What To Do When You Feel Far From God 

Do you find yourself in a season where you feel far from God? Many Christians go through dry seasons but there are ways to restore your closeness to God.

Do you find yourself in a season where you feel far from God? Where you once heard His voice clearly, reading your Bible was easy, your prayer life was on point, and listening to worship music was a daily occurrence, you now feel distant from your Heavenly Father. What’s happened and how do you restore your closeness to God? Find answers, here

THE ISSUE IS ON YOUR SIDE 

If you feel far from God, you must start with the truth of the situation. Whatever the disconnect, the issue is on your side, and it’s often because you’re not drawing near to God daily, for the Bible says in James 4:8 – 10: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” 

To rediscover your connection with God, you need to do some serious soul-searching and ask yourself this one question – “Is God truly first in my life?”

DISTANCED BY DISTRACTION 

Distance from God is often caused by distraction. Perhaps you’re distracted by the busyness or problems of life. Maybe you’re disillusioned because of what’s happening in the world right now. Or is it that you’re scrolling through social media and not your Bible? 

The enemy wants to keep you distracted because it keeps you far from God, leaving you frustrated and discouraged. You’re trying hard to get back to the way things were, a time when there wasn’t a wall between you and God, but for whatever reason you’re struggling to find the enthusiasm to draw close to Him. 

Yet without God by your side, it’s hard to navigate life. 

So, what can you do to get yourself back to that place of closeness with God?  

#1 TAKE SOME TIME TO REFLECT

Sometimes, you might feel distant from God for what seems like no reason, but upon deeper reflection, you might realise that feeling far from your Heavenly Father is tied to something more. 

For example, you might realise that you have neglected to read your Bible for a while, and the fear or shame is stopping you from connecting with God. These things can happen so easily in with our busy schedules and distracted society. Perhaps the way you have been spending your evenings, like watching Netflix or working extra hours, has kept you from God or left you feeling like He was absent when you needed Him. 

Recognising the blockages to your relationship with God is key to dealing with them. 

#2 GET INTO THE WORD OF GOD TO FIND ANSWERS TO THE PROBLEM

The things that you feel and believe when you’re distant from God are often so far from the truth. The Word of God encourages you to draw near to Him, even when you mess up. He sees you; He knows you, and He can give you comfort. 

Maybe you feel shame for not reading your Bible, and you don’t want to face God because of it. You might be thinking that God will judge you as you draw near to Him again. But scripture says in Romans 8:1 and in Luke 15:20 – 24 that there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus and God will gladly welcome you back with open arms. 

Look to the story of the prodigal son as a reminder of God’s lavish love for you, even when you distance yourself from Him.  

Perhaps you’re feeling that God has abandoned you or isn’t answering your prayers, but scripture reminds you that God is always with you and that there is a time and place for everything in your life.  

In Hebrews 13:5, God says:

“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” 

Your thoughts toward God need to align with the characteristics of God. This enables you to approach Him from a place of love, not out of shame, guilt, or fear. 

For more on hoe Gos speaks through His word, watch LOVE SPEAKS on GOD TV.

#3 REPENT AND RECEIVE FORGIVENESS

Is a certain sin at the root of your feeling far from God? Though it’s tough, you need to bring this sin to Jesus, repent, ask for and receive forgiveness. Doing this is vital to your faith journey because it stops you from carrying around the heavy weight of sin on your shoulders. 

Jesus has won the victory over sin. You are not fighting for victory; you’re living life from a place of victory. 

If you’ve searched and can’t identify a specific sin that’s driving a wedge between you and God, repent anyway. You might not be able to figure out what the issue is, and that’s normal. Yet, even if you feel your prayers are futile, continue to ask God for clarity and guidance. 

#4 WORSHIP 

God is worthy of worship regardless of how you “feel”. Yes, it can be tough to worship God when you feel distant from Him but even just having worship music on can guide you into His presence.  

Try it now. Put on some worship music, close your eyes, pray to God to help you let go, and let the words, music, and wind of the Holy Spirit draw you in. Listen to Worship Chapel here on GOD TV.

#5 GET A JOURNAL GOING AND JOT DOWN YOUR PRAYERS

Feeling far from God can cause your prayer life to suffer. When you try, maybe your thoughts are always wandering, and eventually you just zone out and give up. Journalling your prayers can help. Rather than praying in your head or out loud, put your prayers on paper. 

Writing your prayers down helps to keep you focused on what it is you want to say to God. When you’re writing, ask God for help to break down any barriers you’ve built up against Him. Ask Him for the strength to communicate honestly and freely. 

#6 DIVE INTO DAILY DEVOTIONALS

While there is no substitute for spending time in the Word of God as it’s written in the Bible, it can be daunting to read scripture when you’re going through a dry season. Rather than waiting for the motivation to get into the Word, start small by reading a daily devotional instead. 

This gets you into the habit of spending even a few minutes in God’s presence and starts to reduce how distant you feel from Him, leading you back into connection and communion. 

#7 GET AROUND SPIRITUALLY MATURE CHRISTIANS

Many followers of Jesus have experienced what you’re feeling right now and come through it. It’s ok to ask for help from spiritual peers that you trust. Ask them to pray with you and for you. Sharing your struggles means that fellow believers can rally around you and hold you up in prayer. It might feel scary but try reaching out  

GOD IS ALWAYS WITH YOU 

Even though it might not feel like it right now, God is always by your side. Like the song Way Maker says: “Even when I don’t see it, You’re working. Even when I don’t feel it, You’re working.” 

God works all things together for your good… even in your dry seasons. With prayer and perseverance, you can overcome feeling far from God. 

The GOD TV Family stands together. We want to pray with you and for you, expectant that God will help you draw near to Him. We are here to pray for you.