Answers

Q:

Why do I feel near to God one day, but then the next day I'll feel like He doesn't even exist? I wish my spiritual life wasn't such a roller coaster. This isn't the way it's supposed to be, is it?


A:

No, it’s not the way God wants our relationship with Him to be. Instead, He wants our faith to be stable, and even grow stronger every day. The Bible says, “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you.” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

How does this happen? I notice from your letter that you are married. How do you keep your marriage from being like a roller coaster—feeling married one day, and not even sure you’re married the next? First, you look to the past—to the commitment you and your husband made to each other when you were married. Even if you don’t “feel” married, you still are!

And the same is true of our relationship with Jesus Christ. When we commit our lives to Him, we become part of His family forever. He loves you; He died for you; He rose again from the dead for you; He adopted you into His family; He lives within you by His Spirit. Make sure you have committed your life to Christ—and then remind yourself of these truths every day.

But a strong marriage also involves the present—spending time with each other, communicating with each other, enjoying each other. The same is true with Christ. Take time every day to read from God’s Word, the Bible, and to pray. In addition, become part of a vital church where God’s Word is preached and practiced. Never forget: “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ” (Romans 10:17).