Devotional Thought

Some years back, I went on a five day personal retreat, to spend time alone with the Lord. But from the beginning of my waiting on the Lord till the end, I could not perceive His presence. I kept on with the retreat, but I did not receive any word, neither did I perceive His presence.

In a situation like this, it is normal to check, if there is an unconfessed sin, because sin can make God hide His face from us, in the place of fellowship. I examined myself, but could not pinpoint any sin. Since I could not find any sin that I have committed, I came up with those, that I know no one can claim he has not committed.

I confessed the sin of doubt and unbelief, because anything that is not of faith is sin, I confessed of insensitivity to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, maybe He spoke to me and I was not sensitive to pick it, the situation remained the same, after all the confession.

We often think that, it is only sin that can make God hide His face in the place of fellowship. But from Job’s experience, God may sometimes hide, and withdraw from the place of fellowship, to test our faith, and stretch our pursuit of Him. He does this, not to discourage us, but to increase our capacity in pursuing Him.

Everyone who loves God, and passionately pursues after Him, will at one time, or the other come to this point. David had his own experience too. He cried, “Why do you stand afar off, O Lord.”

Prayer Starter:

Father, I receive grace to pursue You, even when I cannot perceive You, in Jesus’ name.

Let’s talk about it:

If you are passing through a season, where you could not feel the presence of God, what will be your response?