When God Feels Far Away

A special Hi to my friends visiting from Encouragement for Today. I’m so glad you stopped by!

 

In the darkness of the middle of the night, I met my son in a fit of chaos. He woke up without a breath, gasping for air between painful coughs. Fear shot through his wide eyes as I ushered him into the bathroom and shut the door.

I reached for the faucet and frantically turned on the water as hot as it would pour. As steam filled the room, I knew his condition could be conquered, if only we could get him to stop coughing.

When the steam didn’t calm him, I looked for another option. I grabbed my box of essential oils and chose a few known to calm coughs and relieve respiratory distress. I rubbed his feet and chest and let him breathe in the fumes.

As I write today, I wonder if some of us may feel a little like my boy that night … gasping for air. Maybe it’s the distractions and added demands. Or maybe it’s that feeling deep down that we might be missing the fullness of all that this season is meant to be.

Are we actually experiencing Jesus and the unthinkable moment of His entry to earth?

In Psalm chapter 2 we read about the Anointed One.

The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the LORD and against his Anointed One.” Psalm 2:2 (NIV, 1984)

This chapter makes huge claims about the Anointed One. Installed on His throne (Psalm 2:6). Facing enemies yet unshaken (Psalm 2:4). He rules as King of all kings. Over all the earth and all that’s in it. Huge power and a huge throne over a huge world. But over my world? 

Psalm 2 displays the glory of the Anointed One in Heaven, exalted as King. But there’s more …

{He} emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.” Philippians 2:7 (ESV)

Jesus is not only the Anointed King, but He was also anointed to bring that power and purpose to us.

Jesus connects choirs of angels to our chaos and storehouses of blessing to our suffocating souls. He brings purpose to our places of pain and ties all the wonders of Heaven to our world.

If only we’ll reach for Him.

As my son breathed in the relieving fumes of oil that night, one shallow breath turned into two. Those two breaths turned into a longer one. After a short time, my son inhaled and exhaled like normal. Panic left his face. Fear melted away. He rested and burrowed back into bed, content and calm.

Maybe God feels like those oils. Something different. Something you’ve heard others talk about, but you’re not so sure it’d work for you.

Yes, the Anointed One is something different.

If you’ve heard about Him and wondered and questioned and considered, but never reached – here’s your chance to inhale the Word brought here just for you. Let peace replace the panic on your face. Let faith dance away the fear in your eyes.

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 (NIV)

Lord Jesus, I believe you are the Anointed One who rules Heaven and earth with wisdom and justice. Yet You still see me. You love me. You left Heaven to seek me. I want to know You as more than a big God in the clouds. This Christmas, give me fresh eyes to see You, know You and experience You in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If your holidays feel hopeless and overwhelmed with fear or worry, I’d love to share a gift with you today. Subscribe to my email list (in the box in the left-hand column) and I’ll send you 15 of my favorite Scriptures to help you fight fear and anxiety.