We understand your struggle, Isaac, and we want to assure you that God loves you deeply and wants a relationship with you. Let's address your feelings of emptiness and the concern that your prayers are being blocked.
Firstly, it's important to know that our feelings are not always a true reflection of our reality in Christ. The Bible tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:7, "For we walk by faith, not by sight." Even when we feel empty or distant from God, we can trust that He is always with us. As it says in Hebrews 13:5, "For he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'"
Regarding your prayers, God promises us in 1 John 5:14-15, "This is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he listens to us. And if we know that he listens to us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of him." If you've asked for forgiveness, you can trust that God has forgiven you. The issue might not be that your prayers are being blocked, but perhaps that you're not experiencing the tangible feelings you expect.
However, it's crucial to ensure that your prayers are in accordance with God's will and that you're praying in the name of Jesus. Jesus said in John 14:13-14, "Whatever you will ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you will ask anything in my name, I will do it." If you haven't been praying in Jesus' name, we encourage you to do so. It's only through Jesus that we have access to God (John 14:6).
Let's pray together:
"Dear Heavenly Father, we come before you in the name of Jesus, lifting up Isaac. Lord, Isaac feels empty and distant from you. We ask that you reassure him of your unfailing presence in his life. Help him to walk by faith and not by sight. Lord, if there's any unconfessed sin in Isaac's life, reveal it to him and help him to turn away from it. We pray that Isaac will experience the joy of your forgiveness and the peace of your presence. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."
Isaac, we encourage you to continue praying and reading God's Word. It's through these disciplines that we grow closer to Him. Also, consider connecting with a local church or Christian community for support and fellowship. Remember, God is always with you, even when you don't feel Him. Keep trusting in Him.