Far from God?

Loneliness is nothing more than the lack of a meaningful relationship with the person or people we wish we had by our side: truly communicating with them, expressing our feelings and longings to them, feeling their affection and companionship, and knowing they are there to talk and to understand one another...

But another of life’s harsh realities is that sometimes, for various reasons, the people with whom we have a meaningful relationship move away from us. Unlike in the past, even families now tend to break apart, creating an emotional void that is rarely overcome without a deep sense of loss.

We Cubans, like people in many other countries, have been affected by emigration that separates families, most often permanently. Both those who leave for another country in search of a new life and those who decide to stay feel the pain of separation. For letters, photos, phone calls, emails, or even financial help and occasional visits can never replace the satisfaction of a constant, close relationship with the people we love.

It is painful to know that, at a difficult moment, we will not be able to hold a loved one’s hand, embrace them, or simply sit beside them. Though we may try to ignore it amid the whirlwind of life and the struggle to survive, the absence of those we love always leaves a void that sometimes not even time can ease.

That is why it is good to know that someone is always there. Someone who, by his very being and nature, will never feel the need to leave us or go far away, and who loves us so much that he desires a constant, life-giving relationship with us.

The great mistake many people make is believing that God is not interested in having a relationship with them. Some think their lives are so far removed from him and so different that he wants nothing to do with them. I have heard many people say, “God has forgotten me” or “God cannot forgive me.”

If that is your situation, I assure you that you are badly mistaken. God is simply waiting for you to turn to him and seek him. No matter who you are, where you are, or how many paths you have traveled, the way to God is open and lies before you.

Very often, even some Christians think that God has forgotten or abandoned them, believing that their mistakes and sins prevent them from experiencing the divine presence and companionship. Let us never forget that repentance is a sure way to restore our relationship with him if, for any reason, it has been damaged. The psalmist said: A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise (Psalm 51:13). Let us have no doubt: we Christians, too, often need to repent and ask God for forgiveness. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Although it is sometimes very difficult to restore a relationship with people we have offended, or who feel offended by us, that is not the case with God.

His arms are always open to those who repentantly ask his forgiveness and wish to restore their relationship with him.

May God bless you and keep you!