Recently I read that we are never to take GOD for granted. Don’t take for granted that consistent “small voice” as a favor upon you.
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I have that small nagging……a feeling that something between me and GOD is not right. I notice a barrier there when I pray, but I also am aware that the enemy would like me to just give up on my time with GOD and say it’s too much trouble.
PSALM 19: 12 “BUT WHO CAN DISCERN THEIR OWN ERRORS? FORGIVE MY HIDDEN FAULTS.”
And maybe it is never that GOD has moved away, but we have! The barriers we put in place are all of our own doing.
ISAIAH 59: 2a “……..BUT YOUR INIQUITIES HAVE MADE A SEPARATION BETWEEN YOU AND YOUR GOD.”
Sometimes we put GOD last and our busyness takes over. I have been so so guilty of this. When we spend time even on our devices, isn’t our time better served in HIS word?
ISAIAH 59 2b “…….AND YOUR SINS HAVE HIDDEN HIS FACE FROM YOU SO THAT HE DOES NOT HEAR.”
And there it is, the barriers of no time spent with GOD and unconfessed sin. Let’s ponder this question daily…….”where am I with you LORD?” Our repentance needs to be a daily thing, even an hourly thing. When our sins come to mind, let us repent of them, immediately.
Another barrier to GOD can be pride. Are we thinking more of ourselves than we should? GOD hates pride and when we try to accomplish things on our own we have put ourselves in the driver’s seat, instead of HIM.
PROVERBS 29: 23 “ONE’S PRIDE WILL BRING HIM LOW, BUT HE WHO IS LOWLY IN SPIRIT WILL OBTAIN HONOR.”
The barrier of bitterness and resentment is a complicated one. These are sometimes deep within us and we don’t even realize we are harboring them. Search your heart to see if bitterness or resentment have been growing there because these two can become our best friend. We hold onto them and it is a form of control due to hurt and confusion when we should release them to GOD and let HIM take control.
2 THESSALONIANS 1: 6 “AFTER ALL, IT IS ONLY RIGHT FOR GOD TO REPAY WITH AFFLICTION THOSE WHO AFFLICT YOU.”
Fear is another barrier we tend to hold onto. By holding onto this one, we somehow think we can control what is making us fearful. Let it go. GOD knows our fears and gives us the strength we need to bear up under it. HIS capable HANDS will hold us, put us at peace and the worry will stop.
ISAIAN 43: 5 “FEAR NOT, FOR I AM WITH YOU……..”
These barriers are most evident to me when I feel far from GOD, when something is there nagging at me. How about you? Would love to hear if you find barriers too and add them to my list!
Let’s search our hearts together today…….a pure and repentant heart is one that truly loves GOD, one that loves HIM more than anything in this world, barriers and all!
1 THESSALONIANS 3: 13 “MAY HE STRENGTHEN YOUR HEARTS SO THAT YOU WILL BE BLAMLESS AND HOLY IN THE PRESENCE OF OUR GOD AND FATHER……”
HEAVENSREEF 
Yes. ~ sigh ~ I think you hit some solid barriers. And the reason that’s so good is, it gives us a focus. Not so much an escape, but the ‘aha’ we need in order to deal with it.
We were having some issues at home. Every little thing. Was this an attack from Satan? (Yes, sometimes that’s exactly it.) My husband came to me, took my hand and said, You know, we’ve been dealing with some stress. He ticked off several things we were dealing with; and it all came together for me. Somehow, it made everything better. I could list some issues and have something tangible as a reason for the discord, instead of a nebulous, floating ‘ick’ hanging around.
It’s kind of like having a physical ailment, going through tests, and finally having an answer.
Bless you, Maxine. 🫂
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Excellent way to put it. I am being more intentional and asking GOD to make me aware of any barrier I have placed before HIM. Sometimes we need to put a name to something!! Like your Husband did for you.
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That small voice carries great wisdom & power.
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Amen 🙏🤗
It’s true, sometimes it’s not Him moving, it’s us getting distracted or holding onto things.
Wonderful reminder to come back, to stay close, and keep our hearts right.
You Are Loved. 🙏
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It’s so true that when I feel that distance or cannot hear God, it is because of my sin that some sort of barrier is there. I have come to realise that when I feel that way it is necessary for me to spend time with God in prayer. Satan would like for me to just continue that way but I know that it is a dangerous and detrimental path. Spending time with God helps me to refocus on Him and God will bring to light what it was in me that was putting that barrier between us.
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YES, it’s always us who place that barrier. I am so thankful that I am very aware of this and then turn and repent!! Blessings friend!
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