At some point in our Christian journey, we all encounter moments when we feel distant from God.
It is a common experience that can happen for various reasons such as sin, unmet expectations, disappointment, or going through trials.
It can stir up feelings of confusion, loneliness, and emptiness, making us wonder if God has abandoned us.
If you find yourself in such a situation, you’re not alone and this post is for you.
Let’s look at some possible reasons why you might feel like God is distant and ways to bring you closer to Him.
Sin
Sin can have a profound impact on our relationship with God. It creates a barrier between us and God, making us feel unworthy and unclean.
When we continue to engage in sinful acts, it becomes hard to sense the presence of God.
We lose our sense of peace and feel guilty. However, the good news is, no sin is too big for God to forgive.
We need to confess our sins and turn away from them. Repentance is the key to a restored relationship with God.
Unmet expectations
Sometimes we have expectations of God that do not align with his plans.
When things don’t turn out as we expect, we can feel disappointed and maybe even angry, causing us to question God’s faithfulness.
God is not a genie who grants our every wish, but a loving father who gives us what is best for us. We need to humble ourselves and submit to his will.
Trusting God can bring us closer to him.
Trials
Going through difficult times can make us feel deserted by God.
It’s easy to question, “How could a loving God allow this to happen?”
But trials should not make us forget that God is with us in the midst of them. He promised never to leave us nor forsake us.
Refocus your mind on his promises, and you will see that he is always there.
Lack of intimacy
Sometimes we can be so caught up in religious activity that we forget to spend time with God.
We do things for God instead of doing things with God.
God wants us to have a personal relationship with him.
Spending time in prayer, reading the scripture, and engaging in worship will help you feel closer to God.
Mental and emotional state
If we are dealing with low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, or any mental or emotional issues, it can distort our perception of God.
We might see him as distant or even uncaring. But God is compassionate, and he cares about our well-being.
Seek help from professionals if you are struggling emotionally or mentally.
Seasonal Changes
It’s important to understand that our sense of closeness with God can ebb and flow, much like the seasons of the year.
There may be times when we feel particularly close to God and times when we feel more distant.
This is a natural part of our spiritual journey and doesn’t necessarily mean that God has left us.
It’s okay to feel like God is distant at times, as long as we continue to seek Him and trust in Him.
External Causes
Sometimes, feeling distant from God is the result of external circumstances that challenge our faith, hope, and love.
You might be going through a period of intense suffering, like a chronic illness, a marital conflict, a financial hardship, a political unrest, or a natural disaster, that makes you question the goodness, mercy, and power of God.
You might be surrounded by people who have hurt you, betrayed you, or disappointed you, making it hard for you to trust, forgive, or love.
You might be exposed to ideas, media, or culture that contradict or mock your Christian values, making you feel insecure or ashamed.
In all these cases, it’s important to recognize that your feelings of distance from God are not your fault, nor are they a sign of weakness or sinfulness.
Rather, they are a natural response to the real challenges and pains of life.
Don’t beat yourself up for not feeling close to God in the midst of a storm.
Instead, turn towards God with your doubts, questions, and lamentations, just like the psalmists did.
God can handle your honesty, your anger, and your grief.
God won’t abandon you because you are struggling. Rather, God might be drawing you closer to him in the very act of reaching out to him with your brokenness.
Internal Causes
Sometimes, feeling distant from God is the result of internal struggles that hinder our relationship with God.
You might be dealing with unresolved sin, guilt, or shame that make you feel unworthy or undeserving of God’s grace.
You might be struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues that affect your perception of reality and your ability to connect with God.
You might be pursuing an unhealthy form of spirituality that prioritizes performance, perfectionism, or legalism over grace and freedom.
In all these cases, it’s important to acknowledge that your feelings of distance from God are not necessarily a sign of God’s distance from you, but rather a sign of your own need for healing, growth, and transformation.
Don’t ignore or suppress your internal struggles, but address them with honesty, humility, and hope.
Seek help from trusted mentors, counselors, pastors, or friends who can support and guide you. Repent and ask for forgiveness where necessary.
Learn to rest in God’s love and grace, rather than striving to earn it.
Developmental Causes
Sometimes, feeling distant from God is the result of a natural stage of spiritual growth that requires us to let go of our previous understanding of God and embrace a deeper, more mature faith.
You might be going through a season of spiritual dryness, where the old ways of praying, worshiping, or serving God feel empty or meaningless.
You might be facing challenging theological questions or doubts that shake your theological foundation and require you to rethink your beliefs.
You might be experiencing a crisis of faith, where you feel like you can’t reconcile your Christian convictions with the complexities of the world or your own experience.
In all these cases, it’s important to realize that your feelings of distance from God are not a sign of failure or heresy, but rather a sign of God’s invitation to a deeper, more authentic relationship with him.
Don’t resist or deny your growth pains, but embrace them with curiosity, openness, and humility.
Seek wisdom from mature believers who have gone through similar struggles.
Explore new forms of prayer, worship, or service that resonate with your current stage of faith.
Read spiritual books, listen to podcasts, or attend conferences that challenge and inspire you.
Divine Causes
Sometimes, feeling distant from God is the result of a purposeful, mysterious work of God in our lives, that we might not fully understand or appreciate until later.
You might be going through a season of spiritual desolation, where God seems silent, absent, or indifferent to your prayers or needs.
You might be going through a season of spiritual testing, where God allows you to face temptations, trials, or hardships that reveal your true character and deepen your trust in him.
You might be going through a season of spiritual pruning, where God removes from your life the things or relationships that hinder your growth or distract you from him.
In all these cases, it’s important to trust that God is still present, still loving, and still working in your life, even if you don’t see or feel it right now.
Don’t give up on God, but persevere in faith, hope, and love.
Keep praying, reading the Bible, and sharing your faith with others, even if it feels like you are just going through the motions.
Remember that the purpose of faith is not to feel close to God all the time, but to trust God all the time, regardless of our feelings.
How To Feel Closer To God When You Feel Distant
1. Talk to God
Just like any relationship, communication is key. Start by opening up a conversation with God through prayer or meditation.
Share your thoughts, feelings, and concerns. Remember, God is always listening, and in these moments of vulnerability, you may find a deeper connection.
2. Read religious texts
Immerse yourself in the wisdom and teachings of your faith. By reading scriptures or other religious texts, you can gain insights and guidance that will help you reconnect with God. As you read, ask yourself: what message is God trying to convey to me?
3. Seek support from others
You don’t have to go through this journey alone. Reach out to friends, family, or spiritual leaders who share your faith.
They can offer support, encouragement, and their own experiences of feeling closer to God.
Sometimes, all it takes is a heartfelt conversation with someone who understands.
4. Practice gratitude
Focusing on the blessings in your life can help you recognize the presence of God.
Take time each day to express gratitude for the things you have, both big and small.
In doing so, you’ll be reminded of God’s love and care for you.
5. Serve others
Acts of kindness and service can bring you closer to God by allowing you to embody His love and compassion.
Look for ways to help those in need, whether it’s volunteering at a local charity or simply lending a hand to a friend.
As you give selflessly, you’ll feel more connected to your spiritual purpose.
6. Spend time in nature
The beauty of the natural world can offer a sense of peace and connection to something greater than ourselves.
Take time to appreciate the wonders of creation, whether it’s a walk in the park or a quiet moment watching the sunset.
In these moments, you may find yourself feeling closer to God.
7. Be patient
Finding your way back to a close relationship with God won’t happen overnight.
It’s a process that takes time, effort, and persistence.
Be patient with yourself and trust that, as you continue to seek, God will meet you where you are.
Feeling distant from God is a common experience that we all go through from time to time. However, it’s not a permanent situation.
By identifying the causes of feeling distant and addressing them, we can draw near to God again.