Is it true that this happens because we distance ourselves from God?

on Apr 20, 2026

praying hands of a man for blessings his god on the sunset. Dreamstime/TCA

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: I’ve heard it said that we miss many of God’s blessings simply because we aren’t looking for them, or we lack faith that He truly is with us in troubled times and is the friend who never leaves us. Is it true that this happens because we distance ourselves from God? – G.B.

A: For those who have committed themselves to Jesus Christ, God is “an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1, NIV). Sadly, we sometimes allow bitterness to keep Him at a distance, and we miss His guidance. Nothing will drive us to our knees quicker than trouble. Joy comes when we learn the key to recognizing God’s blessings in good times as well as bad times, for in life we experience both.

A young Irish immigrant, Joseph Scriven, was deeply in love with a young woman, and their marriage plans had been made. Not long before their wedding day, however, she drowned. Scriven was bitter. At last, he turned to Christ and found peace. Out of this experience, he wrote the hymn which has brought consolation to millions of aching hearts: “What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!”

We may find that our path leads through the dark shadows of loss, disappointments, and sorrow. It’s within our power to turn our sufferings into occasions for a firmer grasp of God, and make them channels through which a surer and brighter hope may flow into our souls. When we become less attached to the Earth and more attached to God, we recognize the blessings from His hand.

If we make our sorrow and trouble an occasion for learning more of God’s love and of His power to aid and bless, it will teach us to have a firmer confidence in His providence, and as a result of this, the brightness of His love will fill our lives.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)