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My Self-Imposed Exile from God

By
Real Estate Agent with KW at the Parks 651506396

My Self-Imposed Exile from God

I don’t know about you, but from time to time, I feel pretty far away from God. I wish it weren’t so. I wish each day, I would wake up brimming with faith…but I don’t. During these periods, as hard as I try to focus my thoughts on good and righteous things…there seems to be this static in the airwaves between God and me.

I have felt this way the past several months, and it is reflected in the lack of postings on my blog. I use this blog as my formal prayer to God. Looking back over my blog posting record, it appears I have been on a spiritual vacation.

It’s funny…really…I spent the better part of my life living apart from God, just as I have these past several months. Yet, during those earlier times; I never felt different. I never felt sullen. I never felt alone. But now, over the past several years; when I hit these periods when I feel separated from God...I feel such emptiness. I feel incomplete.

It’s during these empty periods when the doubt creeps in. It’s during these times when I question what I believe. It’s during these moments when the world’s problems seem overwhelming…when my problems seem overwhelming. Outwardly, to the world, I put a smile on my face; but inside of me there is an emotional chasm which seems unmanageable.

I think these periods of self-imposed exile from God are so draining, at this stage of my life, because I have experienced moments when I was totally connected with the Holy Spirit. Unless it has happened to you, there are no words to describe that moment in time. Perhaps it is easier to describe that feeling of emptiness when that connection evaporates. You are left with an aching for that connection to the world beyond this one.

In rereading what I have written so far, to some I am going to come off as a crazy person. To those who know God, this will make perfect sense…well, maybe.

In any event, I think my spiritual vacation is coming to a close. I am getting that spring back in my step of faith. I am getting my zest for life back. And you know the best part? God will be there with open arms to welcome me back home. Gosh, it is going to seem good to be home once again!

 

Edward & Celia Maddox
The Celtic Connection Realty - Queen Creek, AZ
EXPERIENCE & INTEGRITY - WE TAKE THE HIGH ROAD

You are right, it can drift away from you.  Need to refocus on what is important.

Aug 22, 2012 01:02 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald
Beam & Branch Realty - Granbury, TX
Granbury, TX 936-203-0279
Such a sweet, heart-felt post. Yes, He is always there even when we think we are ignoring Him. What a comfort.
Aug 22, 2012 01:16 AM
Mike Frazier
Carousel Realty of Dyer County - Dyersburg, TN
Northwest Tennessee Realtor

Thomas, I don't think you are crazy but just ready to return off vacation!

Aug 22, 2012 01:23 AM
Bob & Bonnie Horning
Mount Joy, PA

Thomas, It makes you human and reminds me of David, the man after God's own heart. I am truly blessed by your posts and especially this one. We need to be more open and vulnerable to each other in this walk of faith. Your growth will be exponential in the coming months, I am sure. Thank you for sharing the deepest parts of your heart. I think I understand and have had moments like this as well. I fight mine off by reading the Word until I hear Him speak... sometimes to the point where I fall asleep reading and you know what? He's alright with this... but that emptiness is only because you've tasted and seen that He is good. Many Blessings and welcome back.

Aug 22, 2012 05:57 AM
Thomas Craig
KW at the Parks - Orlando, FL

Dear Ed and Celia,

Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. They were most appreciated!

Tom

Aug 22, 2012 11:37 PM
Thomas Craig
KW at the Parks - Orlando, FL

Paula,

Thanks for comments. Yes, there is a comfort knowing He is there...even on days when we choose to ignore Him.

Tom

Aug 22, 2012 11:39 PM
Thomas Craig
KW at the Parks - Orlando, FL

Mike,

If you were to talk to those closest to me, they not be quite as sure as you are that I am not crazy...especially, my wife...she may have a difference of opinion!

Thanks for dropping by!

Tom

Aug 22, 2012 11:42 PM
Thomas Craig
KW at the Parks - Orlando, FL

Bob,

When I hit the submit button for this post...I had butterflies in my stomach. I put a lot out there on the table...it wasn't easy to write...to be that honest about this lack of faith period I was having. 

Your comments helped me overcome my fears!

Tom

Aug 22, 2012 11:48 PM