“When God Seems Distant” 

 ¹ My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help? ² Every day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer. Every night I lift my voice, but I find no relief.

Psalm 22:1-2 (NLT)

3 Trade-Offs to Get Closer to GOD:

1. Experiences can lead you closer to God, but they can’t keep you close to God.

• Trade-in your “EXPERIENCE” for “OBEDIENCE”.

Psalm 119:1 (NLT) Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord

James 4:8 (NLT) ⁸ Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. 

2. Religion can lead you closer to God, but religion can’t keep you close to God.

• Trade-in your “RELIGION” for a “RELATIONSHIP”.

Psalm 145:18 (NLT) ¹⁸ The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth.

3. Feelings can lead you closer to God, but feelings can’t keep you close to God.

• Trade-in your “FEELINGS” for “FAITH”

Hebrews 11:6 (ESV) ⁶ And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.