How to Pray when God Seems Distant
Have you ever prayed in a time of crisis and felt that God did not hear you?
Have you felt alone and abandoned by God?
| Psalm 4 (NIV)
A psalm of David. For the director of music. With stringed instruments. |
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1 Answer me when I call to you, |
Can you hear David’s desperation?
David is in great distress. Because God seemed far away… |
| 2 How long will you people turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods? |
David’s advisors urged him to seek help elsewhere by praying to other Gods. |
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3 Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself; |
Seven Commands: 1- Know (not feel) feelings change and are unreliable. But despite how you feel, know God will hear you! |
| 4 Tremble and
do not sin; when you are on your beds, be silent. |
2 – Remember who God is and …
3 – Do not abandon God based on your feelings. 4 – What are your motives? Do you want God’s will or your short term comfort? 5 – Carefully consider these things and … |
| 5 Offer the sacrifices of the righteous and trust in the Lord. |
6 – genuinely repent of abandoning God.
7 – God never changes and will never abandon you. |
| 6 Many, Lord, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?” Let the light of your face shine on us. |
David contrasts 2 points of view:
a. Those looking for prosperity and … |
| 7 You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. |
b. Those who seek God, because God gives greater lasting joy than material prosperity. |
| 8 In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. |
David went from desperation to experiencing peace, resting in God. |
David’s faithless advisors did not go away or change their bad advise. Nor did David report that the circumstances that prompted his prayer had changed. Rather, what changed was David’s inner perspective. Warrior David had the strength and confidence to stand up to those who tried to lead him away from God. We often tie our perceptions of God to our wellbeing both materially and emotionally, but this is a mistake. What God offers us is far greater, the knowledge of God is a firm foundation that can never be moved no matter what those around us are saying and no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in. David’s heart was filled with “greater joy” than those who had prosperity with “their grain and wine” abounding!
By Richard Loper