Separation: Discovering the Closeness of God

It is difficult being separated. In Phoenix now I am separated from my family and friends, home, my ministry, my library, the crazy cat, and my wife Debbie and my daughter Amy.

I am greatly blessed to have my parents and sisters living in Phoenix. They have provided me a home, taxi service to a multitude of medical appointments, and most of all company and encouragement.

I still, however, miss those persons and things from which I am separated. This at times leads to feelings of loneliness and vulnerability. The uncertainty of when I will be reunited challenges my patience and perseverance.

There are moments I can even feel separated from God. This is especially true when I do not fully understand His plan and timing. He, of course, is always closer than my nearsighted faith can see.

I must not try to understand God through my circumstances; rather, understand my circumstances through God.

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:

‘For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.’

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:35-39

When I feel lonely, separated, and uncertain, I must allow God to remind me of what is certain, the power of His love.

Nothing, absolutely nothing can separate me from the love of God. If I believe what God says and experience His love, feelings of loneliness become a deeper level of intimacy with Him. Fears of vulnerability become the courage to become a conqueror. Challenges to my patience and perseverance become confidence in the lover of my soul.

In the presence of a loving God there can be no feelings of separation and loneliness. No matter the circumstances, timing, or obstacles, God is there walking beside me as I become more than a conqueror in Him.

“Why are you in despair, O my soul?
And why have you become disturbed within me?
Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him
For the help of His presence.”
Psalm 42:5

Father,
Help me when I feel separated and alone to see your presence, feel your gentle touch, and hear you speak my name in love.

Close to You,
Dan