One of the most powerful and haunting images in the Bible was when God led the Israelites out of Egypt with a pillar of fire at night and a pillar of smoke during the day. God later commanded Moses to have the Ark of the Covenant built so God can be with his people. God wants to be with us. Chapter after chapter of the Bible recounts how God's heart aches for his people when they don't want to be with him as evidenced by their idolatry, apostasy, and sin. Still, as Revelation 3:20 notes, God stands knocking at the door of our hearts wanting to come in. God yearns for us. Indeed, as mentioned by the book of Ephesians, we, the church, are God's bride. God wanted to be reconciled with us so much that he took the form of the Son, Jesus Christ, and died the death of a common criminal to pay the price we should be paying. That's how much God loves us. He poured out everything he had just so he can bridge that gap our sin created and we can come to him.

The problem is not God

If God wants to be near us and is constantly reaching out to us, then why do so many people, Christians included, feel alone? You have to remember that it isn't God who distanced himself. It is us. When we seek out the pleasures, rewards, and glories of the world instead of His kingdom, we distance ourselves from his will. When we seek to change God in our images so the concept of God only exists to serve our personal agendas, needs, and whims, we distance ourselves from God. When we engage in self-righteousness, condemnation, and judgment of others, we serve ourselves, not God. The problem at the root of our alienation, loneliness, and feelings of dislocation is not God. He never left. He's always by our side. He's always knocking. The problem is us. He didn't leave us. We left him.

God is with you

If you feel alone and powerless or abandoned, you have to remember that God is always with you. You have to reach deep into your heart and come back to him. He never left you. He's always knocking. Just like the father in the parable of the prodigal Son, his door is always open to you. You only need to turn your back on the things that keep you from fully walking with him and turn towards him. God is always here, but he is a gentleman. He won't barge into our hearts. He won't lie, deceive, or trick us to get into our hearts. He is the prince of Truth and integrity. That's why he knocks. Patiently. Day after day. If you are feeling challenged, weary, lonely, burned out, or confused, remember that God is always with you. Read this word. Pray to him. Feel his comforting presence. Feel his calm power inside your heart as you push yourself aside and make more room for him. Friend, there is no room of depression, anxiety, or worry if your heart is full of Jesus. He is knocking right now. Will you let him in?

Robert Moment is a life coach, personal growth strategist, speaker and author . Author of several life-changing and transforming books including, Christian Youth: Its Cool to Believe in God for Love, Acceptance, Friendship, Protection and Direction, Christian Women: Blessed Wherever You God, Faith: Living Your Life Fully and Freely Without Fear and others. Robert specializes in maximizing human potential for happiness, purpose and success. Visit http://www.AChristianYouth.com and sign-up for the FREE 5 Day e-Course titled, Christian Youth: Be Inspired to Live for God.