Psalm 13

Steve Holloway

A question we have all struggled with is "Why does God feel so distant?" Trust me - EVERY Christ-follower has asked the question at some stage. Sometimes circumstances change, or we change or nothing changes except how we feel. But whatever has or hasn't changed what should we do with that feeling?

In the Bible there are two words often used to describe love and commitment - one is translated as 'harmony' and the other is translated as 'bonded'.

Any relationship needs both - times when you're bonded together - you have to work at it - a kind of attitude that says - 'no matter what, no matter what happens, I'm hanging in here - it doesn't matter how I feel - I'm hanging on'. This holds relationships together in the tough times. But you can't have a relationship that is lived 100% with that. You also have the times of harmony - when you're in tune with each other - so close that you can feel each other even when you're apart. It's unrealistic to think that we can live like that 100% too.

All this is the same when you're with God. Perhaps you're having a time now when you know you need to be bonded to Him - hang in there, no matter what - you know what you know, and your feelings don't change what you know. Maybe your in harmony right now - enjoy it and live it - surrender to the flow of God's tune.

Here's a couple of useful thoughts for the bonded times

When you feel distant from God - spend a little time thinking about Him - what's He like (good, perfect, loving, kind etc). Remember some of those times when He felt close, thank Him for them. Pray with someone who is in harmony at the moment - see if you can catch something of where they are.

Here's a great bit from the Bible - written by David - the greatest King of Israel, great, great, great (x loads more) grandfather of Jesus Himself. The one who wrote most of the book of Psalms, killed the giant Goliath when he was a 12 year old boy. Even he had his moments...

Psalm 13
O lord how long will you forget me? Forever?
How long will you look the other way?
How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day?
How long will my enemy have the upper hand?

Turn and answer me, O Lord my God!
Restore the light to my eyes, or I will die.
Don't let my enemies gloat, saying "we have defeated him!"
Don't let them rejoice at my downfall

But I trust in your unfailing love.
I will rejoice because you have rescued me.
I will sing to the lord because he has been good to me.

Notice the cry - the desperation - the plea. But also notice at the end David resolves to trust God - because He is good. Like David you can let your heart sing - Paul did it while in chains in prison - you can do it while in the wilderness.