I am 18 years old and have a problem. I got baptised at the age of nine and was brought up in a good, Christian home.

About two years ago, I realised that no matter how hard I try, it is as if God isn't listening to me when I pray. If I pray for material things I get them, but whenever I want to feel God's presence, it's as if my mind is not in it. There is a verse in the Bible which says: "Many are called, but few are chosen." I sometimes wonder if that speaks specifically to my situation. Am I the one who was called but not chosen?

Sometimes this leaves me to think that I am either crazy or maybe different from everyone else. I don't think there are others who think this way. Sometimes I wonder if I am the only person in the world to whom this happens, and it makes me jealous of the persons who are zealous for God.

Please give me your fatherly advice.

C.B., St Andrew, Jamaica

Dear C.B.,

God is hearing you and you have admitted that He has granted your requests. I want to tell you that you are not alone.

Not abandoned

Many times children of God feel as if He is remote and has abandoned them. That is why the writers of the Psalms have prayed and asked God why it is that. He is so far from them. God is not far away, but that is how it feels sometimes. So I don't want you to think that God does not care, He does. The Bible says that God will never leave us nor forsake us. I want you to read the Psalms. Read one everyday and you will understand that God loves you and He will never forsake you.

Don't look at others. Try to develop a good relationship with God. There are many people who claim to be Christians and they make an outward show. You don't have to follow anybody. You are an individual. Don't try to be someone else.

Love you, darling. Be sweet.

Pastor