Frustration Does Not Equal Separation

By Greg Sanders

Psalm 34:18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

We all deal with different frustrations. One thing that many frustrations have in common is the fact that they can make you feel isolated from the help and the presence of God. The presence of frustration does not equal an absence of God’s presence. God is near to the broken hearted and the crushed in Spirit.

Do you know where the dead zones are around your city? You know, the places where if you’re talking on your cell phone and you drive through that area you are going to lose coverage? There are a few areas around our town where I know I have to end my call before I get there or I will end up losing the call. It’s frustrating. Some people believe that God is sort of like cell coverage. They believe it’s possible and even common to go through an area that He cannot go with you. The opposite is actually true. Psalm 139 reminds us that there is nowhere we can go that He is not already there. Your frustrations do not separate you from His presence.

When you feel the pressure of frustration crushing in on you, remember that God is just as present as the frustration. I know that the weight of your present issues may seem to drown Him out, but He is there. Frustration brings an opportunity to experience the sustaining presence of Jesus in new dimensions. That does not mean I get excited and go looking for frustrating situations to get myself into, but it does mean that when they come I can expect Him to show up.

Today’s Challenge: Realize that there are no dead zones with God. He is near to you and connected to you no matter where you are. Reach out and experience His presence today despite the frustrations around you.

Blessings,

Greg