What actions should we take when sensing God's presence withdrawing from us? When the Glory Lifts: Responding to God’s Seeming Withdrawal God’s Departure in Ezekiel 11:23 “And the glory of the LORD rose up from within the city and stood over the mountain east of the city.” • In Ezekiel’s day, the glory left because the people clung to idolatry and rebellion. • The Lord paused “over the mountain,” showing He had not abandoned His covenant forever—He waited for repentance. Recognizing Possible Causes of Distance • Unconfessed or habitual sin (Isaiah 59:2; Ephesians 4:30) • Neglect of prayer, Scripture, and worship (Matthew 6:33) • Misplaced affections—loving the world more than the Lord (1 John 2:15-16) • Divine discipline meant to steer the heart back (Hebrews 12:6,11) • Seasons of testing that mature faith (1 Peter 1:6-7) Immediate Steps That Restore Fellowship Search the Heart • “Search me, O God, and know my heart… See if there is any offensive way in me.” Psalm 139:23-24 • “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith.” 2 Corinthians 13:5 Confess and Repent • “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 • “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 • “Seek the LORD while He may be found… let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion.” Isaiah 55:6-7 Return to First Love and Obedience • “Remember the height from which you have fallen; repent and do the works you did at first.” Revelation 2:5 • “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” James 4:8 Re-align Priorities • Set Scripture, prayer, and praise at the center of each day. • Pursue holiness in practical choices—media, relationships, speech. • Restore neglected commitments to corporate worship and fellowship (Hebrews 10:24-25). Wait and Trust • “Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous.” Psalm 27:14 • The glory that departed in Ezekiel returned in Ezekiel 43:5—God delights to restore. Daily Practices That Keep Us Close • Consistent time in the Word—let truth recalibrate feelings. • Ongoing confession; keep short accounts with God. • Active participation in a Christ-honoring church for encouragement and accountability. • Service and generosity that turn the heart outward (Galatians 6:9-10). • Continual thanksgiving, which guards against a complaining spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Hope Anchored in His Promise • “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 • Nothing “will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:39 • “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” John 14:18 The sense of withdrawal is a merciful warning light. Respond quickly—search, repent, return, and rest in the unchanging faithfulness of the One whose glory still waits to fill the temple of the willing heart. |
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