DAY 14 - WHEN GOD SEEMS DISTANT

Regardless of how you feel, God is real!
 
“But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and that He will stand upon the earth at last. And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God! I will see Him for myself. Yes, I will see Him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought!” Job 19:25-27 NLT
 
It is easy to worship God when things are going great in your life — when he has provided food, friends, family, health, and happy situations. But circumstances are not always pleasant. How do you worship God then? What do you do when God seems a million miles away?
 
The deepest level of worship is praising God in spite of pain, thanking God during a trial, trusting him when tempted, surrendering while suffering, and loving him when he seems distant. How do you praise God when you don’t understand what’s happening in your life and God is silent? How do you stay connected in a crisis without communication? How do you keep your eyes on Jesus when they’re full of tears?
 
You do what Job did: “Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.’” Job 1:20-21 (NIV)
 
Remember what God has already done for you. Jesus gave up everything, so you could have everything. He died so you could live forever. That alone is worthy of your continual thanks and praise.
 
Point to Ponder: God is real, no matter how I feel.
 
Verse to Remember: "For God has said, ‘I will never leave you; I will never abandon you."' Hebrews 13:5 (TEV)
 
Question to Consider: How can I stay focused on God's presence, especially when he feels distant? When you feel abandoned by God yet continue to trust him, you worship him in the deepest way.