I had a pastor who spoke about God being always present and with us. He reminded us, just as I remind myself almost daily, that God never changes. So, he asked us, “If God seems distant from you, who do you think moved?” It didn’t take me long to figure out that I was the culprit when I felt that God was distant. I had busied myself with everyday tasks, not bad things but a lot of things and put God on a back burner. then a crisis would come up and I would call on God, frantically seeking His help and presence, but He would seem distant. Why? Because I had not established a firm relationship of calling on Him daily, praising Him, spending time with Him. God was still exactly where I had left Him and I was the one who needed to get closer. I am blessed to report that those were the days of my youth. I still have troubles, but I run to God first and tell Him exactly how I am feeling, even if it is that I need Him closer to me during my trials (especially physical ones these days). I know many of you can relate to what I am saying here, so if you feel that you are no longer as closer to God as you once were, ask yourself the question, “What can I do to get back to where I was before and even closer to my Maker?”

God Is with You

Have you ever asked God, “Where are you?”

Some days it can feel like you’re walking alone through life. It can seem like God is not present or with you. Or maybe it feels like He has deserted you in a difficult time.

The nation of Israel experienced many moments like this. They cried out to God in the midst of pain and exile. They were honest in their prayers to God—they told Him exactly how they felt in the midst of hardship.

In turn, God spoke to them through the prophets. He spoke words of comfort and hope. He reminded them of His promises, and that His character never changes.

While it can sometimes seem like God deserts us, we know from His promises that He is always with us. Through life’s loneliest times or most difficult seasons, God is right next to us. He walks through every season of life by our side.

Not only is He with us, but He also promises to strengthen us and help us in times of difficulty. When we feel like we’ve run out of strength to continue, God will provide His strength for us.

God will provide the help we need to keep living in His will. He doesn’t promise to give us strength to do whatever we want, but rather—He gives us courage and empowerment to continue walking according to His plans for our life.

So, in seasons of hardship when we feel like we’ve run empty, we should lean in to God’s promises and trust Him. We should trust that He will empower us and strengthen us for whatever we’re facing.

Take some time today to pray to God. If He feels distant, ask Him to be close to you. If you feel weak, ask Him to strengthen you. He promises to uphold you, so trust in His promises. Continue to build a relationship with God and seek His presence. As you do, you’ll find a renewed strength as you walk through life with Him.