The Pain of God’s Silence Explained - This Priest’s Take Is Jaw‑Dropping

As a Christian, doubt is something that As a Christian, doubt is something that we're going to experience in our life. we're going to experience in our life. we're going to experience in our life. And in this video, a priest eloquently And in this video, a priest eloquently And in this video, a priest eloquently says how to deal with this doubt and says how to deal with this doubt and says how to deal with this doubt and why, in fact, do we experience this why, in fact, do we experience this why, in fact, do we experience this doubt as Christians, as fellow people doubt as Christians, as fellow people doubt as Christians, as fellow people who believe in God. So, I hope you take who believe in God. So, I hope you take who believe in God. So, I hope you take a lot of wisdom from this. a lot of wisdom from this. a lot of wisdom from this. >> And St. John gives us, I think, an >> And St. John gives us, I think, an >> And St. John gives us, I think, an unparalleled analysis of this, of what's unparalleled analysis of this, of what's unparalleled analysis of this, of what's going on in this state of mind, the going on in this state of mind, the going on in this state of mind, the state of soul. And his analysis is state of soul. And his analysis is state of soul. And his analysis is basically this. basically this. basically this. God wants to be God. And God, you might God wants to be God. And God, you might God wants to be God. And God, you might say, can't help being God. And because say, can't help being God. And because say, can't help being God. And because God is really God, God can't just God is really God, God can't just God is really God, God can't just coexist with the funny little pictures coexist with the funny little pictures coexist with the funny little pictures of God we have in our minds. Sooner or of God we have in our minds. Sooner or of God we have in our minds. Sooner or later, one of them's got to go. Either later, one of them's got to go. Either later, one of them's got to go. Either the real God settles in and pushes away the real God settles in and pushes away the real God settles in and pushes away those strange little myths and images we those strange little myths and images we those strange little myths and images we have of him, or we let the myths and have of him, or we let the myths and have of him, or we let the myths and images blossom and flourish and push the images blossom and flourish and push the images blossom and flourish and push the real God out. So I think this is a real God out. So I think this is a real God out. So I think this is a really good point in the sense that when really good point in the sense that when really good point in the sense that when we doubt what's happening there in a way we doubt what's happening there in a way we doubt what's happening there in a way is that our perceptions of God are being is that our perceptions of God are being is that our perceptions of God are being dissolved, fragmented, however you want dissolved, fragmented, however you want dissolved, fragmented, however you want to call it that. And it's also the issue to call it that. And it's also the issue to call it that. And it's also the issue that if you really do believe in God and that if you really do believe in God and that if you really do believe in God and if God really is real, then he will if God really is real, then he will if God really is real, then he will reveal himself to you. So that natural reveal himself to you. So that natural reveal himself to you. So that natural process of letting go is what will process of letting go is what will process of letting go is what will inevitably happen. And I think so many inevitably happen. And I think so many inevitably happen. And I think so many people can relate to this in the sense people can relate to this in the sense people can relate to this in the sense that, you know, you can have a that, you know, you can have a that, you know, you can have a perception. It's like love. You know, perception. It's like love. You know, perception. It's like love. You know, you meet someone, you think they're the you meet someone, you think they're the you meet someone, you think they're the world. You think there's nothing wrong world. You think there's nothing wrong world. You think there's nothing wrong with them. You think they're the best with them. You think they're the best with them. You think they're the best thing since sliced bread. Um, and then thing since sliced bread. Um, and then thing since sliced bread. Um, and then over time you realize their flaws. You

over time you realize their flaws. You over time you realize their flaws. You realize things that you didn't see realize things that you didn't see realize things that you didn't see before because you'll really get into before because you'll really get into before because you'll really get into the heart of what a human being is, the heart of what a human being is, the heart of what a human being is, which is similar to you. You know, which is similar to you. You know, which is similar to you. You know, obviously it's not the same as God obviously it's not the same as God obviously it's not the same as God because God is within our with is not because God is within our with is not because God is within our with is not within our comprehension as Aquinas within our comprehension as Aquinas within our comprehension as Aquinas speaks about um when he famously has his speaks about um when he famously has his speaks about um when he famously has his revelation um you know for what I've revelation um you know for what I've revelation um you know for what I've seen words cannot do justice. Um and I I seen words cannot do justice. Um and I I seen words cannot do justice. Um and I I think there is a there's a lot of truth think there is a there's a lot of truth think there is a there's a lot of truth to that. I think the the more we try and to that. I think the the more we try and to that. I think the the more we try and put God in a box to fit our brains, the put God in a box to fit our brains, the put God in a box to fit our brains, the more disconnected we feel from him more disconnected we feel from him more disconnected we feel from him because it it's like music for instance, because it it's like music for instance, because it it's like music for instance, you know, music makes us feel an you know, music makes us feel an you know, music makes us feel an emotion. It makes us it speaks to us. I emotion. It makes us it speaks to us. I emotion. It makes us it speaks to us. I mean, it's like if you listen to a bit mean, it's like if you listen to a bit mean, it's like if you listen to a bit of music that's in a different language, of music that's in a different language, of music that's in a different language, you can even from the tone. You don't you can even from the tone. You don't you can even from the tone. You don't have a clue what they're saying, you can have a clue what they're saying, you can have a clue what they're saying, you can feel something. And it's it's feel something. And it's it's feel something. And it's it's unexplainable in the sense that you unexplainable in the sense that you unexplainable in the sense that you don't have a clue what what's happening don't have a clue what what's happening don't have a clue what what's happening because it's a new language. Like because it's a new language. Like because it's a new language. Like language is made up, you know. It's it's language is made up, you know. It's it's language is made up, you know. It's it's just a way us monkeys have been able to just a way us monkeys have been able to just a way us monkeys have been able to communicate and kind of understand communicate and kind of understand communicate and kind of understand each other. But we have made it up. It's each other. But we have made it up. It's each other. But we have made it up. It's not like, you know, the first human ever not like, you know, the first human ever not like, you know, the first human ever came out the womb or whatever. Well, I came out the womb or whatever. Well, I came out the womb or whatever. Well, I mean, obviously it wouldn't be the first mean, obviously it wouldn't be the first mean, obviously it wouldn't be the first human, would it? Because if you're human, would it? Because if you're human, would it? Because if you're Christian, I guess you do believe in um Christian, I guess you do believe in um Christian, I guess you do believe in um Adam and Adam and Eve to an extent. I Adam and Adam and Eve to an extent. I Adam and Adam and Eve to an extent. I mean, there would have been first people mean, there would have been first people mean, there would have been first people and if there were first people, then did and if there were first people, then did and if there were first people, then did God create them? I do think that God create them? I do think that God create them? I do think that obviously a lot of people and I'm not a obviously a lot of people and I'm not a obviously a lot of people and I'm not a biologist so I'm not going to go there

biologist so I'm not going to go there biologist so I'm not going to go there too much but um yeah it's it's a very too much but um yeah it's it's a very too much but um yeah it's it's a very interesting point about how interesting point about how interesting point about how we we preassume we know who God is when we we preassume we know who God is when we we preassume we know who God is when actually what arrogance do we have to actually what arrogance do we have to actually what arrogance do we have to possibly think we could even you know possibly think we could even you know possibly think we could even you know touch the sides of who God is. Um so touch the sides of who God is. Um so touch the sides of who God is. Um so it's it's a very good point I think it's it's a very good point I think it's it's a very good point I think >> but in that process of course there's a >> but in that process of course there's a >> but in that process of course there's a lot of pain a lot of uncertainty lot of pain a lot of uncertainty lot of pain a lot of uncertainty involved because letting go of the involved because letting go of the involved because letting go of the pictures of God that I really cherish pictures of God that I really cherish pictures of God that I really cherish and love is extremely hard work. I may and love is extremely hard work. I may and love is extremely hard work. I may feel that my whole self my whole value feel that my whole self my whole value feel that my whole self my whole value is invested in these particular pictures is invested in these particular pictures is invested in these particular pictures of God. But God wants to be God and God of God. But God wants to be God and God of God. But God wants to be God and God can't help being God. And if there's can't help being God. And if there's can't help being God. And if there's even the smallest corner in my soul even the smallest corner in my soul even the smallest corner in my soul that's open to the real God then that that's open to the real God then that that's open to the real God then that reality is gradually going to squeeze reality is gradually going to squeeze reality is gradually going to squeeze out. I think so I think this is a out. I think so I think this is a out. I think so I think this is a brilliant point and I I I bring this to brilliant point and I I I bring this to brilliant point and I I I bring this to issues of politics or or views of people issues of politics or or views of people issues of politics or or views of people or certain things like it's like when or certain things like it's like when or certain things like it's like when you have a certain view about something you have a certain view about something you have a certain view about something let's say you think something and you're let's say you think something and you're let's say you think something and you're very sure you're correct on it. You're very sure you're correct on it. You're very sure you're correct on it. You're very sure you're right on this certain very sure you're right on this certain very sure you're right on this certain issue and then you hear a friend say issue and then you hear a friend say issue and then you hear a friend say something and it completely shatters something and it completely shatters something and it completely shatters what you think. You're like, "Oh my what you think. You're like, "Oh my what you think. You're like, "Oh my goodness." And it makes you feel goodness." And it makes you feel goodness." And it makes you feel uncomfortable because so much of who you uncomfortable because so much of who you uncomfortable because so much of who you are and what you think is wrapped up in are and what you think is wrapped up in are and what you think is wrapped up in that. And part of you thinks, well, if that. And part of you thinks, well, if that. And part of you thinks, well, if that I'm wrong about this, then what that I'm wrong about this, then what that I'm wrong about this, then what about this? What about this? And that about this? What about this? And that about this? What about this? And that mess, that chaos, you don't want to you mess, that chaos, you don't want to you mess, that chaos, you don't want to you don't want to entertain because it puts don't want to entertain because it puts don't want to entertain because it puts you in a position of of uncomfortability you in a position of of uncomfortability you in a position of of uncomfortability of of questioning everything. And part of of questioning everything. And part of of questioning everything. And part of you can almost go two ways. You can

of you can almost go two ways. You can of you can almost go two ways. You can either double down and put your stick in either double down and put your stick in either double down and put your stick in the ground over what you currently think the ground over what you currently think the ground over what you currently think or you can see where that thing takes or you can see where that thing takes or you can see where that thing takes you. And that thing could be scary. That you. And that thing could be scary. That you. And that thing could be scary. That thing could be terrifying, but it's the thing could be terrifying, but it's the thing could be terrifying, but it's the tr if you are truly with all your heart tr if you are truly with all your heart tr if you are truly with all your heart seeking the truth, it will reveal seeking the truth, it will reveal seeking the truth, it will reveal itself. And I think this is the point itself. And I think this is the point itself. And I think this is the point he's making here about God. You know, he's making here about God. You know, he's making here about God. You know, it's it's so easy to kind of cling to um it's it's so easy to kind of cling to um it's it's so easy to kind of cling to um what we know and what we want uh things what we know and what we want uh things what we know and what we want uh things to be. And I I use this point even about to be. And I I use this point even about to be. And I I use this point even about Christianity in in how I when I research Christianity in in how I when I research Christianity in in how I when I research or whatever and I'm reading a book by or whatever and I'm reading a book by or whatever and I'm reading a book by like a an atheist about you know Jesus's like a an atheist about you know Jesus's like a an atheist about you know Jesus's life and he speaks about how obviously life and he speaks about how obviously life and he speaks about how obviously Jesus Jesus Jesus from Nazareth while when we read the from Nazareth while when we read the from Nazareth while when we read the gospels we feel like he's the whole gospels we feel like he's the whole gospels we feel like he's the whole world world world he makes an interesting point as a he makes an interesting point as a he makes an interesting point as a historian where he says there were loads historian where he says there were loads historian where he says there were loads of people who didn't have a clue who he of people who didn't have a clue who he of people who didn't have a clue who he was and it's easy for us to when we read was and it's easy for us to when we read was and it's easy for us to when we read and look back and obviously Jesus more and look back and obviously Jesus more and look back and obviously Jesus more books have been written about him than books have been written about him than books have been written about him than anyone in history and he never even anyone in history and he never even anyone in history and he never even wrote himself um which is within itself wrote himself um which is within itself wrote himself um which is within itself bonkers but it's if we actually put bonkers but it's if we actually put bonkers but it's if we actually put ourselves back in Nazareth ourselves back in Nazareth ourselves back in Nazareth um I mean it's a tiny place loads of um I mean it's a tiny place loads of um I mean it's a tiny place loads of people wouldn't have known Jesus but people wouldn't have known Jesus but people wouldn't have known Jesus but when we look back it's so easy to have when we look back it's so easy to have when we look back it's so easy to have this spotlight syndrome and you know this spotlight syndrome and you know this spotlight syndrome and you know it's why like love bottom and a man who it's why like love bottom and a man who it's why like love bottom and a man who went from Christianity to atheism and went from Christianity to atheism and went from Christianity to atheism and now doesn't believe and I'm fascinated now doesn't believe and I'm fascinated now doesn't believe and I'm fascinated there by him. I'm fascinated about his there by him. I'm fascinated about his there by him. I'm fascinated about his view on stuff. He has an incredible

view on stuff. He has an incredible view on stuff. He has an incredible take. He doesn't believe Jesus claimed take. He doesn't believe Jesus claimed take. He doesn't believe Jesus claimed to be God. But if you are truly with all to be God. But if you are truly with all to be God. But if you are truly with all your heart seeking the truth, you should your heart seeking the truth, you should your heart seeking the truth, you should never be afraid of information. And I never be afraid of information. And I never be afraid of information. And I think this is where Christians really do think this is where Christians really do think this is where Christians really do I I think often get it wrong because I I I think often get it wrong because I I I think often get it wrong because I think people coveret themselves. They think people coveret themselves. They think people coveret themselves. They want to protect themselves. Cover is the want to protect themselves. Cover is the want to protect themselves. Cover is the wrong word, but they want to protect wrong word, but they want to protect wrong word, but they want to protect themselves from information because they themselves from information because they themselves from information because they don't really trust. They don't really don't really trust. They don't really don't really trust. They don't really trust that at the end of the tunnel they trust that at the end of the tunnel they trust that at the end of the tunnel they will find God. At the end of information will find God. At the end of information will find God. At the end of information they will find Jesus to be the Messiah. they will find Jesus to be the Messiah. they will find Jesus to be the Messiah. And I think that actually gives a And I think that actually gives a And I think that actually gives a disservice to the trust we have in God. disservice to the trust we have in God. disservice to the trust we have in God. And I see a lot of people say stuff And I see a lot of people say stuff And I see a lot of people say stuff like, "Well, you got to be careful, you like, "Well, you got to be careful, you like, "Well, you got to be careful, you know, when you're looking at the new know, when you're looking at the new know, when you're looking at the new atheist stuff." And it's like it's it's atheist stuff." And it's like it's it's atheist stuff." And it's like it's it's I find that just offensive almost to the I find that just offensive almost to the I find that just offensive almost to the knowledge and work of God. I mean it's knowledge and work of God. I mean it's knowledge and work of God. I mean it's like if you look at scientific like if you look at scientific like if you look at scientific discoveries over time you know may that discoveries over time you know may that discoveries over time you know may that be the big bang it was a Catholic priest be the big bang it was a Catholic priest be the big bang it was a Catholic priest who came up with that and there's been who came up with that and there's been who came up with that and there's been interesting points where atheists have interesting points where atheists have interesting points where atheists have actually gone against science in the actually gone against science in the actually gone against science in the sense because it affirms things in sense because it affirms things in sense because it affirms things in Genesis but then you could say well Genesis but then you could say well Genesis but then you could say well Genesis was poetry and then what you Genesis was poetry and then what you Genesis was poetry and then what you know or like evolution obviously you got know or like evolution obviously you got know or like evolution obviously you got creationists you got there's so many creationists you got there's so many creationists you got there's so many different assets where people want to different assets where people want to different assets where people want to cling on to what they know and what's cling on to what they know and what's cling on to what they know and what's comfortable and what fits their comfortable and what fits their comfortable and what fits their framework but the truth is ladies and framework but the truth is ladies and framework but the truth is ladies and gentlemen and we don't know and there's gentlemen and we don't know and there's gentlemen and we don't know and there's a world and body of knowledge and that a world and body of knowledge and that a world and body of knowledge and that adventure of seeking the truth is the adventure of seeking the truth is the adventure of seeking the truth is the joy of what it means to be a human and joy of what it means to be a human and joy of what it means to be a human and we cannot cover oursel to that. There

we cannot cover oursel to that. There we cannot cover oursel to that. There are uncomfortable truths. There are are uncomfortable truths. There are are uncomfortable truths. There are things I don't know. There are things I things I don't know. There are things I things I don't know. There are things I struggle with so much with my faith. But struggle with so much with my faith. But struggle with so much with my faith. But if you are really trusting God, we will if you are really trusting God, we will if you are really trusting God, we will find God. And if God really is true, he find God. And if God really is true, he find God. And if God really is true, he will reveal himself to us. you know, I will reveal himself to us. you know, I will reveal himself to us. you know, I mean, it's like Thomas Aquinus with, you mean, it's like Thomas Aquinus with, you mean, it's like Thomas Aquinus with, you know, the universe being like a a uh know, the universe being like a a uh know, the universe being like a a uh clock the way it's intricately made. And clock the way it's intricately made. And clock the way it's intricately made. And um I think there's so much that points um I think there's so much that points um I think there's so much that points to God in our universe and we should not to God in our universe and we should not to God in our universe and we should not be afraid of the truth and emotion and be afraid of the truth and emotion and be afraid of the truth and emotion and cling on. And I mean, Clive Staples cling on. And I mean, Clive Staples cling on. And I mean, Clive Staples Lewis, as I spoke about the last video, Lewis, as I spoke about the last video, Lewis, as I spoke about the last video, he speaks about in the great divorce he speaks about in the great divorce he speaks about in the great divorce about letting go is what humans hate to about letting go is what humans hate to about letting go is what humans hate to do. It's that that niggle of safety that do. It's that that niggle of safety that do. It's that that niggle of safety that we always want to creep back to. I know we always want to creep back to. I know we always want to creep back to. I know myself in many respects I'm like this myself in many respects I'm like this myself in many respects I'm like this where it comes to um money or like for where it comes to um money or like for where it comes to um money or like for the future you know I want a family I the future you know I want a family I the future you know I want a family I want to have a wife I want to have kids want to have a wife I want to have kids want to have a wife I want to have kids be the best thing ever you know that's be the best thing ever you know that's be the best thing ever you know that's my ultimate dream like that's one of my my ultimate dream like that's one of my my ultimate dream like that's one of my goals in life that I would just goals in life that I would just goals in life that I would just absolutely love to do and be obviously absolutely love to do and be obviously absolutely love to do and be obviously there's a lot of you know work that goes there's a lot of you know work that goes there's a lot of you know work that goes involved and relationships a difficult involved and relationships a difficult involved and relationships a difficult marriage I mean what a crazy adventure marriage I mean what a crazy adventure marriage I mean what a crazy adventure but that's I think that is the blossom but that's I think that is the blossom but that's I think that is the blossom and the fruit of um so much in life.

and the fruit of um so much in life. and the fruit of um so much in life. Obviously, not for everyone, but I feel Obviously, not for everyone, but I feel Obviously, not for everyone, but I feel I really feel called to that. And even I really feel called to that. And even I really feel called to that. And even from like a young age when I was um you from like a young age when I was um you from like a young age when I was um you know, even in like year five or like know, even in like year five or like know, even in like year five or like year seven, I remember going parties and year seven, I remember going parties and year seven, I remember going parties and just thinking this is ridiculous like I just thinking this is ridiculous like I just thinking this is ridiculous like I just want to have a family and that um just want to have a family and that um just want to have a family and that um and I really do feel called to that and and I really do feel called to that and and I really do feel called to that and I think that's where in a way that's I think that's where in a way that's I think that's where in a way that's where I will feel really fulfilled in my where I will feel really fulfilled in my where I will feel really fulfilled in my life. And anyway, long tangent short, life. And anyway, long tangent short, life. And anyway, long tangent short, what the hell am I saying? falsehoods, the idols that we have. The falsehoods, the idols that we have. The going gets rough partly because God going gets rough partly because God going gets rough partly because God can't help being God. That's one thing can't help being God. That's one thing can't help being God. That's one thing to hang on to. I think it's the godness to hang on to. I think it's the godness to hang on to. I think it's the godness of God that's the problem. It's not just of God that's the problem. It's not just of God that's the problem. It's not just my own failure, my own weakness, though my own failure, my own weakness, though my own failure, my own weakness, though that, you know, that helps. that, you know, that helps. that, you know, that helps. So that of course does suggest that if So that of course does suggest that if So that of course does suggest that if somebody you know including yourself is somebody you know including yourself is somebody you know including yourself is having a bad period and not radiating having a bad period and not radiating having a bad period and not radiating spiritual joy in the way you think they spiritual joy in the way you think they spiritual joy in the way you think they ought to be. Don't panic and don't ought to be. Don't panic and don't ought to be. Don't panic and don't condemn. Don't say well it must be your condemn. Don't say well it must be your condemn. Don't say well it must be your fault. Try harder.

fault. Try harder. fault. Try harder. And that's as we'll see in a little bit And that's as we'll see in a little bit And that's as we'll see in a little bit one of the most important messages that one of the most important messages that one of the most important messages that we can have to give to one another we can have to give to one another we can have to give to one another because that's where the life of the because that's where the life of the because that's where the life of the body of Christ kicks in. What we have to body of Christ kicks in. What we have to body of Christ kicks in. What we have to do for each other very importantly is do for each other very importantly is do for each other very importantly is not to undermine to intensify people's not to undermine to intensify people's not to undermine to intensify people's self-doubt or guilt but to try and hang self-doubt or guilt but to try and hang self-doubt or guilt but to try and hang on in those times when it's dark. Hang on in those times when it's dark. Hang on in those times when it's dark. Hang on to them. Hang on to ourselves and on to them. Hang on to ourselves and on to them. Hang on to ourselves and hang on to the things that just keep us hang on to the things that just keep us hang on to the things that just keep us going. going. going. The things that just keep us going. The things that just keep us going. The things that just keep us going. Because when our feelings and our Because when our feelings and our Because when our feelings and our pictures, our hopes and our imaginings pictures, our hopes and our imaginings pictures, our hopes and our imaginings are fading away or seem a bit stale or a are fading away or seem a bit stale or a are fading away or seem a bit stale or a bit tired, bit tired, bit tired, when we're not sensing the excitement when we're not sensing the excitement when we're not sensing the excitement and to use a word I hate, vibrancy of and to use a word I hate, vibrancy of and to use a word I hate, vibrancy of our faith, could somebody please make our faith, could somebody please make our faith, could somebody please make the word vibrant illegal the word vibrant illegal the word vibrant illegal comes up all sorts of strange pictures comes up all sorts of strange pictures comes up all sorts of strange pictures to my mind. Um, if that's not working as to my mind. Um, if that's not working as to my mind. Um, if that's not working as we think it ought to be working, we're we think it ought to be working, we're we think it ought to be working, we're going to need hand holds and five finger going to need hand holds and five finger going to need hand holds and five finger exercises, the things that just keep us exercises, the things that just keep us exercises, the things that just keep us in touch and allow something to come in touch and allow something to come in touch and allow something to come through even when we're not feeling like through even when we're not feeling like through even when we're not feeling like it. In the last of these sessions, it. In the last of these sessions, it. In the last of these sessions, somebody came up with a wonderful image somebody came up with a wonderful image somebody came up with a wonderful image about this. He said that he'd once been about this. He said that he'd once been about this. He said that he'd once been told that saying morning prayer could be told that saying morning prayer could be told that saying morning prayer could be like getting on a very uncomfortable like getting on a very uncomfortable like getting on a very uncomfortable commuter train. He didn't feel much like commuter train. He didn't feel much like commuter train. He didn't feel much like it. He didn't enjoy the experience very it. He didn't enjoy the experience very it. He didn't enjoy the experience very much, but my guy got you to work. And as much, but my guy got you to work. And as much, but my guy got you to work. And as um dear trick Bonhoffer in the cost of um dear trick Bonhoffer in the cost of um dear trick Bonhoffer in the cost of disciplehip you know famous things he disciplehip you know famous things he disciplehip you know famous things he talks about where he speaks about you talks about where he speaks about you talks about where he speaks about you know we we we want to have faith we want know we we we want to have faith we want know we we we want to have faith we want to have this feeling of intimacy and to have this feeling of intimacy and to have this feeling of intimacy and closeness with God yet we aren't closeness with God yet we aren't closeness with God yet we aren't obedient you know we are lustful I obedient you know we are lustful I obedient you know we are lustful I certainly am I um we are not generous we

certainly am I um we are not generous we certainly am I um we are not generous we you know are quick to rage where we you know are quick to rage where we you know are quick to rage where we don't give to charity as much as we don't give to charity as much as we don't give to charity as much as we could where we don't give our time where could where we don't give our time where could where we don't give our time where we do think about ourselves we do think about ourselves we do think about ourselves We don't read scripture. We don't pray. We don't read scripture. We don't pray. We don't read scripture. We don't pray. Yet, we feel we have some sort of kind Yet, we feel we have some sort of kind Yet, we feel we have some sort of kind of easy access to God. Like, well, why of easy access to God. Like, well, why of easy access to God. Like, well, why isn't God speaking to me? And it's like, isn't God speaking to me? And it's like, isn't God speaking to me? And it's like, mate, you're not even reading the Bible. mate, you're not even reading the Bible. mate, you're not even reading the Bible. Like, people, and I always bring up Like, people, and I always bring up Like, people, and I always bring up William Tindell, the guy who translated William Tindell, the guy who translated William Tindell, the guy who translated the Bible in English, England, and you the Bible in English, England, and you the Bible in English, England, and you know, smuggled Bibles in was burned know, smuggled Bibles in was burned know, smuggled Bibles in was burned alive at the stake. a man who literally alive at the stake. a man who literally alive at the stake. a man who literally gave his life so poor people and people gave his life so poor people and people gave his life so poor people and people who weren't educated could actually who weren't educated could actually who weren't educated could actually understand what the hell was going on understand what the hell was going on understand what the hell was going on and what it truly meant to believe in and what it truly meant to believe in and what it truly meant to believe in God and what Jesus meant. Not he was for God and what Jesus meant. Not he was for God and what Jesus meant. Not he was for the wealthy. He was for the powerful. He the wealthy. He was for the powerful. He the wealthy. He was for the powerful. He was for the rich. No, the absolute was for the rich. No, the absolute was for the rich. No, the absolute inverse, the downtrodden, the begotten. inverse, the downtrodden, the begotten. inverse, the downtrodden, the begotten. These are the people Jesus was closest These are the people Jesus was closest These are the people Jesus was closest to. These were the people Jesus to. These were the people Jesus to. These were the people Jesus represented. And you know, people like represented. And you know, people like represented. And you know, people like that, Dietri Bonhof or a man who went that, Dietri Bonhof or a man who went that, Dietri Bonhof or a man who went back to Germany and was hung, you know, back to Germany and was hung, you know, back to Germany and was hung, you know, where he could have just lived a lavish where he could have just lived a lavish where he could have just lived a lavish lifestyle. Um, yeah, I mean, even lifestyle. Um, yeah, I mean, even lifestyle. Um, yeah, I mean, even Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, you know, a man who gave away you know, a man who gave away you know, a man who gave away Yeah. a man who gave away, you know, Yeah. a man who gave away, you know, Yeah. a man who gave away, you know, what he had um and then felt this, you what he had um and then felt this, you what he had um and then felt this, you know, enlightenment because when you know, enlightenment because when you know, enlightenment because when you have everything, that's not when you have everything, that's not when you have everything, that's not when you feel closer. Now, obviously that's not feel closer. Now, obviously that's not feel closer. Now, obviously that's not totally Christian, so I'm not going to

totally Christian, so I'm not going to totally Christian, so I'm not going to go too much there. But it's such a good go too much there. But it's such a good go too much there. But it's such a good point that like we have to put in the point that like we have to put in the point that like we have to put in the work to really feel deserving because work to really feel deserving because work to really feel deserving because again, if you truly believe Jesus of again, if you truly believe Jesus of again, if you truly believe Jesus of Nazareth was God, why why do we believe Nazareth was God, why why do we believe Nazareth was God, why why do we believe that we're going to feel close to him if that we're going to feel close to him if that we're going to feel close to him if we don't even do the basic things that we don't even do the basic things that we don't even do the basic things that he asks of us, you know? And I think he asks of us, you know? And I think he asks of us, you know? And I think that's so important. Um, and it's it's that's so important. Um, and it's it's that's so important. Um, and it's it's so easily forgotten, you know. We we're so easily forgotten, you know. We we're so easily forgotten, you know. We we're so gluttonous with everything we do. You so gluttonous with everything we do. You so gluttonous with everything we do. You know, we got fast food, we got Mackey's, know, we got fast food, we got Mackey's, know, we got fast food, we got Mackey's, we got dating apps, you know, you know, we got dating apps, you know, you know, we got dating apps, you know, you know, Splash and Dash, Splash and Dash, Splash and Dash, you know, going out, one night stands, you know, going out, one night stands, you know, going out, one night stands, all that, you know, YouTube shorts, all that, you know, YouTube shorts, all that, you know, YouTube shorts, Netflix. I'm a sinner, you know. It's Netflix. I'm a sinner, you know. It's Netflix. I'm a sinner, you know. It's not like I'm sitting on my high horse not like I'm sitting on my high horse not like I'm sitting on my high horse being, "Yep, we're we're doing it all being, "Yep, we're we're doing it all being, "Yep, we're we're doing it all right." like I I do many of these things right." like I I do many of these things right." like I I do many of these things and it's it's terribly wrong and I and I and it's it's terribly wrong and I and I and it's it's terribly wrong and I and I should and I know that that does should and I know that that does should and I know that that does disconnect me from God. It does um disconnect me from God. It does um disconnect me from God. It does um separate me from the love and the separate me from the love and the separate me from the love and the euphoria and the wonder and the awe of euphoria and the wonder and the awe of euphoria and the wonder and the awe of what it means to really know God and what it means to really know God and what it means to really know God and feel God in everyday life and whatever feel God in everyday life and whatever feel God in everyday life and whatever you do. And you are never alone. I I you do. And you are never alone. I I you do. And you are never alone. I I appreciate there's things that I should appreciate there's things that I should appreciate there's things that I should do. I should face my fear more. I should do. I should face my fear more. I should do. I should face my fear more. I should not be so insecure about loads of not be so insecure about loads of not be so insecure about loads of things. I I mean, you know, the list things. I I mean, you know, the list things. I I mean, you know, the list goes on, ladies and gentlemen. So, don't goes on, ladies and gentlemen. So, don't goes on, ladies and gentlemen. So, don't get it twisted that I'm speaking from my get it twisted that I'm speaking from my get it twisted that I'm speaking from my high horse over. There are many, many high horse over. There are many, many high horse over. There are many, many things I do terribly wrong, but I know

things I do terribly wrong, but I know things I do terribly wrong, but I know if I want to feel close to God, the bare if I want to feel close to God, the bare if I want to feel close to God, the bare minimum I can do is read the Bible. The minimum I can do is read the Bible. The minimum I can do is read the Bible. The bare minimum I can do is help someone. bare minimum I can do is help someone. bare minimum I can do is help someone. You know, when you see somebody in the You know, when you see somebody in the You know, when you see somebody in the depths of hell in their head and you depths of hell in their head and you depths of hell in their head and you give that little bit of hope to them or give that little bit of hope to them or give that little bit of hope to them or you see that beauty in them, you feel you see that beauty in them, you feel you see that beauty in them, you feel God in that moment. you know, like God in that moment. you know, like God in that moment. you know, like there's there's been people who have there's there's been people who have there's there's been people who have been in really desperate situations who been in really desperate situations who been in really desperate situations who I've spoken to before and you know, I I've spoken to before and you know, I I've spoken to before and you know, I feel blessed almost to have the feel blessed almost to have the feel blessed almost to have the opportunity to help them because I think opportunity to help them because I think opportunity to help them because I think about if that was me and you know, about if that was me and you know, about if that was me and you know, that's what Jesus speaks about. You that's what Jesus speaks about. You that's what Jesus speaks about. You know, love one another as I have loved know, love one another as I have loved know, love one another as I have loved you. You know, when you see everyone you. You know, when you see everyone you. You know, when you see everyone um I am in that, you know, the way you um I am in that, you know, the way you um I am in that, you know, the way you treat the downtrodden, the poor, that's treat the downtrodden, the poor, that's treat the downtrodden, the poor, that's that's how you treat me. when I was that's how you treat me. when I was that's how you treat me. when I was thirsty, you didn't feed me. When I was thirsty, you didn't feed me. When I was thirsty, you didn't feed me. When I was um in prison, you didn't come and visit um in prison, you didn't come and visit um in prison, you didn't come and visit me. You know, Jesus isn't everything. me. You know, Jesus isn't everything. me. You know, Jesus isn't everything. And we must never ever forget that. And And we must never ever forget that. And And we must never ever forget that. And that's how we connect with God. And that's how we connect with God. And that's how we connect with God. And sometimes we can do all those things and sometimes we can do all those things and sometimes we can do all those things and we still don't feel God. And I don't we still don't feel God. And I don't we still don't feel God. And I don't know the answers. I'm still figuring it know the answers. I'm still figuring it know the answers. I'm still figuring it out. I'm still reading. I'm still trying out. I'm still reading. I'm still trying out. I'm still reading. I'm still trying to understand what the hell it is to be to understand what the hell it is to be to understand what the hell it is to be a Christian, you know. Um but we got to a Christian, you know. Um but we got to a Christian, you know. Um but we got to do the bare minimum if we're going to do the bare minimum if we're going to do the bare minimum if we're going to feel something, you know. And also if feel something, you know. And also if feel something, you know. And also if our faith is based on feelings, we are our faith is based on feelings, we are our faith is based on feelings, we are doomed. That is not godly. You know, doomed. That is not godly. You know, doomed. That is not godly. You know, feelings come and go. Um and you know, I

feelings come and go. Um and you know, I feelings come and go. Um and you know, I mean, as he spoke about in the Star of mean, as he spoke about in the Star of mean, as he spoke about in the Star of This Witcher, I haven't played, but I'll This Witcher, I haven't played, but I'll This Witcher, I haven't played, but I'll do another video on um you know, Mother do another video on um you know, Mother do another video on um you know, Mother Theresa, you know, incredible woman did Theresa, you know, incredible woman did Theresa, you know, incredible woman did so many incredible things yet for so so many incredible things yet for so so many incredible things yet for so many years felt nothing. and just the many years felt nothing. and just the many years felt nothing. and just the obedience and love of God and to truly obedience and love of God and to truly obedience and love of God and to truly is what is to believe where you feel is what is to believe where you feel is what is to believe where you feel nothing yet you are willing to keep nothing yet you are willing to keep nothing yet you are willing to keep going in the face of all of that that going in the face of all of that that going in the face of all of that that shows belief beyond realm um and yeah shows belief beyond realm um and yeah shows belief beyond realm um and yeah there's there's so much we can learn there's there's so much we can learn there's there's so much we can learn from that but let's let's hear a bit from that but let's let's hear a bit from that but let's let's hear a bit more about what he has to say about more about what he has to say about more about what he has to say about prayer prayer prayer >> and I I think there's a great deal in >> and I I think there's a great deal in >> and I I think there's a great deal in that so that one of the challenges for that so that one of the challenges for that so that one of the challenges for us in coming to terms with the rough and us in coming to terms with the rough and us in coming to terms with the rough and difficult times is what are the difficult times is what are the difficult times is what are the structures what are the patterns that structures what are the patterns that structures what are the patterns that have enough resourcefulness to keep us have enough resourcefulness to keep us have enough resourcefulness to keep us going. That's why the church has going. That's why the church has going. That's why the church has traditionally emphasized the daily traditionally emphasized the daily traditionally emphasized the daily office. That's why people's rule of life office. That's why people's rule of life office. That's why people's rule of life becomes important. And a rule of life is becomes important. And a rule of life is becomes important. And a rule of life is tested and tried not when you're feeling tested and tried not when you're feeling tested and tried not when you're feeling wonderful and pious, but when you're wonderful and pious, but when you're wonderful and pious, but when you're feeling bored, tired, and cynical. And feeling bored, tired, and cynical. And feeling bored, tired, and cynical. And you know that you have actually made a you know that you have actually made a you know that you have actually made a commitment to give 15 minutes before you commitment to give 15 minutes before you commitment to give 15 minutes before you go to bed to reading some scripture and go to bed to reading some scripture and go to bed to reading some scripture and saying a psalm or two. And you just got saying a psalm or two. And you just got saying a psalm or two. And you just got to do it. Eating your greens. You know, to do it. Eating your greens. You know, to do it. Eating your greens. You know, you're keeping in touch. And quite a bit you're keeping in touch. And quite a bit you're keeping in touch. And quite a bit of the time that can be how it is.

of the time that can be how it is. of the time that can be how it is. Because if we expect our lives of prayer Because if we expect our lives of prayer Because if we expect our lives of prayer always to be radiant and wonderful and always to be radiant and wonderful and always to be radiant and wonderful and exciting and different, we're in first exciting and different, we're in first exciting and different, we're in first of all for quite a lot of of all for quite a lot of of all for quite a lot of disillusionment and disappointment disillusionment and disappointment disillusionment and disappointment because, you know, human life just is a because, you know, human life just is a because, you know, human life just is a bit more complicated than that. And bit more complicated than that. And bit more complicated than that. And we're also potentially in for a career we're also potentially in for a career we're also potentially in for a career of beating ourselves up because we're of beating ourselves up because we're of beating ourselves up because we're not doing well enough, let alone making not doing well enough, let alone making not doing well enough, let alone making other people's lives difficult when other people's lives difficult when other people's lives difficult when they're not up to scratch. they're not up to scratch. they're not up to scratch. One 20th century Catholic writer, John One 20th century Catholic writer, John One 20th century Catholic writer, John Chapman, who wrote some of the most Chapman, who wrote some of the most Chapman, who wrote some of the most wonderful letters on the life of prayer wonderful letters on the life of prayer wonderful letters on the life of prayer in the English language, said that there in the English language, said that there in the English language, said that there are only two things you need to know are only two things you need to know are only two things you need to know about difficult times in prayer. One is about difficult times in prayer. One is about difficult times in prayer. One is pray as you can, don't try to pray as pray as you can, don't try to pray as pray as you can, don't try to pray as you can't. And the second is the less you can't. And the second is the less you can't. And the second is the less you pray, the worse it gets. And I think you pray, the worse it gets. And I think you pray, the worse it gets. And I think that's something I hold on to. I mean, that's something I hold on to. I mean, that's something I hold on to. I mean, I've I definitely took after watching I've I definitely took after watching I've I definitely took after watching this, I definitely took on board when I this, I definitely took on board when I this, I definitely took on board when I pray, I'm often pray, I'm often pray, I'm often um like before I would speak in the um like before I would speak in the um like before I would speak in the sense that God didn't know everything in sense that God didn't know everything in sense that God didn't know everything in the sense that I would pray about stuff the sense that I would pray about stuff the sense that I would pray about stuff and I would be like, "Oh, I can't say and I would be like, "Oh, I can't say and I would be like, "Oh, I can't say that. I don't want to admit this. I that. I don't want to admit this. I that. I don't want to admit this. I don't want to admit that." And then I've don't want to admit that." And then I've don't want to admit that." And then I've realized the more I admit and the more I realized the more I admit and the more I realized the more I admit and the more I just speak into existence, the more just speak into existence, the more just speak into existence, the more liberation I feel because I feel I'm liberation I feel because I feel I'm liberation I feel because I feel I'm being honest to God. And obviously, God being honest to God. And obviously, God being honest to God. And obviously, God knows my heart. You know, he knows the knows my heart. You know, he knows the knows my heart. You know, he knows the action before I do And there's massive action before I do And there's massive action before I do And there's massive questions there with predestinationism questions there with predestinationism questions there with predestinationism and you know and there's a lot of things and you know and there's a lot of things and you know and there's a lot of things I I need to really kind of grapple with I I need to really kind of grapple with I I need to really kind of grapple with philosophically in that realm. But um philosophically in that realm. But um philosophically in that realm. But um there's a liberation of admitting there's a liberation of admitting there's a liberation of admitting something. I I think Bonhoffer speaks something. I I think Bonhoffer speaks something. I I think Bonhoffer speaks about this in the disciplehip as well about this in the disciplehip as well about this in the disciplehip as well about admitting our own sin because we about admitting our own sin because we about admitting our own sin because we take our ego away from it and confessing

take our ego away from it and confessing take our ego away from it and confessing aloud. And I'm definitely a sinner to aloud. And I'm definitely a sinner to aloud. And I'm definitely a sinner to this. Often sometimes people have this. Often sometimes people have this. Often sometimes people have perception of me and they think oh this perception of me and they think oh this perception of me and they think oh this boat's perfect or whatever this and boat's perfect or whatever this and boat's perfect or whatever this and that. Um well not perfect cuz obviously that. Um well not perfect cuz obviously that. Um well not perfect cuz obviously I'm not perfect but you know I'm not perfect but you know I'm not perfect but you know they might think me of a certain way and they might think me of a certain way and they might think me of a certain way and they they they that yes they think of me a certain way that yes they think of me a certain way that yes they think of me a certain way and if I was to say certain things that and if I was to say certain things that and if I was to say certain things that I do that are wrong and are bad that I do that are wrong and are bad that I do that are wrong and are bad that would change their perception of me. And would change their perception of me. And would change their perception of me. And you could say for me to truly be honest, you could say for me to truly be honest, you could say for me to truly be honest, I should kind of reveal loads of my I should kind of reveal loads of my I should kind of reveal loads of my wrongdoing and that would wrongdoing and that would wrongdoing and that would swallow my ego of the way they perceive swallow my ego of the way they perceive swallow my ego of the way they perceive me, but also give me liberation to me, but also give me liberation to me, but also give me liberation to really be honoring and live a true life. really be honoring and live a true life. really be honoring and live a true life. And I'm definitely not good at that. And And I'm definitely not good at that. And And I'm definitely not good at that. And I definitely need to get better at I definitely need to get better at I definitely need to get better at actually speaking my wrongdoing more, I actually speaking my wrongdoing more, I actually speaking my wrongdoing more, I think, for sure. But um and I think we think, for sure. But um and I think we think, for sure. But um and I think we can take a lot of liberation from that can take a lot of liberation from that can take a lot of liberation from that and we can really kind of take in what and we can really kind of take in what and we can really kind of take in what it truly means to forgive and you know it truly means to forgive and you know it truly means to forgive and you know with cheap grace as Bonhoff speaks with cheap grace as Bonhoff speaks with cheap grace as Bonhoff speaks about. But um I I thought this is a about. But um I I thought this is a about. But um I I thought this is a really good video just because it speaks really good video just because it speaks really good video just because it speaks a lot about how important it is to a lot about how important it is to a lot about how important it is to really understand how little we know really understand how little we know really understand how little we know about God and if God is real and us about God and if God is real and us about God and if God is real and us Christians do believe it. Um and I think Christians do believe it. Um and I think Christians do believe it. Um and I think he God is real. He is he is alive. He is he God is real. He is he is alive. He is he God is real. He is he is alive. He is moving. I think the supernatural realm moving. I think the supernatural realm moving. I think the supernatural realm is undeniable. I think I don't know how is undeniable. I think I don't know how is undeniable. I think I don't know how someone like Dawkins looks at every someone like Dawkins looks at every someone like Dawkins looks at every supernatural experience that's ever supernatural experience that's ever supernatural experience that's ever happened and thinks nothing's going on

happened and thinks nothing's going on happened and thinks nothing's going on there. Even if it's not Christian, you there. Even if it's not Christian, you there. Even if it's not Christian, you know, how could someone deny that there know, how could someone deny that there know, how could someone deny that there is a super supernatural realm going on? is a super supernatural realm going on? is a super supernatural realm going on? I don't know. You know, look at people I don't know. You know, look at people I don't know. You know, look at people living hell in their heads. Like, you living hell in their heads. Like, you living hell in their heads. Like, you cannot be telling me that's just cannot be telling me that's just cannot be telling me that's just biology. Something is going on. Um, but biology. Something is going on. Um, but biology. Something is going on. Um, but anyway, ladies and gentlemen, I hope you anyway, ladies and gentlemen, I hope you anyway, ladies and gentlemen, I hope you did enjoy this video. I'm definitely did enjoy this video. I'm definitely did enjoy this video. I'm definitely going to do more on this because I think going to do more on this because I think going to do more on this because I think it's a really important issue and I it's a really important issue and I it's a really important issue and I think that a lot of people can take a think that a lot of people can take a think that a lot of people can take a lot of strength from it. I hope you lot of strength from it. I hope you lot of strength from it. I hope you enjoy. Like, subscribe, share this with enjoy. Like, subscribe, share this with enjoy. Like, subscribe, share this with a friend, family member, anyone you a friend, family member, anyone you a friend, family member, anyone you think needs to know about it. I won't think needs to know about it. I won't think needs to know about it. I won't lie, I'm I'm not putting the most effort lie, I'm I'm not putting the most effort lie, I'm I'm not putting the most effort into these videos because I'm just kind into these videos because I'm just kind into these videos because I'm just kind of speaking from the heart. I'm just of speaking from the heart. I'm just of speaking from the heart. I'm just doing these videos cuz I enjoy doing doing these videos cuz I enjoy doing doing these videos cuz I enjoy doing them. Um, and uh, and if you enjoy them, them. Um, and uh, and if you enjoy them, them. Um, and uh, and if you enjoy them, then please let me know. Please do then please let me know. Please do then please let me know. Please do subscribe cuz I would love to do this subscribe cuz I would love to do this subscribe cuz I would love to do this more and I'm going to keep doing it more and I'm going to keep doing it more and I'm going to keep doing it because it's what I enjoy and if I get because it's what I enjoy and if I get because it's what I enjoy and if I get something from it, brilliant. If I something from it, brilliant. If I something from it, brilliant. If I don't, I still hope someone takes um don't, I still hope someone takes um don't, I still hope someone takes um some fruit from this because that's some fruit from this because that's some fruit from this because that's that's the main thing really. But yeah, that's the main thing really. But yeah, that's the main thing really. But yeah, love you all. Keep going. Message me, love you all. Keep going. Message me, love you all. Keep going. Message me, all that good stuff. Um but yeah, love all that good stuff. Um but yeah, love all that good stuff. Um but yeah, love you all.