We do not like being separated from the ones we love. However, sometimes it is necessary to allow for growth or development. Dad didn't let go of the bicycle to watch us fall. He let go so we could learn to ride on our own. God sometimes puts distance between Himself and us to push us toward something better or that is more than we think we can do. The psalmist bemoans his separation from God. But later, he realized that God was with him the whole time. Job felt that separation, but never lost faith. The distance is often real. But why is it there? Sin is one answer. God hates sin, and the bible says our sin separates us from God and causes Him to hide his face. The enemy uses this against us, telling us that our actions are too bad to be forgiven. But the Bible says NOTHING can separate us from the love of God. Given that, why does God put distance between us? He is trying to get us to grow. He has gone ahead to lead us to a higher place. He is leading; we must follow. His walking away is not leaving; it is leading. The divide is not a rejection. It is an invitation. There are times He shows up to where we are, but there are times we must move to where He is. In Matthew 14 the disciples are in a storm fighting against the wind. Jesus comes walking to them on the water. Peter says if it is you, bid me to come to you on the water. He wanted to overcome the divide. Jesus said Come.- That invitation was to all of them not just Peter. All we have to do is step out of the boat. Each step was a reward for believing in faith. God led Israel out of Egypt and gave them a pillar of cloud and fire by night to follow. They had to move with him, or be left behind. If we stay where He was, we will miss out on where He is taking us. We must get out of our comfort zone and close the divide. He cannot be the only one pursuing. We must close the gap and run Him. Our actions can create a divide, but so can our inaction. What feels like distance from God is His invitation to draw closer.