Have you ever been separated from something, and no matter how hard you tried, you couldn’t reach it? Have you ever felt separated from God? Feel like you can’t reach him? God can reach us anytime, but several things keep us away from him. God wants to draw you closer to Him. He needs you to do the work necessary to make that happen. 

Isaiah 59:1-2 

Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.

Going through the Motions

In Isaiah 58, the Jews asked Isaiah why God wasn’t answering their prayers, and he responded because they were gossiping and pointing fingers (slandering) at other Christians. In chapter 59, he says our sins are what separates us from God. It’s not that God has pulled back his hand or closed his ears. It’s that there is unrepented sin in your life. Your sins hide you from the face of God. Israel was doing all of these religious acts like sacrificing and fasting, but in reality, they were going through motions. Be careful not to be guilty of the same thing. 

Create a Clean Heart

Maybe you are feeling separated from God today? Perhaps you have a significant need and feel like you are getting nowhere with Him? Search your heart and let the light of His Word expose areas where you need to get right. Psalm 51 is King David’s prayer for cleansing. He prays, “Create in me a clean heart oh God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” That is asking God to forgive us and instill a resolve to stay away from it again.

Separated from God?

Having our prayers answered and His favor restored is possible if we are willing to weed out the deeds and habits that have separated us. 1 John 1:9 says, “if you confess your sins, He is faithful and just to forgive.” Forgiveness restores the peace and takes the weight of guilt. Take action right now and ask God to cleanse your life. You won’t regret it.