Monday, June 13, 2016

IS ANYBODY OUT THERE?


Hellooo…

Is anybody out there?

Sometimes I feel this way – like I say "Hello" and all I hear are crickets answering me

Chirp, chirp.

Seems to me like Blog Land has been kinda quiet lately.

Which leads me to wonder – is blogging dead?

If you google this question, you'll find various opinions on the matter.  But most people agree that its *heyday* has come and gone, that its peak popularity is in the past.

I certainly know that many people I became acquainted with when I first started blogging have long since left.

I get it.

It's hard to keep up with it.

Inevitably, if you blog long enough, you'll face either writer's block or burnout, or both.  And life happens.  Other things take priority.  I know that there have been a few times when I seriously considered discontinuing my blog.

I felt like my words were dry, my inspiration was lagging, life got complicated.

But somehow I felt like God wanted me to stay, and He kept giving me one more idea at a time.

So I'm still here.

But I firmly believe that God is the only one who can tell us whether we need to stay, or that it's time to leave.  

And we should heed His voice.

It's just that I miss some of my old blogging friends.


Losing contact is a hard thing.

Sometimes it's nobody's fault, it just happens.  People move out of the area (like I did), or life gets busier, or we add other people to our lives.

But still…

There are times when I feel like my voice echoes back to me when I cry out…

"Is anybody out there?"

It’s hard enough to feel this way with people, but sometimes I feel this way with God.

Like He's moved somewhere and neglected to give me His forwarding address.

Hellooo…

Are You out there, God?

Chirp, chirp.

I have often wondered to myself – why is it that sometimes when we need God the most, He seems silent or hidden?

I have heard this referred to as the north face of God.

(Though I have not read this book yet, I find that it's highly recommended: "The North Face of God" by Ken Gire.  Also great, a book that I have read, "Disappointment with God" by Philip Yancey)


What does this mean?

The north face of a mountain in the northern hemisphere is generally the coldest, iciest and most formidable route to climb.

I like the word picture of our faith journey being like a long trek up a steep mountain.  There are so many apt parallels that can be drawn.  But perhaps my favorite of all, is the treacherous ascent to the summit.

Climbers on Mt. Everest have a name for it – the Death Zone.

"At the higher regions of Mount Everest, climbers seeking the summit typically spend substantial time within the death zone (altitudes higher than 26,000 ft), and face significant challenges to survival.  Temperatures can dip to very low levels, resulting in frostbite of any body part exposed to the air.  Since temperatures are so low, snow is well-frozen in certain areas and death or injury by slipping and falling can occur.  High winds at these altitudes on Everest are also a potential threat to climbers.

Another significant threat to climbers is low atmospheric pressure.  The atmospheric pressure at the top of Everest is about a third of sea level…resulting in the availability of only about a third as much oxygen to breathe. Debilitating effects of the death zone are so great that it takes most climbers up to 12 hours to walk the distance of 1.07 mi from South Col to the summit." (Wikipedia)


Yes, sometimes the walk of faith is dangerous – fraught with trials and temptations.

And sometimes it can be a lonely walk.

Because sometimes, when we are in the midst of adversity, this is exactly when God seems absent.

Why is that?

I went on a search for answers, and found many interesting verses about the seeming "hiddenness" of God.

And many of these verses speak about times when God tests our faith (I've included them in my Scriptures at the end of this post).

At first, quite honestly, these verses kinda riled me up.

My reaction was like, "C'mon, God.  I'm in the midst of difficulty and You choose this time to feel far away?  Not fair…"

And then I started to think about His promise to never leave me nor forsake me.

Is that what He's doing – leaving me?

Grrr…

But then, as I pondered this more, I began to realize that there is a big difference between God's promise and my perception of it.

Just because God "feels" far away doesn't mean that He is.

And the sense of His absence is actually a way for God and I to draw closer to one another, and a way for my faith to grow stronger.


Let me put it this way.

When my sons were little I hovered over them like a crazed helicopter pilot.  Not wanting them to get hurt or scared or sick, I was right by them all the time.

"Whoop, whoop!"  (Rotor blade sound effects...)

But as they grew older, I realized that it was important for them to launch out into life.

My toddlers ventured farther away from me.

My preteens moved even more.

My teenagers traveled into the far reaches of independence – testing the boundaries, learning their own.

And now, my sons have developed into mature adults.

Strong in their values, their decision-making, and their wisdom.

Did I ever abandon them?

Of course not!


In much the same way, God works for our spiritual maturity.

He tests us along the way, allowing us to build our faith stronger in times of trouble.

And sometimes that means that He will feel far away.

I am consoled knowing that I am not alone in these feelings.

David felt them:

"Why are you so far away when I groan for help?  Every day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer.  Every night you hear my voice, but I find no relief…Do not stay so far from me, for trouble is near, and no one else can help me." (Psalm 22:1-2, 11, NLT)

And Jesus quotes David's words from the cross:

"'My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?'" (Psalm 22:1, NLT)

No, we are not alone in feeling alone.


The north face of God.

The chilly silence.

The icy hiddenness.

The formidable sense that we are all alone.

Hellooo…

Is anybody out there?

Are You out there, God?

He is.

Ponder this –

Those mountain climbers who dare to ascend the north face of Mt. Everest rely on one thing more than anything to make it to the summit…

Oxygen.

The very stuff that keeps them alive.

"…he be not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being." (Acts 17:27-28, KJV)

"For the life of every living thing is in his hand, and the breath of every human being." (Job 12:10, NLT)


Yes, though my sense of His presence can be faulty at times, though He may seem distant for a time of testing, the Truth remains the same:

He is with me.

Every step of the way.

So I keep climbing…




Have you ever felt like God was far away?






He's as close as my heartbeat,
As near as a sigh,
A part of each breath,
He is ever nigh. 



So where is God hidden?
He's here, in my heart,
Directing my pathways
As He has from the start.

Where is God hidden?
He's not! Don't you see?
The Most High of the Universe
Dwells within me.

(© Sharon Kirby, October 4, 2000)




"However, when ambassadors arrived from Babylon to ask about the remarkable events that had taken place in the land, God withdrew from Hezekiah in order to test him and to see what was really in his heart." 
(2 Chronicles 32:31, NLT)

"Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands." (Deuteronomy 8:2, NIV)

"Then the LORD said to Moses, 'I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day.  In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions.'" 
(Exodus 16:4, NIV)

"The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD’s throne is in heaven; his eyes see, his eyelids test the children of man." (Psalm 11:4, ESV)

"'I will refine them as silver is refined and test them as gold is tested.'" (Zechariah 13:9, Holman CSB)

"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my…thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life." (Psalm 139:23-24, NLT)

"I have trusted in the Lord and have not faltered.  Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness." 
(Psalm 26:1-3, NIV)

"But he knows where I am going.  And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold." (Job 23:10, NLT)

"For you, O God, have tested us; you have tried us as silver is tried." 
(Psalm 66:10, ESV)

"Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine.  Test yourselves.  Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith." (2 Corinthians 13:5, NLT)

"Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.  For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.  So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing." 
(James 1:2-4, NLT)

"So be truly glad.  There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while.  These trials will show that your faith is genuine.  It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold – though your faith is far more precious than mere gold.  So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world." (1 Peter 1:6-7, NLT)

"God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation.  Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." (James 1:12, NLT)

"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you." (James 4:8, ESV)




Linked with:

SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, MONDAY OF MANY BLESSINGS, THANK GOODNESS IT'S MONDAY, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, MAKING YOUR HOME SING MONDAY, MUSING MONDAYS, MODEST MONDAY, MOTIVATION MONDAY, INSPIRE ME MONDAY, LIVING PROVERBS, MOM-TO-MOM MONDAYS, SHARING HIS BEAUTY, MOMENTS OF HOPE, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, UNITE LINKUP, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAYS, WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, RA RA LINKUP, TEACHING WHAT IS GOOD, WISE WOMAN, TELL HIS STORY, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, SITTING AMONG FRIENDS, GRACE MOMENTS, GROWING IN GRACE, THANKFUL THURSDAYS, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, PARTY AT MY PLACE, SHINE BLOG HOP, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, GRACE AT HOME, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, COZY READING SPOT, NO RULES WEEKEND BLOG PARTY, 100 HAPPY DAYS, FUNTASTIC FRIDAY, BLOGGERS SPOTLIGHT PARTY, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, COUNTING MY BLESSINGS, GRACE & TRUTH, DANCE WITH JESUS, TGI SATURDAYS, FAMILY, FRIENDSHIP & FAITH, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, WEEKEND WIND DOWN PARTY, LET US GROW, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY, WORD OF GOD SPEAK, GIVE ME GRACE, SOCIAL BUTTERFLY SUNDAY




BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

39 comments:

  1. I've been blogging for a lot of years Sharon. I was late to the party as they say. I, too, have noticed it has been quiet lately. Didn't know if it was just me or if that was the way in blogland. Sounds like a common theme. Anyway, times have changed. Just glad God hasn't. Me? I will keep plugging away until God says stop or it becomes such a chore I dread it.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hey Sharon great mix of themes of blogging and the farness of God. I once did a study on the Mt Everest climbers and found it fascinating just how treacherous it is but despite the dangers many set out to make the climb. So too we must be in spiritual walks. As for blogging it seems that there is just not enough time in my day to do it all. And then there's the trouble of getting my writing pump primed again. Have a great week.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Yeah Sharon, I'm still out here and so thankful that God IS even when I don't "feel" Him or hear Him or from others. Your "Grateful thoughts" are exciting, looking forward to your big event in July (already) ... and not so thrilled about your Fri. news )nor FL's, when tragedy sweeps its luminous fate over so many... I really have that sick sense and wonder " are you out there, God?", hopeful and praying for more of Him and His Presence over us even on sleepless nights in CA or MX, there's gotta be a reason. Since I've pulled away from "blogging" in the true sense and being active visiting others, I guess I was not aware that it's quiet out there (chirp, chirp) or that it's peaked and met its heyday. I really enjoyed this piece and I am always inspired in your writing (even comments). I love your photo with such a fine set of BIG binoculars and mountain scene, bet you really can see far with them - and your "hidden" poem! Fascinating facts on Mt. Everest with the comparisons to our faith climb, with great encouragement to keep climbing to our summit or ultimate "reunion". So glad that you had some relaxation time and good times with your mom and upcoming d-i-l and found the perfect, beautiful fit! Makes me smile:) and happy to hear --- your hel-lo, hello, hel-looo and the resounding echo of a loving God! Many blessings and so much love. Enjoy a blessed and restful week.~Peggy

    ReplyDelete
  4. I want to check out both of those books you listed here, Sharon; they both sound interesting, especially the North Side of God one. Good analogy though about raising kids and giving them independence comparing it to God when we feel that he may not be there, though in reality of course he is, sometimes too we just need to sit still and listen and not let life get in the way with our hustle and bustle. Very wise thoughts you shared today!

    It has been slower with blogging, but I don't think it will ever go away. I think perhaps people will be wiser on how they spend their online time and perhaps not get so consumed with it like some can (preaching to my choir here LOL)

    betty

    ReplyDelete
  5. Yes! I have most definitely wondered where God is at times. I've had to learn, and still am learning, to realize that I know He's there even when it feels like He's not. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Sometimes I think bloggers slow down in the summer months, so maybe it'll pick back up once the fall rolls around? Nonetheless, I'm glad you're still out here with us! I always enjoy reading your insights, Sharon. Thanks for sharing this one---God is always out there even when don't hear him.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I so get this post, Sharon. I've often wondered why bloggers cease to blog, long-term. I like taking breaks, and think they are necessary, but there are times when I search for a particular blogger and, lo and behold, on a day in February or July 2010, they called it quits. No goodbye, no adios. Just no more blog posts past that date. I always wonder what happened, if anything. Why did they stop without saying, I'm not coming back.

    As for God feeling far away, often when we most need Hie nearness, I think it's in our darkest hour when He desires for us to display our complete trust in Him. And the thing about that is He knows if we're faking it.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Yes, I have also noticed this happening in Blogland, although I have only been here for 3 years...yes, as a matter of fact, this week! Even in that amount of time, I have known some to just fall off the face of the earth with no explanation....strange. Oh, by the way, I don't plan on going away but if I do, I'll not leave you hanging :)

    I think God does allow things to come into our lives to see if we reach out for Him...or if we turn elsewhere. How would I ever know how much I need Him if I never had a reason to?

    ReplyDelete
  9. Pain has been a barrier for me. I have learned that those painful times are when I need God most and the waiting to hear His voice and direction are hardest. He always comes through. Some bloggers take summer breaks or leave for a season. I, too, feel close to my blog buddies because we share so much from our hearts. I miss them when they're absent too! Thank you for your faithfulness, Sharon!

    ReplyDelete
  10. What a great collection of scripture to cling to. I've certainly had those moments when God felt distant, but like you said He wasn't. Often it was Him urging me to dig deeper, to trust harder, to depend more. I'm so glad that He is ever faithful to be always near. Glad to be your neighbor at #testimonytuesday today.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I feel a bit disconnected from God lately, but I think it's because of my own rebellion. I have chosen not to spend time with Him, so of course I will feel the relational shift. I remember a saying in AlAnon when someone felt far from God, you had to ask, "Well, who moved?"

    ReplyDelete
  12. Suddenly suddenly these Pink Floyd lyrics jumped into my head... hello is there anybody in there? Just nod if you can hear me. Is there anyone at home?

    The north face of God. You're using all my favorite hiking metaphors. Love this post. And you. 🙂

    ReplyDelete
  13. Sharon - this is awesome - I so love the way you write with humor and depth. I have been experiencing the silent nature of God lately which is especially hard in the midst of trying to make a major decision. Helloooo God are you there? We are neighbors at 2 linkups today alone - so I really must have needed to read your words! Thank you - stopping in from #TestimonyTuesday & #RaRaLinkup

    ReplyDelete
  14. I feel Him the most in the woods, on the trails, in nature. I'm there mostly every day....breathing in His strength - taking in His power. It's an incredible need I have....to stay close, and not lose the connection that for me, is like breathing. Happy Day, Sharon.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I understand your feelings on blogging. I've sometimes felt that way as well. Then I keep coming back to God's call and leading and try to let go of other expectations. Not easy.

    ReplyDelete
  16. As I am reading the verses at the end of your post, I hear my heart saying "The teacher is always silent during the test."

    Thanks for this reminder, Sharon. xo

    ReplyDelete
  17. I find the blog world very hard to traverse (maybe like Mt Everest). I feel like in the very large sea of information, it's very difficult to amplify one voice above the others... even when it is a good point or a well-written post. We are just super-saturated with opinions that it's hard to know what to believe, and thus, people don't bother with anything much anymore. very frustrating to this blogger who is also saying "is anyone out there anymore?"
    and as far as wondering about the voice of God being silent... yep, been there, done that too. I've come to believe that He silences his voice so that we will learn to trust what He has already said in His Word. Thanks for the post.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Yep. Moving forward, upward, toward Him. I've yet to draw nigh unto our Father and find myself abandoned. It's my attitude and perspective that doesn't usually like the life lesson or consequence for my own actions.

    Good reminder, Sharon. We all get our turn. Thanks for sticking with it and staying the course. I too have noticed a significant drop off in the folks that I used to interact with. The words of wisdom and encouragement from fellow Christian writers is a gift I never dreamed of finding...

    On a less serious note; I'm gonna blame you for having the Pink Floyd song, "Comfortably Numb" stuck in my head for the rest of the day... "Hello, hello, hello... is their anybody in there? Just nod if you can hear me. Is there anyone at all?"

    ReplyDelete
  19. "There is a big difference between God's promise and my perception of it." Oh yes, that is huge! And I like the analogy of mountain climbing. If you want to go higher, there is a price to pay, there is a period of adjustment. It's different air and different way of life the higher you go. Wonderful! Thank you, Sharon.

    ReplyDelete
  20. great post - love the illus w/ your boys - we don't abandon , we're still here and we revel in their maturity (or as in my case, my semi-adult children!) and great thoughts on blogging too - it's a lot of work and i've gone back and forth as well. for now, i'm staying. (:

    ReplyDelete
  21. Sharon, yes, I have felt distant. I have felt alone. But, I know...that He has never left me and I am not alone. I may have wandered off a bit, but when I reach for His hand, it is right there waiting for mine to slide into His.
    Regarding blogging friends, I have found that the community changes over time yet it is still there. Their faces may change but their Christ-like image shines back at me through their words. I, like you, will keep on doing this until God says it is time to pull the drawbridge up and obey me over here (doing something else for His Kingdom).

    ReplyDelete
  22. By the looks of your comments, I don't think you've lost any. You probably have gained more. I sometimes feel the same way about blogging. Keep doing what God is obviously calling you to do.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hello, friend. I experienced a "perception of His absence" during the most traumatic time of my life. But I knew He was there, even though I couldn't hear Him or "feel" Him. I stayed grounded in His word through it all and the entire experience strengthened my faith. Great post, as always, Sharon!

    ReplyDelete
  24. I am not into mountain climbing, but I can see the danger zone with the temperatures, and the air pressure not so good. I am so thankful that God is inside us, which to me feels ever closer than I will never leave of forsake you (which feels like He is standing along side.) I like the inside version. Thank you for sharing your amazing story with us here at Tell me a Story. Yes, many of our blogging friends are now writing books or on lecture tours that have slowed down their blogging. I miss them too, and it is wonderful to know when you call to God, "Is anybody out there?" he is there in a heart beat.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Oh, you're not alone, Sharon. Sometimes I look around and feel like I only got myself here. But we're never really alone because God is with us. And the next time I get that feeling again I'll think of you. Oops, no. I've got Sharon, too. :)

    ReplyDelete
  26. Sharon, I think every Christian goes through this. Even Mother Teresa spoke of experiencing it in her own life. Our faith comes in when we persist in believing despite God's hiddenness.

    I love your posts, Sharon. You peel off all the veneer and give us beautiful grains of truth.

    ReplyDelete
  27. I love your poem. That's where God is in the hard times - in my heart! :)
    I like your little picture of the crickets responding. Maybe if we just learned to speak cricket.... Anyway, sometimes God speaks to us in the stillness of nature, when we obey His command to "Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10 And, to borrow a phrase from a song, Believing is seeing. I'm so glad He always keeps His promise "never (to) leave (us) nor forsake (us)"! :)

    ReplyDelete
  28. I'm so thankful I can cling to the fact God never leaves me. He may let me hang out without saying or doing anything for my faith to grow in Him, but knowing He is always there is such a reassurance. As for blogging, I started in 2008 and over half the people I "met" in the beginning has stopped for whatever reasons. It's sad, because some were really doing a work for the Lord. Thank you for linking up with Thankful Thursdays.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Hi Sharon,
    God doess often feel distant when we need Him most, doesn't He? I believe you are right, though. He is not gone, He is there, we merely are not feeling Him.Maybe it is in the growing we are doing or maybe it is even sometimes in our stubbornness to surrender that we do not feel His presence. But I am thankful we can know that He is there no matter what! I have only been a serious blogger for a little over a year now, but I understand the time and effort it takes. I can understand when people feel they cannot continue, but it is sad! Thank you so much for sharing with me at Moments of Hope! I love having you there!
    Blessings and smiles,
    Lori

    ReplyDelete
  30. Praise be to our God who neither leaves nor forsakes us! Thanks for joining us at the #LMMLinkup.

    ReplyDelete
  31. I still here. I like the format of bogging very much....Instagram and Facebook too fast for me. I've gotten hooked on First15 devotionals....you might like them too. And I do pray for you from Wiisconsin. Gods nearness is sustaining me. XO

    ReplyDelete
  32. I'm still here although I think I am slowing down and spending more time thinking about what I'm writing. Great post.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Love this - I remember studying the north side of the mountain in science classes, how the animals that choose to live there are often shelled creatures, or live under ground technically... it was interesting, thanks for pulling this in! And for sharing with the Cozy Reading Spot

    ReplyDelete
  34. Oh wow - this is awesome from the "silence" of the blogging world to wondering if God is really "hearing" me.

    I recently declared I was breaking all the blogging "rules" and I was going to do my own thing (well, God's thing). Because quite often I felt like I was moving away from serving and had drifted into striving. NOT the place I want me and my blog to be. :)

    You shared some great scriptures and reminders here! Thanks for sharing (and for linking up to the #SHINEbloghop).

    Wishing you a lovely day.
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  35. I'm still here. After 8 years of blogging I've hit a hard writing place. I'm blogging alot about homeschool and I'm not sure people are interested. I will get back to the faith posts, but I like to blog about my life as well. Hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  36. I love it! I have been blogging since 2011, I stopped for a year because little babies comes first. I just can't step away for good in blogging. It is a tug in the heart. I know someday that time will come , there will be a season of change. And I hope that my blogging friends would be friends for good. Thank you for reminding us that God is always near.

    Thank you for linking up over at #bloggerspotlight! I do appreciate it and I hope to see you again!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Awesome post, Sharon! I have felt this way as well at times, and it does seem that Blog Land has been quiet lately. I think many are on vacations, and take a break for the summer. I am glad to see you still blogging and sharing your encouragement! Thanks for sharing with #SocialButterflySunday! Hope to see you link up again this week :)

    ReplyDelete

"So [I] have been greatly encouraged in the midst of [my] troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives [me] new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. How [I] thank God for you!" (1 Thessalonians 3:7-9)

Thanks for your comments - it is such a joy to be sharing my journey with friends like YOU!

(NOTE: Anonymous comments will be removed. Thank you for understanding.)