Why does it feel like God is not there?

I pray at least twice a day. I spend most of free time on these forums and a question-and-answer site called Quora, where I ask and answer questions about Christianity. I read the Bible everyday. But it does not feel like God is there. It feels like I am talking to myself. It feels like I am doing this for nothing. I know that God is there, and that the Christian God is indeed real, because of many testimonies and people like John G. Lake. Please help me.
 
And here's that patience thing I mentioned. Listen, a Christian is just like a human, they have to grow. Don't be impatient. God is there. His greatest desire is to spend time with you. So, how many times a day do you eat? Snacks too? Compare that with prayer. Do you take two breaths a day and hold it the rest? Pray all day. Invite the Lord to be with you in whatever it is you're doing.

Proverbs 3:6 (KJV)
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.​

You need to learn to be still and listen for God's presence. When you eat, it takes time for your body to ingest the food. It's no difference with the Bread of Life. You need to meditate on the word of God, not breeze through it like a dime store novel. If you think of God like your best friend, would you only talk to them once or twice a day? Read one small passage and talk to Him about it. "Lord, what do you think of ..." and get His opinion. Wanna go outside and go for a walk, say, "Lord, how about a nice walk outside?" Or "Wanna build a snowman?" or "Let's watch a movie together." When questions arise in life, ask Him. He'll never stir you wrong. We will - we're human. Learn to find peace. When you want to do something and there's no peace, it's like God saying "Naw... let's do something else." If you have peace, He's saying "Yea, let's do it." If you have nothing, it's His way of saying "Sure, why not."
 
And here's that patience thing I mentioned. Listen, a Christian is just like a human, they have to grow. Don't be impatient. God is there. His greatest desire is to spend time with you. So, how many times a day do you eat? Snacks too? Compare that with prayer. Do you take two breaths a day and hold it the rest? Pray all day. Invite the Lord to be with you in whatever it is you're doing.

Proverbs 3:6 (KJV)
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.​

You need to learn to be still and listen for God's presence. You need to meditate on the word of God, not breeze through it like a dime store novel. If you think of God like your best friend, would you only talk to them once or twice a day? Read one small passage and talk to Him about it. "Lord, what do you think of ..." and get His opinion. Wanna go outside and go for a walk, say, "Lord, how about a nice walk outside?" Or "Wanna build a snowman?" or "Let's watch a movie together." When questions arise in life, ask Him. He'll never stir you wrong. We will - we're human.
I ask God things all the time, but He doesn't respond until later. Lots of times, He hasn't responded yet. That's why when I ask God about things, I don't expect to get an answer right away and sometimes I don't expect to get an answer at all. Also, do I always have to get down on my knees and pray? I think it's too standard and my mind always drifts off. I never actually feel His presence.
 
I ask God things all the time, but He doesn't respond until later. Lots of times, He hasn't responded yet. That's why when I ask God about things, I don't expect to get an answer right away and sometimes I don't expect to get an answer at all. Also, do I always have to get down on my knees and pray? I think it's too standard and my mind always drifts off. I never actually feel His presence.
Prayer is like breathing, you just do it. You don't regulate your breathing until you think about breathing. The same with prayer. Take time to sit quietly and talk to the Lord. You have a bended knee when you're sitting ;)

Don't make things a "religion" you'll learn to hate them. "Oh man! I didn't read 10 chapters today!" Then you'll learn to hate reading the word of God. The devil uses "I" when accusations come. "I didn't read 10 chapters today. I'm a terrible Christian." When you read 50 chapters, he'll still come and say "I can't memorize anything. I'm a lousy Christian." That's why his name is Satan - Hebrew for Accuser. You have to captivate every thought that's contrary to the word of God. Walking to school? Talk to Him on the way. See someone sick with a cold, or a limp, or in a wheelchair, say a prayer for them right then and there. See a robin searching for food for her chicks, praise the Lord for keeping her diligent. See a nice cloud formation, thank the Lord for eyes to notice it.

Colossians 3:15 (KJV)
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.​

Colossians 1:12 (KJV)
Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
Don't fret about things otherwise you'll begin to hate them. Enjoy God. Chew on His word - which takes time. Here's something I did on meditating. Try it out and you'll see/feel/find the presence of God in your life.

The word meditate is literally: To be in continual contemplation over a matter. The matter to contemplate is the word of God. Take a verse and meditate on it. Here's an example:

Psalms 1:2-3 (KJV)
But his delight [is] in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.​

Before I begin, the word law here is actually means teaching - Torah - teachings of God, not just the Ten Commandments. So... one that meditates is one like a tree STOP. A tree. Pondering a tree. A tree with deep roots isn't easily toppled by a storm. A tree hosts a place for birds to live and sing. The bark of a willow tree has the same chemical compound as aspirin. The tree sings when the wind blows through it. A tree provides shade when the heat gets too tough. A tree is immovable. Next: a tree planted STOP. A tree planted implies there's a gardener and not just some wild tree, but one cultivated and cared for. If cared for then there must be a Caretaker. A good Caretaker will prune the tree to help it grow stronger and focus on the importance of growing roots instead of just showy heights. A Caretaker will put stinky manure to give the tree the nutrients it needs to grow. Next:a tree planted by the rivers of water STOP. By the rivers of water. Water is essential to proper growth. So the supply is never ending, usually next to a river, but here it says rivers, more than one. So the supply exceeds the demand and by a lot! Everyone wants to enjoy sitting next to a river of moving water. Moving water is fresh and clean. Peace reigns there on a warm sunny summer day and the river sings during the cold quiet days of winter speaking of the abundant supply of the Supplier when everything around seems dead. Next: that bringeth forth fruit STOP. Before it gives fruit a tree must bloom with flowers. But just flowers isn't enough to produce fruit. Bees are necessary. They go from flower to flower pollinating the tree so the seed produces a seed within and sweet flesh around it. Bees... an interesting word in Hebrew. The word for bee in Hebrew is Deborah, yes, the name in English. But in Hebrew it also means the word word. As the bee (word) goes from tree to tree (person to person), it spreads the pollen. Just like the word of God planted in the soul brings forth salvation to those willing to accept the Word! This word for fruit in Hebrew also means wealth. Do this meditation on Psalms 23 to understand. Next: bringeth forth his fruit in his season STOP. ...in his season. There is a time of planting, time of growing, time of hibernation, time of flowering, time of fruit. A strong tree grows very slowly while a weak tree grows tall quickly, but then is easy to topple in a storm. Time allows for growth and rest. Time allows for events to occur: energy to produce a flower; time to process the seed from the flower; time to grow the flesh around the seed; time for the flesh to sweeten; time to add new leaves to catch the sun for food and the wind to strengthen the wood. Next: his leaf also shall not wither STOP. ...shall not. An absolute negative command. To wither means to die, to become corrupt, to become diseased. What leaf doesn't wither? An evergreen tree! And lastly, because he meditates on the word of God, whatsoever he does shall prosper. That person shall not lack anything because he puts his trust, faith, and confidence, in God.

The word meditate literally means to mutter, as in to speak under your breath, to mubble. Why would that be important?

Romans 10:17 (KJV)
So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.​

So, meditate on the word. Speak the word. Grow your faith! We all must do it! God Bless!
 
Prayer is like breathing, you just do it. You don't regulate your breathing until you think about breathing. The same with prayer. Take time to sit quietly and talk to the Lord. You have a bended knee when you're sitting ;)

Don't make things a "religion" you'll learn to hate them. "Oh man! I didn't read 10 chapters today!" Then you'll learn to hate reading the word of God. The devil uses "I" when accusations come. "I didn't read 10 chapters today. I'm a terrible Christian." When you read 50 chapters, he'll still come and say "I can't memorize anything. I'm a lousy Christian." That's why his name is Satan - Hebrew for Accuser. You have to captivate every thought that's contrary to the word of God. Walking to school? Talk to Him on the way. See someone sick with a cold, or a limp, or in a wheelchair, say a prayer for them right then and there. See a robin searching for food for her chicks, praise the Lord for keeping her diligent. See a nice cloud formation, thank the Lord for eyes to notice it.

Colossians 3:15 (KJV)
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.​

Colossians 1:12 (KJV)
Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
Don't fret about things otherwise you'll begin to hate them. Enjoy God. Chew on His word - which takes time. Here's something I did on meditating. Try it out and you'll see/feel/find the presence of God in your life.

The word meditate is literally: To be in continual contemplation over a matter. The matter to contemplate is the word of God. Take a verse and meditate on it. Here's an example:

Psalms 1:2-3 (KJV)
But his delight [is] in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.​

Before I begin, the word law here is actually means teaching - Torah - teachings of God, not just the Ten Commandments. So... one that meditates is one like a tree STOP. A tree. Pondering a tree. A tree with deep roots isn't easily toppled by a storm. A tree hosts a place for birds to live and sing. The bark of a willow tree has the same chemical compound as aspirin. The tree sings when the wind blows through it. A tree provides shade when the heat gets too tough. A tree is immovable. Next: a tree planted STOP. A tree planted implies there's a gardener and not just some wild tree, but one cultivated and cared for. If cared for then there must be a Caretaker. A good Caretaker will prune the tree to help it grow stronger and focus on the importance of growing roots instead of just showy heights. A Caretaker will put stinky manure to give the tree the nutrients it needs to grow. Next:a tree planted by the rivers of water STOP. By the rivers of water. Water is essential to proper growth. So the supply is never ending, usually next to a river, but here it says rivers, more than one. So the supply exceeds the demand and by a lot! Everyone wants to enjoy sitting next to a river of moving water. Moving water is fresh and clean. Peace reigns there on a warm sunny summer day and the river sings during the cold quiet days of winter speaking of the abundant supply of the Supplier when everything around seems dead. Next: that bringeth forth fruit STOP. Before it gives fruit a tree must bloom with flowers. But just flowers isn't enough to produce fruit. Bees are necessary. They go from flower to flower pollinating the tree so the seed produces a seed within and sweet flesh around it. Bees... an interesting word in Hebrew. The word for bee in Hebrew is Deborah, yes, the name in English. But in Hebrew it also means the word word. As the bee (word) goes from tree to tree (person to person), it spreads the pollen. Just like the word of God planted in the soul brings forth salvation to those willing to accept the Word! This word for fruit in Hebrew also means wealth. Do this meditation on Psalms 23 to understand. Next: bringeth forth his fruit in his season STOP. ...in his season. There is a time of planting, time of growing, time of hibernation, time of flowering, time of fruit. A strong tree grows very slowly while a weak tree grows tall quickly, but then is easy to topple in a storm. Time allows for growth and rest. Time allows for events to occur: energy to produce a flower; time to process the seed from the flower; time to grow the flesh around the seed; time for the flesh to sweeten; time to add new leaves to catch the sun for food and the wind to strengthen the wood. Next: his leaf also shall not wither STOP. ...shall not. An absolute negative command. To wither means to die, to become corrupt, to become diseased. What leaf doesn't wither? An evergreen tree! And lastly, because he meditates on the word of God, whatsoever he does shall prosper. That person shall not lack anything because he puts his trust, faith, and confidence, in God.

The word meditate literally means to mutter, as in to speak under your breath, to mubble. Why would that be important?

Romans 10:17 (KJV)
So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.​

So, meditate on the word. Speak the word. Grow your faith! We all must do it! God Bless!
That was a great analysis!
 
Hey, Juk!

It's definitely a hard feeling to go through when you feel abandoned or feel as if God is no longer there. It is extremely frustrating when you feel like you do all you can, and yet, it feels like you're going nowhere.

A few years ago, God had told me He was taking me through a season of not "feeling" Him as close as I had before. It was to teach me on how to keep trusting Him and to still seek after Him even though I didn't feel Him. Here are some of the insights I have gained through that season:

1) It's not based off feelings. Your relationship with the Lord is going to go through various seasons of emotions: Happiness, anger, sadness. One day, you're going to be happy that you're walking with the Lord when another day, you're going to completely hate it. Regardless, just because you do not feel Him doesn't mean that He's not. Feelings come and go. I am a high feeler. However, I know I can't base my feelings off of facts. For example, let's say I "feel" that someone hates me when in fact, they don't. It might be my perception of how they are treating me or how they're not treating me, they may have looked at me wrong, etc etc. My feelings matter, but....they aren't always factual. "Fear not, for I am your God." That doesn't seem like a voice of a God who's not there.

What You Can Do: Even though you don't feel that he's there, proclaim that He is, even if you don't believe it. When you speak life, you start believing those words. When you speak death, you start believing those words. What will you choose? Life or death?

2) God doesn't just speak with words. It would be great if we could hear God all the time. During this season, God started speaking in so many ways that I wasn't accustomed to. It was crazy. I would be on the floor, praying and worshiping and crying out asking Him just to speak and I would feel nothing. After 2 hours, I was completely frustrated. "Katie," He responded, "I moved," and He showed me how He moved. He said, "So many times, people utter the phrase, 'Actions speak louder than words,' but when I'm doing an action without speaking, I become the bad guy. People want people to show actions instead of just speaking. This is what I'm doing. When you look at my Son Jesus, dying on the cross. Did he ever ONCE say, "I love you,"? Because he didn't need to. His actions were loud enough to speak for the words that were unspoken. I am moving beyond the doors, beyond the walls. You can't see it, because I'm on the other side of those walls and those doors. But, I'm moving." A few years ago, I was in my bedroom at my parents home when I received a text that my best friend committed suicide. I cried and I cried and it took me about 3 hours to calm down. Turns out, my Mom heard my cries from the other room and decided to start praying. My Mom was moving. She was taking a step of intercessory on my behalf, not knowing what was wrong, but....doing something. But I felt all alone because I didn't see my Mom on the other side of my room praying. I just saw my own misery. Just because you don't see God moving, like I didn't see my Mom moving, doesn't mean that they aren't.

What You Can Do: Start praying that God opens up your ears to the different ways He's going to move and speak in your life.

3) He's bringing you to a different season. He may also be bringing you in a different season. God told me, "Katie, I'm no longer going to give you milk, but I'm going to give you solid food." Wait...what does He mean? Solid food? Yes...He's maturing my relationship. I have been walking with God for the past 9 years and during those 9 years, I have went through a lot of testing and a lot of growing just like all of you, I'm sure. He wanted to start giving me that solid food, because I was no longer a new Christian, but a maturing Christian who was ready to be in a more mature relationship with the Lord. I remember I was a bit sad, because I didn't know how that would change with my relationship with God and He had responded, "I am still your God, I am still here, and I still love you. It will be different at times because when you fall, I'm not going to rush to your side and put a Band-Aid on the boo-boo immediately."

Wow, that seems cruel."Uhhh...but, you're God. Aren't you supposed to do that?"

"Katie....when you fall now, and if your earthly father was with you, would he come rushing to your side, brush your knees off, and place a band aid on your knee?"

"No...."

"But...he still loves you, right? He still cares for you? He still loves you? He's just waiting to see if you'll come to him and say, 'Daddy, I hurt. Can you help me?' This is what my relationship with you is going to be like. When you fall and get injured, will you come to your heavenly Father and ask me to fix those wounds? Your Dad is still your Dad even when you fall, and I am still your God who loves and cherishes you when you fall. Will you be willing to come to Me with your hurts and your cares? The Bible talks about casting all your cares upon Him. Will you do that?"

Juk....I will be praying for you! I know the frustrations oh so well.
 
Hey, Juk!

It's definitely a hard feeling to go through when you feel abandoned or feel as if God is no longer there. It is extremely frustrating when you feel like you do all you can, and yet, it feels like you're going nowhere.

A few years ago, God had told me He was taking me through a season of not "feeling" Him as close as I had before. It was to teach me on how to keep trusting Him and to still seek after Him even though I didn't feel Him. Here are some of the insights I have gained through that season:

1) It's not based off feelings. Your relationship with the Lord is going to go through various seasons of emotions: Happiness, anger, sadness. One day, you're going to be happy that you're walking with the Lord when another day, you're going to completely hate it. Regardless, just because you do not feel Him doesn't mean that He's not. Feelings come and go. I am a high feeler. However, I know I can't base my feelings off of facts. For example, let's say I "feel" that someone hates me when in fact, they don't. It might be my perception of how they are treating me or how they're not treating me, they may have looked at me wrong, etc etc. My feelings matter, but....they aren't always factual. "Fear not, for I am your God." That doesn't seem like a voice of a God who's not there.

What You Can Do: Even though you don't feel that he's there, proclaim that He is, even if you don't believe it. When you speak life, you start believing those words. When you speak death, you start believing those words. What will you choose? Life or death?

2) God doesn't just speak with words. It would be great if we could hear God all the time. During this season, God started speaking in so many ways that I wasn't accustomed to. It was crazy. I would be on the floor, praying and worshiping and crying out asking Him just to speak and I would feel nothing. After 2 hours, I was completely frustrated. "Katie," He responded, "I moved," and He showed me how He moved. He said, "So many times, people utter the phrase, 'Actions speak louder than words,' but when I'm doing an action without speaking, I become the bad guy. People want people to show actions instead of just speaking. This is what I'm doing. When you look at my Son Jesus, dying on the cross. Did he ever ONCE say, "I love you,"? Because he didn't need to. His actions were loud enough to speak for the words that were unspoken. I am moving beyond the doors, beyond the walls. You can't see it, because I'm on the other side of those walls and those doors. But, I'm moving." A few years ago, I was in my bedroom at my parents home when I received a text that my best friend committed suicide. I cried and I cried and it took me about 3 hours to calm down. Turns out, my Mom heard my cries from the other room and decided to start praying. My Mom was moving. She was taking a step of intercessory on my behalf, not knowing what was wrong, but....doing something. But I felt all alone because I didn't see my Mom on the other side of my room praying. I just saw my own misery. Just because you don't see God moving, like I didn't see my Mom moving, doesn't mean that they aren't.

What You Can Do: Start praying that God opens up your ears to the different ways He's going to move and speak in your life.

3) He's bringing you to a different season. He may also be bringing you in a different season. God told me, "Katie, I'm no longer going to give you milk, but I'm going to give you solid food." Wait...what does He mean? Solid food? Yes...He's maturing my relationship. I have been walking with God for the past 9 years and during those 9 years, I have went through a lot of testing and a lot of growing just like all of you, I'm sure. He wanted to start giving me that solid food, because I was no longer a new Christian, but a maturing Christian who was ready to be in a more mature relationship with the Lord. I remember I was a bit sad, because I didn't know how that would change with my relationship with God and He had responded, "I am still your God, I am still here, and I still love you. It will be different at times because when you fall, I'm not going to rush to your side and put a Band-Aid on the boo-boo immediately."

Wow, that seems cruel."Uhhh...but, you're God. Aren't you supposed to do that?"

"Katie....when you fall now, and if your earthly father was with you, would he come rushing to your side, brush your knees off, and place a band aid on your knee?"

"No...."

"But...he still loves you, right? He still cares for you? He still loves you? He's just waiting to see if you'll come to him and say, 'Daddy, I hurt. Can you help me?' This is what my relationship with you is going to be like. When you fall and get injured, will you come to your heavenly Father and ask me to fix those wounds? Your Dad is still your Dad even when you fall, and I am still your God who loves and cherishes you when you fall. Will you be willing to come to Me with your hurts and your cares? The Bible talks about casting all your cares upon Him. Will you do that?"

Juk....I will be praying for you! I know the frustrations oh so well.
Thank you for the prayers! Also, do you have conversations like that with God on a regular basis?
 
You're welcome. And typically, but He is silent as well, moving and speaking in different ways.

God loves you, Juk. He is with you. Make His love for you personal.
Are there any suggestions on how to do that? After reading the entire Old Testament only leaving out one or two chapters, I have the impression that God is like the president (but of course way more powerful), not really a friend.
 
Are there any suggestions on how to do that? After reading the entire Old Testament only leaving out one or two chapters, I have the impression that God is like the president (but of course way more powerful), not really a friend.
Oh, I hear ya. Try to read the New Testament. :) It shows more of His friendship. Start out with John. It takes practice to hear his voice. I journaled. But that's me. I enjoy writing. I don't know what works for you. What's something you enjoy doing? Playing the guitar, hiking, worship, etc. I journal, I play the piano, etc...I do things I enjoy in order to connect with God and it takes practice. But, I was an atheist at some point and He spoke to me. But, I chose to practice hearing from Him by speaking with Him.

Keep talking to Him even if you can't hear his response. I just kept talking about my day, my feelings, I would make time to go on walks with Him. I love hiking and I love nature, so during the summer, I would go out and explore while speaking to him. There were many times He was silent, but I wouldn't care because I knew He was there. Just have that in the back of your mind: He is still there when He is silent.
 
Oh, I hear ya. Try to read the New Testament. :) It shows more of His friendship. Start out with John. It takes practice to hear his voice. I journaled. But that's me. I enjoy writing. I don't know what works for you. What's something you enjoy doing? Playing the guitar, hiking, worship, etc. I journal, I play the piano, etc...I do things I enjoy in order to connect with God and it takes practice. But, I was an atheist at some point and He spoke to me. But, I chose to practice hearing from Him by speaking with Him.

Keep talking to Him even if you can't hear his response. I just kept talking about my day, my feelings, I would make time to go on walks with Him. I love hiking and I love nature, so during the summer, I would go out and explore while speaking to him. There were many times He was silent, but I wouldn't care because I knew He was there. Just have that in the back of your mind: He is still there when He is silent.
Man, I wish I lived near nature. But anyway, I am on a reading plan of the New Testament. I am currently reading Matthew and 1 Corinthians. Thank you for the advice! :D
 
Oh, I hear ya. Try to read the New Testament. :) It shows more of His friendship. Start out with John. It takes practice to hear his voice. I journaled. But that's me. I enjoy writing. I don't know what works for you. What's something you enjoy doing? Playing the guitar, hiking, worship, etc. I journal, I play the piano, etc...I do things I enjoy in order to connect with God and it takes practice. But, I was an atheist at some point and He spoke to me. But, I chose to practice hearing from Him by speaking with Him.

Keep talking to Him even if you can't hear his response. I just kept talking about my day, my feelings, I would make time to go on walks with Him. I love hiking and I love nature, so during the summer, I would go out and explore while speaking to him. There were many times He was silent, but I wouldn't care because I knew He was there. Just have that in the back of your mind: He is still there when He is silent.
Some things I like to do are research things about the ancient past (even though I don't do this too much), draw letters and words, and I am also interested in typography, UFC (ultimate fighting), and weapons. I like to think when I am not on my computer, usually things relating to God or the Bible.
 
I pray at least twice a day. I spend most of free time on these forums and a question-and-answer site called Quora, where I ask and answer questions about Christianity. I read the Bible everyday. But it does not feel like God is there. It feels like I am talking to myself. It feels like I am doing this for nothing. I know that God is there, and that the Christian God is indeed real, because of many testimonies and people like John G. Lake. Please help me.

This will help you. Watch whole series for greatest benefit. God bless your heart.

 
I ask God things all the time, but He doesn't respond until later. Lots of times, He hasn't responded yet. That's why when I ask God about things, I don't expect to get an answer right away and sometimes I don't expect to get an answer at all. Also, do I always have to get down on my knees and pray? I think it's too standard and my mind always drifts off. I never actually feel His presence.

Juk Hello Brother,
Listen you are not alone in this. Every single believer goes through seasons like this. Sometimes it is just God being close but not allowing you to feel His presence because He wants to see what you will do or how you will respond. Patience is a very powerful word BUT Juk it has gotten sloppy in the english language or the use of it. Most people including some believers feel it simply means to deal with it or put up with it.

Let me tell you this up front......That is not what is meant in the scriptures....To be patient is to be the same as or continually be the same or consistant...I will explain.... We are told many times in the written word of God to be patient with this or let patience to her work etc.

You ask God for something, now you have to stand by faith or in faith and should haved asked in faith as well. Now as you beleive and are standing on a promise of God, you have to be patient.... which again is Not, putting up with or deal with the waite.

No Brother you must be the same with His word, consistand with His every word. Another words when it is going good or when it is going bad, YOU have to be the same, you have to be walking as His word says. Not wavering which means one minute beleiving then the next doubting or worrying,
Some times He is just seeing what His son is made of and then He knows where you need some fine tuning next.....Now rejoice and be glad in The Lord.

I know I did not give one single scripture to back this up and I did so for a reason.....
Juk, I challenge you to spend several days searching the word of God for every single passage that talks about Patience and Faith.....Pray about what you find with the Father. Go to Him and ask Him to teach you more about what you found....Then come back to this thread and tell us all about what the Father has taught you. HEY it might open the eyes of some of us.

Any way Brother I sure hope this helps you out some, I know it did when it was done to me many years ago...
Be at peace Brother and Love God with all of your heart
Jim
 
Are there any suggestions on how to do that? After reading the entire Old Testament only leaving out one or two chapters, I have the impression that God is like the president (but of course way more powerful), not really a friend.


One thing that helped me is to speak out loud that i am His sheep and i know His voice (John 10:1-18). You too are His sheep and you can hear His voice, don't let the devil steal that from you. Be very careful of your words, they hold great meaning. Jesus said that He only does what He sees God do, and speaks what He hears the Father say. Try to speak the Word as much as possible. Another good research place is kcm.org. They actually have a believers academy.
Thank You Father for surrounding Juk with Your presence, and for making Yourself so very real to Him. Thank You for giving Juk eyes to see, ears to hear and a heart and mind that understands! Thank You that he is Your sheep and he hears Your voice! And thank You that even though he is young, You love him just as much as You love Jesus. For You sent Jesus to die for his sins, and to reconcile him to You, because You didn't want to spend eternity without him. We love You Father! In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen
 
One thing that helped me is to speak out loud that i am His sheep and i know His voice (John 10:1-18). You too are His sheep and you can hear His voice, don't let the devil steal that from you. Be very careful of your words, they hold great meaning. Jesus said that He only does what He sees God do, and speaks what He hears the Father say. Try to speak the Word as much as possible. Another good research place is kcm.org. They actually have a believers academy.
Thank You Father for surrounding Juk with Your presence, and for making Yourself so very real to Him. Thank You for giving Juk eyes to see, ears to hear and a heart and mind that understands! Thank You that he is Your sheep and he hears Your voice! And thank You that even though he is young, You love him just as much as You love Jesus. For You sent Jesus to die for his sins, and to reconcile him to You, because You didn't want to spend eternity without him. We love You Father! In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen
Thank you! :)
 
Juk Hello Brother,
Listen you are not alone in this. Every single believer goes through seasons like this. Sometimes it is just God being close but not allowing you to feel His presence because He wants to see what you will do or how you will respond. Patience is a very powerful word BUT Juk it has gotten sloppy in the english language or the use of it. Most people including some believers feel it simply means to deal with it or put up with it.

Let me tell you this up front......That is not what is meant in the scriptures....To be patient is to be the same as or continually be the same or consistant...I will explain.... We are told many times in the written word of God to be patient with this or let patience to her work etc.

You ask God for something, now you have to stand by faith or in faith and should haved asked in faith as well. Now as you beleive and are standing on a promise of God, you have to be patient.... which again is Not, putting up with or deal with the waite.

No Brother you must be the same with His word, consistand with His every word. Another words when it is going good or when it is going bad, YOU have to be the same, you have to be walking as His word says. Not wavering which means one minute beleiving then the next doubting or worrying,
Some times He is just seeing what His son is made of and then He knows where you need some fine tuning next.....Now rejoice and be glad in The Lord.

I know I did not give one single scripture to back this up and I did so for a reason.....
Juk, I challenge you to spend several days searching the word of God for every single passage that talks about Patience and Faith.....Pray about what you find with the Father. Go to Him and ask Him to teach you more about what you found....Then come back to this thread and tell us all about what the Father has taught you. HEY it might open the eyes of some of us.

Any way Brother I sure hope this helps you out some, I know it did when it was done to me many years ago...
Be at peace Brother and Love God with all of your heart
Jim
Thank you for the suggestions! :)
 
I pray at least twice a day. I spend most of free time on these forums and a question-and-answer site called Quora, where I ask and answer questions about Christianity. I read the Bible everyday. But it does not feel like God is there. It feels like I am talking to myself. It feels like I am doing this for nothing. I know that God is there, and that the Christian God is indeed real, because of many testimonies and people like John G. Lake. Please help me.
I often quote this.. After I became a father, the Lord has been teaching many spiritual things through my daughter :D

I still remember holding her when she was so tiny.. I used to talk with her so much.. I would tell her all my office stories, everything that happened that day, how much I love her, what she means for me.. All she would do is - look somewhere else kicking her legs and hands! We all start spiritually the same way.. The Lord is holding us and speaking to us every moment.. Lord never changes.. It is our attention level and maturity which changes..

Now she is 3 years old.. We have amazing conversation now :) If I tell her I love her, she would give me a hug and kiss and say I love you too daddy.. Has anything changed from me? Not much! It is her maturity which has changed..

You have sound advice from everyone.. As you continue to dwell in his Word, meditate His Word, spend time on prayers, you would slowly start feeling His presence.. You will learn to start hearing to His voice.. It is an amazing experience.. You would realize, He has been trying to speak to you all the time! Perspective on things will change.. You might have come across the same situation before.. You will have a whole different meaning to that.. For example, my prayers were so different few years back.. These days when I have a need, it is not just putting a petition and moving on.. I worship the Lord and start praying about it with an open heart.. Because I want to hear from Lord what He has to say about it.. It may not be an audible voice.. But you will know the difference.. There might be seasons where you may not feel the closeness. Expect a little shaking to get things back to normal :D
 
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