A whole lot better
I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV)
Regardless of how we may happen to feel, if we love the Lord and are walking by faith and obeying His Word, then we know that our relationship with the Lord is firm. And we certainly know that His love for us is unchangeable, unwavering.
So how can you know if you’re close to the Lord? You can know by His Word that says if you “draw nigh to God”, by your submission and obedience to Him, “He will draw nigh to you.” (James 4:7–8) Even if you can’t feel anything, any closeness at all, you can still know you’re close to Him if you’re doing your best to love the Lord and please Him and obey His Word and do what you know He has asked of you.
In fact, sometimes people may be the closest to the Lord when they feel the furthest from Him. For example, when we’re humbled by our own mistakes and shortcomings and sinfulness, we don’t usually feel so inspired or close to the Lord, but we may, in fact, be very close to Jesus at such times.
You are close to Jesus if you’re doing His will and you’re doing your best to do the things He has asked of you. Then you can know you’re close to Jesus, which is a whole lot better than just feeling close to Him! [1]
Prayer is an intimate sharing between friends; it means taking the time to be alone with him we know loves us. – Teresa of Avila
[1] Anchor Squeezed to the Last Drop
