When You Feel Far From God

When I was a sophomore in high school, I got into a huge fight with my best childhood friend. We didn’t speak for a month, but one day, near the end of the school year, I broke down and sent her a text asking her to meet me by “the wall.”

I stood alone at our usual social spot, biting my nails and trying to think of something to say–maybe even to make her feel bad. However, I couldn’t even remember what our fight had really been about.

When I saw her walking toward me, something in my heart melted. This was my friend–my sister. I dropped my bag and went running to meet her,  as she did me. We embraced then, crying and laughing as forgiveness overflowed between us.

When I think about this incredible moment and life lesson, I am reminded that this is what God is all about. Sometimes we have seasons in our lives when we feel far from God. Maybe we’ve screwed things up or went through a hard time emotionally. Whatever the cause, these seasons leave us feeling dead spiritually.

Maybe this is you right now, lovely reader. Maybe you feel distant from God, or maybe you’ve never known Him because you think there’s no way you could ever be loved or forgiven by Him. Don’t worry, you’re in good company. I’ve been there too, and so have many others.

In Luke 15:11-32, the Bible tells us the story of the lost son, which is used as a beautiful metaphor of a child who has wandered away from God.

After the son in this story ran off with his dad’s money and basically spent it all on partying, a realization dawned on his heart.

 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. (Luke 15:14 NIV)

…and he began to be in need. 

Are you in need, lovely reader? Have you done all that you can by your own strength, or sought after the approval of those around you? Are you still coming up empty inside?

So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. (Luke 15:20-24 NIV)

…But while he was still a long way off…

When I saw my friend in the hall that day, I didn’t wait until she met me at the wall. Instead I took off running to meet her, love driving my feet toward her.

It may feel like you have a long way to go in order to be right with God, but that’s not the truth. Jesus paid it all for your sins on the cross (John 3:16) to get you back.

The only thing you need to do to have a relationship with Jesus is repent (apologize and turn away from your sins) and believe in His death and resurrection (Romans 10:9). If you take the first steps and open your heart, God will meet you with a feast of love and joy. It’s what He wants the most.

So what are you waiting for, lovely reader? Drop your baggage and start running toward Jesus. No matter how lost you feel right now, He will make sure you are found. 

He will lead you home. 

Thanks for reading! Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below 🙂

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