God's Closeness: Faith Beyond Feelings
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we continued our series called "Greater Than," where we explore a life greater than we know with a God who is greater than we know. We delved into the life of Jacob, focusing on a pivotal moment when he felt God was far away. Up to this point, Jacob had only heard about God from his father Isaac and grandfather Abraham. He had no personal encounter with God until this moment in Genesis 28, where he dreams of a ladder reaching from earth to heaven, with angels ascending and descending on it, and God standing above it.
Jacob's life had been marked by deceit and running away from his problems, including stealing his brother Esau's blessing. In his exhaustion and isolation, God reveals Himself to Jacob, showing that He is accessible and closer than Jacob ever realized. This encounter transforms Jacob's understanding of God from a distant figure to a personal, ever-present reality.
We discussed how this story resonates with us today. Whether you're busy, going through a crisis, or just exploring faith, it's common to feel that God is far away. However, the truth is that God is closer than we know. This is a recurring theme in Scripture, where people often feel distant from God, yet He reassures them of His constant presence.
We also touched on the importance of faith over feelings. Our emotions can be misleading, but God's presence is a constant, regardless of how we feel. This is exemplified in the Psalms and throughout the Bible, where people express their feelings of abandonment, yet God continually affirms His closeness.
In closing, we sang "Open the Eyes of My Heart" as a prayer for God to make us aware of His presence. Remember, God is closer than you know, and this truth doesn't depend on your feelings. He is with you in every moment, whether mundane or extraordinary.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Accessibility: Jacob's dream of a ladder reaching from earth to heaven symbolizes God's accessibility. Unlike the gods of ancient times who were believed to dwell in unreachable places, our God is both supreme and intimately close to us. This dream reassures us that God is always within reach, no matter where we are or what we've done. [24:43]
2. God's Presence in Our Lives: Jacob's realization that God was always with him, even when he was unaware, teaches us that God is closer than we know. This is a powerful reminder that no matter how far we feel from God, He is always near, guiding and watching over us. [27:54]
3. Faith Over Feelings: Our relationship with God should not be based on our fluctuating emotions. The Bible shows us that even in moments of despair and feeling abandoned, God is still present. This teaches us to rely on faith rather than feelings, trusting in God's constant presence. [33:09]
4. Common Human Experience: Feeling distant from God is a common human experience, as seen throughout Scripture. The Psalms, in particular, are filled with honest expressions of feeling abandoned by God. This reminds us that it's okay to feel this way and that we are not alone in our struggles. [32:02]
5. God's Unchanging Promise: God's promise to Jacob that He will be with him wherever he goes is echoed throughout the Bible. This promise is reaffirmed in the New Testament with Jesus' assurance that He is with us always. This unchanging promise provides us with hope and comfort, knowing that God is always by our side. [34:26]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[03:03] - Announcements and Introductions
[18:20] - Series Introduction: Greater Than
[18:50] - Jacob's Life and Struggles
[19:21] - Jacob's Lack of Personal Encounter with God
[20:14] - Jacob's Dream and God's Revelation
[24:43] - The Significance of Jacob's Ladder
[27:54] - Realizing God's Closeness
[30:10] - Common Human Experience of Feeling Distant from God
[32:02] - Biblical Examples of Feeling Abandoned
[33:09] - Faith Over Feelings
[34:26] - God's Unchanging Promise
[37:25] - Prayer and Song: Open the Eyes of My Heart
[40:18] - Closing Prayer and Lord's Prayer
[42:00] - Offering and Announcements
[46:24] - Intercessory Prayer and Community Events
[48:36] - Closing Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 28:12-15 - "He had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. There above it stood the Lord, and he said: 'I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying. Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.'"
2. Psalm 13:1 - "How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?"
3. Matthew 28:20 - "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
### Observation Questions
1. What did Jacob see in his dream according to Genesis 28:12-15?
2. How does God introduce Himself to Jacob in the dream? What promises does He make? ([26:59])
3. According to Psalm 13:1, what feelings does the psalmist express about God's presence?
4. What assurance does Jesus give His disciples in Matthew 28:20?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jacob's dream of the ladder was significant in changing his perception of God? ([27:54])
2. How does the feeling of God's distance, as expressed in Psalm 13:1, relate to common human experiences today? ([30:10])
3. What does Jesus' promise in Matthew 28:20 imply about God's presence in our daily lives, especially during difficult times? ([34:26])
4. How can the concept of "faith over feelings" help us in our spiritual journey, especially when God feels far away? ([33:09])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. How did you respond to that feeling, and what did you learn from it? ([30:10])
2. Jacob realized that God was closer than he knew. How can you become more aware of God's presence in your daily life? ([27:54])
3. The sermon mentioned that our emotions can be misleading. How can you practice relying on faith rather than feelings in your relationship with God? ([33:09])
4. The psalmist in Psalm 13:1 openly expressed feelings of abandonment. How can you create a habit of honest prayer, sharing your true feelings with God? ([31:05])
5. Jesus promised to be with us always (Matthew 28:20). How can this promise provide comfort and assurance in your current life situation? ([34:26])
6. The sermon highlighted the importance of recognizing God's constant presence. What practical steps can you take this week to remind yourself of God's nearness? ([35:58])
7. How can you support someone in your life who feels distant from God, using the insights from Jacob's story and the sermon? ([30:10])
Devotional
Day 1: God's Accessibility
Jacob's dream of a ladder reaching from earth to heaven symbolizes God's accessibility. Unlike the gods of ancient times who were believed to dwell in unreachable places, our God is both supreme and intimately close to us. This dream reassures us that God is always within reach, no matter where we are or what we've done. Jacob, who had lived a life marked by deceit and running away from his problems, found himself in a moment of exhaustion and isolation. It was in this vulnerable state that God revealed Himself to Jacob, showing that He is accessible and closer than Jacob ever realized. This encounter transformed Jacob's understanding of God from a distant figure to a personal, ever-present reality.
This story resonates with us today. Whether you're busy, going through a crisis, or just exploring faith, it's common to feel that God is far away. However, the truth is that God is closer than we know. This is a recurring theme in Scripture, where people often feel distant from God, yet He reassures them of His constant presence. Remember, God is always within reach, no matter where you are or what you've done. [24:43]
Genesis 28:12-13 (ESV): "And he dreamed, and behold, there was a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven. And behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it! And behold, the Lord stood above it and said, 'I am the Lord, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac. The land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring.'"
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt distant from God. How can you remind yourself today that God is always accessible and closer than you realize?
Day 2: God's Presence in Our Lives
Jacob's realization that God was always with him, even when he was unaware, teaches us that God is closer than we know. This is a powerful reminder that no matter how far we feel from God, He is always near, guiding and watching over us. Jacob had lived a life filled with deceit and running away from his problems, including stealing his brother Esau's blessing. In his exhaustion and isolation, God revealed Himself to Jacob, showing that He is accessible and closer than Jacob ever realized. This encounter transformed Jacob's understanding of God from a distant figure to a personal, ever-present reality.
This story resonates with us today. Whether you're busy, going through a crisis, or just exploring faith, it's common to feel that God is far away. However, the truth is that God is closer than we know. This is a recurring theme in Scripture, where people often feel distant from God, yet He reassures them of His constant presence. Remember, God is always within reach, no matter where you are or what you've done. [27:54]
Psalm 139:7-10 (ESV): "Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me."
Reflection: Reflect on a moment when you felt God's presence in an unexpected way. How can you cultivate an awareness of His presence in your daily life?
Day 3: Faith Over Feelings
Our relationship with God should not be based on our fluctuating emotions. The Bible shows us that even in moments of despair and feeling abandoned, God is still present. This teaches us to rely on faith rather than feelings, trusting in God's constant presence. Jacob's life had been marked by deceit and running away from his problems, including stealing his brother Esau's blessing. In his exhaustion and isolation, God revealed Himself to Jacob, showing that He is accessible and closer than Jacob ever realized. This encounter transformed Jacob's understanding of God from a distant figure to a personal, ever-present reality.
This story resonates with us today. Whether you're busy, going through a crisis, or just exploring faith, it's common to feel that God is far away. However, the truth is that God is closer than we know. This is a recurring theme in Scripture, where people often feel distant from God, yet He reassures them of His constant presence. Remember, God is always within reach, no matter where you are or what you've done. [33:09]
Psalm 42:5 (ESV): "Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation."
Reflection: Identify a recent situation where your emotions led you to doubt God's presence. How can you practice relying on faith over feelings in similar situations?
Day 4: Common Human Experience
Feeling distant from God is a common human experience, as seen throughout Scripture. The Psalms, in particular, are filled with honest expressions of feeling abandoned by God. This reminds us that it's okay to feel this way and that we are not alone in our struggles. Jacob's life had been marked by deceit and running away from his problems, including stealing his brother Esau's blessing. In his exhaustion and isolation, God revealed Himself to Jacob, showing that He is accessible and closer than Jacob ever realized. This encounter transformed Jacob's understanding of God from a distant figure to a personal, ever-present reality.
This story resonates with us today. Whether you're busy, going through a crisis, or just exploring faith, it's common to feel that God is far away. However, the truth is that God is closer than we know. This is a recurring theme in Scripture, where people often feel distant from God, yet He reassures them of His constant presence. Remember, God is always within reach, no matter where you are or what you've done. [32:02]
Psalm 13:1-2 (ESV): "How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?"
Reflection: When have you felt abandoned by God? How can you find comfort in knowing that feeling distant from God is a common human experience?
Day 5: God's Unchanging Promise
God's promise to Jacob that He will be with him wherever he goes is echoed throughout the Bible. This promise is reaffirmed in the New Testament with Jesus' assurance that He is with us always. This unchanging promise provides us with hope and comfort, knowing that God is always by our side. Jacob's life had been marked by deceit and running away from his problems, including stealing his brother Esau's blessing. In his exhaustion and isolation, God revealed Himself to Jacob, showing that He is accessible and closer than Jacob ever realized. This encounter transformed Jacob's understanding of God from a distant figure to a personal, ever-present reality.
This story resonates with us today. Whether you're busy, going through a crisis, or just exploring faith, it's common to feel that God is far away. However, the truth is that God is closer than we know. This is a recurring theme in Scripture, where people often feel distant from God, yet He reassures them of His constant presence. Remember, God is always within reach, no matter where you are or what you've done. [34:26]
Matthew 28:20b (ESV): "And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Reflection: How does knowing God's unchanging promise to be with you always impact your daily life? What steps can you take to remind yourself of this promise regularly?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "So if you are here today and life is busy and you don't have time for God and he just kind of feels distant, you're in the right place. And if you're here today because, you know, and you're just hanging on, life is full of all sorts of drama, there's family drama going on and personal crises, maybe a health crisis or whatever it may be and God feels far away, then you are in the right place." [21:03] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Think of what you know of God right now and how close you think he is. Because you have no idea. He's closer than you know. He's closer than your skin, than your breath. He's closer than your thoughts and your dreams. He's closer than you could possibly imagine." [29:04] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And if you're going through a crisis right now, family, drama, drama, drama, maybe a medical crisis, and you're just like, maybe God's punishing me, maybe God has left me, I want you to know this morning what the text is screaming out to you. God closer than you know." [30:10] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And if you're here today and you're just kind of exploring this thing called faith, you're just looking into this, you know, Christianity thing, you look around and everyone else around you seems so enraptured and captivated with the word of God and they're singing the songs, but few, few, it rings hollow and the words fall flat, then you're in the right place. Because today we're going to be talking about what to do when God feels far away." [21:35] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And over and over, God is trying to get it through our thick skulls that he is closer than you know. And that's what I want to leave you with today. We could talk, and actually we'll probably have a series at some point where we'll talk about this of what to do when God says, when God feels far away. Because there are very specific things that I think you can do to feel like this sense of drawing closer. But I want you to know today this foundational principle before we talk about any of that. Realize, recognize, God is closer than you know." [35:40] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "And Jacob is overwhelmed with how great and awesome he is. And later on when he wakes up the words that are used is this is awesome and terrifying. And he has this moment where it's true. All of it's true. Everything my dad said. Everything my grandpa said. It's true. He's that awesome. He's that glorious. And he sees it for himself." [25:57] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And Jacob is overwhelmed, first of all, with God's awesomeness, but then he's overwhelmed with another thought. And we hear it as soon as he wakes up in the next verse. Jacob woke up suddenly and thought, the Lord is in this place and I didn't know it. Another translation says, I was unaware. I didn't realize it. I was ignorant. Right? I didn't know. And that's where we get to this point of talking about what do we do when God feels far away. Because there's this moment for Jacob where he suddenly realizes just how close God has been." [27:23] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And actually, you can and the early, the reformers, you know, 500 years ago, they really spoke to this idea of like, He is not dependent on our emotions. Like, we can whip ourselves up. You can go to a church where you whip yourself up in a frenzy, chasing after this feeling with God, this euphoric bliss, this mountaintop experience. And when I feel the warm fuzzies, that's how I know God loves me. That's how I know I'm blessed. That's how I know God is near. that's not what we see in Scripture. We see people in dark places, in dull places, in mundane places. And God is present with them." [32:49] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And that's why every time you see questions like this in Scripture, it's always responded with this resounding but. Like we see in the Bible. What he says in Genesis 28, 15 to Jacob. I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go. And it's repeated all throughout the Psalms and all throughout the prophets like in Isaiah. Don't be afraid. I am with you. Don't be discouraged. Oh, discouraged one, I am your God." [34:26] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And so Jacob figuratively and literally wakes up and his eyes are open to how close God is. We see it again with a prophet named Elisha. He wakes up to realize how close God is and he opens the eyes of, he prays, God open the eyes of my servant to see and his chariots of fire all around them. The disciples, his walk with Jesus and it says, suddenly their eyes were opened. The apostle Paul prays it. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be opened." [37:01] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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