Have you ever felt like your soul is cold and that you can no longer feel the presence of God in your life? It can be a deeply unsettling and discouraging experience, but it is a common struggle for many people. Let us explore what the Bible has to say about this feeling of spiritual distance and how we can find our way back to God, while also considering the blessings that God has promised for those who choose to walk in the Spirit.
The Bible teaches us that Hell is a real place and that it is a terrifying and unbearable place to be. Throughout the Bible, Hell is described as a place of eternal torment and suffering. In Matthew 25:46, Jesus says, “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.” This passage tells us that those who do not follow God and do not accept his gift of salvation will face eternal punishment in Hell.
Imagine being trapped in a burning building, unable to escape the flames and the smoke. The heat and the pain would be unbearable, and you would do anything to get out. Now, imagine being trapped in that same burning building, but with no hope of escape, no end to the agony, and no chance of rescue. This is a small taste of what Hell is like – an eternity of unbearable suffering and torment. It is a place that none of us want to go, and yet, if we do not accept Jesus as our savior and follow him, this is where we will end up.
But there is hope! If we turn to Jesus and follow him, he promises us salvation and eternal life. In John 3:16, we are told, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” This passage reminds us that through faith in Jesus, we can have eternal life and be spared the horrors of Hell.
In addition to the promise of salvation and eternal life, God also blesses those who choose to walk in the Spirit. In Galatians 5:22-23, we are told, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” These are the blessings that come to those who allow the Holy Spirit to work in their lives and lead them in the ways of God. When we walk in the Spirit, we experience love, joy, peace, and all the other fruit of the Spirit in our lives.
If you are struggling with doubts about your faith or about God, know that you are not alone. Don’t let your doubts hold you back from seeking the truth and finding hope and healing. Remember, faith is not about having all the answers or understanding everything – it is about trusting in God and his goodness, even when we don’t understand. If you are struggling with doubts, I encourage you to pray and ask God to open your heart and your mind. Pray for the answers you seek. Pray for God to send you support, or a message. Pray for God to reveal himself to you through prayer, worship, or a message given by your Pastor. He is a loving and faithful God who desires to have a relationship with you, and he will meet you and help you grow in your faith.
So, if you are feeling distant from God and like your soul is cold, I want to encourage you to take steps to reconnect with him. This might involve things like reading the Bible, praying, seeking support from others, and confessing your sins and asking for forgiveness. Remember, Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, and he is the only way to be reconciled to God and to avoid the horrors of Hell (John 14:6).
Don’t let your spiritual distance from God continue. Take action to draw closer to him and to experience his love and presence in your life again. And if you know someone who has drifted away from God, pray for them and consider reaching out to them and offering them support and encouragement.
As you draw closer to God and walk in the Spirit, remember to thank him for not only the blessings he has promised but those He has already given, for the ways he is working in your life. Take time to study the fruit of the Spirit and ask God to help you grow in these areas. Trust in his care and provision for your life, and seek his guidance and direction as you seek to follow him.