What do I really believe about God?
Rhett--this has come up a lot with young adults that I know and have mentored over the years...as well as my personal experience. When someone feels dry, I usually end up finding a sin issue is what it is (big or small). However, it takes a few lattes to get there.
Posted by: Rich Kirkpatrick at January 23, 2006 09:58 PM
I would begin by reading Psalm 13...one of the most honest prayers in Scripture...and just let David's words marinate in my heart.
I wish that I would do this every time I felt distant from God...usually I mistakingly run to other things for comfort before I finally come around to the Love that had been there all along.
Posted by: Drew at January 23, 2006 11:25 PM
For me, feeling distant from God is usually more about me and less about God. More specifically, it's about how I'm spending my time and how busy I am, which typically means less time in prayer and less time in the Word. It's not always the case, but I guess I start with discipline - making it a point to set aside time daily to pray, read or just be still and clear my mind. It's the running around from place to place, the constant "to do" list occupying my thoughts and the tv filler that keep my mind occupied and leave little room for God at all.
Posted by: Heather at January 24, 2006 06:12 PM
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