Question:

I recently started to go to church again with my friend. I go to church and I pray and everything, but I feel like I have a one way relationship with God. He's not talking back to me...not answering my prayers. Is what I'm feeling wrong?

Answer:

You are not alone. At times, almost every Christian feels like their prayers are bouncing off of the ceiling - and that God is far away. While recognizing your feelings, it still doesn't actually mean that God IS far away - or is withholding answers to prayer.

Be assured that God does listen to everything you have to say to him, even if it seems like his response is pretty quiet. He cares about every aspect of your life. God loves you more than anyone else!

The Bible speaks endlessly about God's love for his people. Here are a few verses:

"Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the Lord, "who has compassion on you" (Isaiah 54:10).

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you"(Deuteronomy 31:6).

"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1:6).

"And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20).

Part of the normal Christian life has to do with sticking with your faith even in the times when it seems that God is far away. Remember, it is only a feeling - it isn't reality. He is there. He is always there - as close as ever.

In closing, let me share with you an encouraging promise from the Bible, found in Jeremiah 29:11-14. God says: "I have it all planned out-plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I'll listen. When you come looking for me, you'll find me. Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you won't be disappointed." (The Message.)