How to Overcome Feeling Distant from God

Seemingly falling out of love with God happens to most believers at one point or another during their Christian walk. Upon first accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior, most find the love affair with God passionate and intense. Thoughts of desiring to do His will and looking for ways to please Him are constantly on the mind and heart of a babe in Christ. However, sometimes after walking with the Lord for awhile it is quite likely to start feeling distant from Him. This feeling of distance can come in many forms. One of the most obvious one is not feeling God's presence. Yes, God is omnipresent. But sometimes it seems like He's not currently present in the believer's life. This feeling can be a bit scary. However, it is not uncommon. Even one of the psalmist wrote, "Why, O Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in time of trouble?" (Psalm 10:1).

Also, this feeling of isolation from God may be reflected in going through the motions during praise and worship. Or during prayer time it may seem that prayers are floating into the expanse of space but not to God's ears. Another way that one may feel disconnected from God is no longer hearing His voice. Perhaps God used to speak regularly. But now dialogue is infrequent or non-existent. Sometimes that still small voice of God is completely inaudible for long periods of time. If this goes on for too long then one may start to question if God's voice will ever be heard again. However, there is good news. It is vital to know that Believers cannot be moved by what they feel. Emotions are often false indicators of God's presence.

Christians have to rely on the Word of God, not on feelings. Feelings are subject to change at anytime. Jesus states in three of the four gospels that heaven and earth will pass away but His words will never pass away (Matthew 24:35 Mark 13:31, Luke 21:33). Fortunately, God has given us the ability to deal with thoughts that are contrary to His Word. In 2 Corinthians 10:5 we are instructed to "demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God" and to "take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." Trust the Father and truly believe Him when he says, "As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Joshua 1:5). One way to reinforce this belief is to meditate on scripture promising that God is ever present. Isaiah 43:2 is a good place to start. In this passage the Lord states, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." Read this passage daily or as often as needed to combat negative feelings. Another good way to combat this feeling is to look for God in everyday experiences. Remember, "through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made" (John 1:3). He made those beautiful clouds in the sky.

While interacting with family and friends, think of the fact that God created them. When laughing at something funny, take time to reflect that, "a cheerful heart is good medicine" (Proverbs 17:22). Keeping the thought that God is the giver of the daily blessings you receive. As far as praise and worship goes, keep on praising Him. God knows every believer's heart. He knows when one is still being faithful and devoted even when emotions would dictate otherwise. No matter what it may feel like, the bible clearly states that God inhabits the praises of his people (Psalms 22:3). Therefore, during these expressive times to the Lord just keep seeking Him. As the Lord prophesied through Jeremiah, "you will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13). And perhaps the best way to regain intimacy with God is to take the advice that King David gave to his son. "And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you" (1 Chronicles 28:9). Call out to Him and ask Him to rekindle the fire. Keep serving the Lord and feel certain that "He will be found by you."