There’s a peculiar kind of loneliness that strikes when you feel distant from God. It’s not the same as being alone in a room or missing a loved one. It’s a deeper ache—one that tugs at the soul, one that asks, “Where is He now?” You’ve prayed, you’ve read your scriptures, and yet, it feels like the connection you once had is gone. You know He’s there, but He feels miles away.
1. Acknowledge the Silence
First things first, you’re allowed to feel the silence. We’ve all heard people say, “God is always there,” but sometimes it feels like God is hiding. It’s normal to feel lost in those moments. This doesn’t mean you’ve done something wrong or that your faith is weak. In fact, it could be the beginning of a deeper journey.
There’s a paradox in faith—often, it’s in the absence of God’s voice that we truly learn to listen. The silence becomes a space to reflect, to grow, and to understand that faith isn’t just about the tangible moments of feeling His presence. It’s about trusting, even when you can’t feel Him.
2. Go Back to the Basics
In moments of spiritual drought, returning to the basics can provide comfort. Take a moment to revisit the core practices of your faith. Reconnect with simple prayers, even if they feel empty. Open your Bible or your spiritual texts, even when they don’t make sense. It might feel mechanical at first, but don’t be discouraged.
Sometimes we feel God’s absence when we’ve been chasing bigger, more profound spiritual experiences. But spirituality, like any relationship, has ups and downs. It’s in the routine, the small moments, where God’s presence is often found quietly lingering.
Also Read: Finding Confidence in God: 6 Bible Verses That Strengthen Your Faith
3. Embrace the Doubt
Doubt isn’t the enemy—it’s a part of the journey. The times when we feel disconnected from God can stir up feelings of doubt and confusion. Instead of pushing those thoughts away, embrace them. Ask questions. Wrestle with your beliefs. In wrestling, you might uncover more profound insights than you would’ve if everything had remained simple.
Remember, many of the significant spiritual figures struggled with their faith. Think about Job, who questioned everything and still found God. It’s okay to ask—God isn’t afraid of your doubts. In fact, it might just be the starting point of a more profound relationship with Him.
4. Seek Fellowship, Even When You Feel Alone
The journey back to feeling God isn’t always one you have to walk alone. Sometimes, the presence of God is felt through the people around us. Reach out to fellow believers, to those who have walked through their own valleys. There’s immense power in community, and you’ll find support and understanding in others who have faced similar struggles.
Sharing your struggles with others can be a healing process. You might find comfort in knowing that others have faced similar seasons of dryness and have come out stronger on the other side. And while no one can replace the feeling of God’s presence, the fellowship of others can help restore a sense of belonging in His larger plan.
5. Reflect on the Moments When You Felt Close
If you’re struggling to feel God now, reflect on the times in your life when you did feel close to Him. What was different then? What were the circumstances? It’s easy to get stuck in the feeling of “God isn’t here right now,” but looking back at the times when you felt His presence might reveal insights about your journey.
Was it a specific place, a moment of deep reflection, or a specific prayer that brought you close? Sometimes, revisiting the places, activities, or rituals that once helped you connect can help spark that feeling again. Even if it doesn’t happen immediately, the effort is still worthwhile.
6. Surrender Control
One of the hardest things to do when you feel far from God is to surrender control. We want to feel His presence on our terms, at the exact moment we desire it. But God works on His own timeline, not ours.
There’s a beauty in surrender. It’s in letting go of the need for immediate answers and allowing God to work in ways we might not yet understand. Trust that even in the silence, He’s still with you—working in the background, weaving His plan.
Also Read: 10 Bible Verses That Will Wipe Out Your Anxiety in Seconds
7. Wait in Expectation
Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is wait. In the waiting, you learn patience and trust. And when God does reveal Himself again, it’ll be in a way that surprises you—more intimate and more profound than before.
During seasons of silence, remember that God is not absent. His ways are not our ways, and His timing is perfect. The waiting is part of the story, not the end of it. Expectation can be just as powerful as the feeling of His presence.
8. Remember, Faith Is Not About Feelings
Feelings are fleeting, but faith is a choice. It’s an act of trust and obedience, even when the emotional highs are gone. True faith doesn’t depend on how we feel in any given moment—it’s rooted in the truth that God is constant, regardless of how we perceive His presence.
The most intimate moments of faith often come in the quietest, most still times. And it’s in those times, when you can’t feel God, that your faith grows stronger, deeper, and more resilient.
The Bottom Line: You’re Not Alone
When you can’t feel God anymore, know that it’s not a sign of failure. It’s simply part of the spiritual journey. There are seasons of closeness and seasons of distance. It’s in the hard times that our faith has room to grow. Remember, you’re not alone in this struggle. Many have walked this path before you, and many will walk it after you.
The journey back to feeling God doesn’t happen overnight, but every step you take is a step toward a deeper, more personal relationship with the Divine.
