Have you Drifted Away?

God, where are you? Many silently and some openly ask this question when difficult times are lived out in our lives. Has God left you? Have you drifted away in the sea of sin to some place that God cannot find you?

Life is full of trouble and difficulty and God’s people are not insulated from the effects of living in a sinful world. Death, sickness, broken families and the full quiver of Satan’s fiery darts are directed not just towards those living in the darkness of sin. Followers of Jesus have been left to live out their lives in this fallen world at the request of Jesus Himself:

 “I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.” (John 17:15)

Living in a world that is fallen from God’s righteousness exposes God’s children to all of the conditions that exist in a broken, sin-darkened world. When we are adversely affected by sin, self-inflicted or otherwise, we are never alone.

Jesus, as He prayed for the ones who would live out their lives in a sin-darkened world, said, “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” (John 17:16) You, as a follower of Jesus, are not of the world and the effect of sin holds a different power over you. To the lost and undone, sin equals death. The best the unbeliever can hope for is a little relief in the darkness of this sinful world before they face the eternal death sentence that awaits them in death.

You, my friend, are different if you have been born again. Jesus said:

 “As thou hast sent me into the world, even so, have I also sent them into the world.” (John 17:18)

You are on a mission in this world. To the lost, it is their home; the only place they will ever know. We who have heard and received the gospel call have a home we are going to dwell in. We, like Jesus, are on a visit to do God’s bidding and, like Jesus, when our work is done we will go home to the Father.

These words of Jesus bring comfort to His followers:

 “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:1-3)

Let me assure you, my friend, you have not been abandoned by God. Listen to what He said in His own words:

 “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” (Deu 31:6)

God has not walked away and left you in your time of sorrow or trouble. God is with you and awaits your call.

God has not left you and you cannot travel so far away from Him that He is not nearby. Listen to the testimony of King David as he asks and answers this question:

 “Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.” (Psa 139:7-10)

God is never so far that He will not answer your prayers. He is nearby and awaits the sound of your voice, calling for His comfort and love. Call on God when you need Him and He will answer your cry. God’s love has no end or limits. If He seeks out sinners, he will seek out His own children. 

If you are feeling alone or abandoned perhaps you should not ask God, “Where are you?” The Psalmist gives the prayer you should pray:

 “God Forsake me not, O LORD: O my God, be not far from me. Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation.” (Psa 38:21-22)

Remember, you are just passing through this world and all of the troubles and problem that you face in this sin-darkened world will end when you move into God’s house, in the place Jesus has prepared for you.