A sense of absence

I've heard people say, "where was she or he when this or that happened?" They say it mostly to place blame. Some even say it about God, because they perceive a sense of absence when something terrible happens, and feel that it should not have. Just what are our expectations of a God, who is the furthest thing from our thoughts when times are good. We have no right to complain "if" He were absent, never mind placing blame on Him, in bad times. The truth is, He is never absent, is Omnipresent, always there hearing every complaint and utterance. The truth is, most people do not have time for God. They just want to use Him, calling upon Him when they are in a jam. Where was God? Right there. The sense of absence was yours alone.

We are free agents. Love never is to be forced on someone else against their will, and that "condition of relationship" extends to God. If you don't know Him, it's because you do not wish to. No one can truly love someone else if they are afraid of them. Most people do not want to approach God, out of "fear," so they push Him away.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path. Take a chance, He's waiting for you to take the first step. In order to develop this relationship, like any other, it takes time. It begins with an understanding about the character of God.

The way we learn of God's character is through the gospels. We find Him compassionate and merciful. Read about His miracles, like the time He fed thousands with a few fish and loaves, having displayed leftovers. Still, some people are afraid of His power, growing cold toward Him unconcerned with God, until they need something.

Either you Love God or not. It is a decision.Yours! Otherwise, He will be absent to you, although very much with you. You cannot play Him. Once you realize that you need Him, you must surrender your Love to Him. He is God, your King. You must worship Him. What you need to know about God, who is all loving, and kind and merciful, is He is your only way to salvation. Eternally!

We are capable of meeting our God only when we become humbled. Then we can have a relationship which is tangible and everlasting. Our prayers become, as we acknowledge His presence, real communication, with answers from a loving God who loves you just as you are. That's what love is...mutual and eternal.

The power of God is made manifest in weakness. We are weak and He is strong. Being in God's hands, you will be safe.

Taken from psalm 34:18-22 " The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit. (19) Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the Lord delivers him out of them all. (20) He guards all his bones; Not one of them is broken. (21) Evil shall slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous shall be condemned. (22) The Lord redeems the soul of His servants, and none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned. (The Orthodox Study Bible)

St. John Chrysostom asks us to look inwardly: "Find the door of your heart, you will discover it is the door of the Kingdom of God."

St. Gregory of Nyssa says: "Prayer is conversation with God."

It is a conversation that stems from a mutual loving and desired relationship, where you can speak to each other, while having total awareness of God's presence.