When God Seems Faraway or Distant

How can you experience His closeness?

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Both the Old and New Testament scriptures record God’s promise to never leave or forsake His children.

Moses spoke to Joshua, before all Israel, as they were preparing to enter the Promised Land without him:

“The Lord, He is the God who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8 NKJV

In the New Testament, the writer of Hebrews wrote:

“Let your conduct be without covetousness, be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:2 NKJV

Why then are there times in the life of the Christ-follower when God appears faraway and out of reach? This is especially true when:

• We lack faith that God hears and responds to our prayers.
• A prayer has not been answered as we asked, or it has been delayed.
• Pain and suffering cause us to focus on how we feel rather than on the truth from His Word.
• Anger, anxiety, fear, or doubt dim our vision.
• When we have unconfessed sin in our lives.
• When unforgiveness blocks our access to God.
• When pride and an independent spirit have gained a stronghold in our lives, and we refuse to humble ourselves before Him in prayer.
• We are emotionally drained or overcome with fatigue or illness.
• We look to others we consider more spiritual as mediators between us and God rather than through Jesus.

For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 2:5 NKJV

Of one thing we can be sure: if we are a true Christian and sense His distance, it is not God who has moved away from us, but we have moved or turned away from Him.

This biblical truth is key to drawing near to God:

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” James 4:8

How then do we draw near to God?

“Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6 NKJV

We draw near and experience His closeness when:

• We come to Him in humility and faith, trusting that He hears our prayers and delights to respond intimately to us.
• We worship Him and praise Him for who He is!
• We express gratitude for His blessings in difficult as well as good times.
• We express awe and wonder at the magnificent wonders of nature.
• We pray with expectant hearts and open minds, drawing on precepts from His Word in our communications with Him.
• We trust the truths in His Words as fact, despite fickle feelings.
• We confess any sin that comes to light as we ponder His Word, or are convicted by the Holy Spirit.
• We make time to listen for the Holy Spirit’s wisdom and guidance as we meditate on Scripture.

Don’t miss the joy of His presence! Jesus gave His life for you to have this privilege. Pray this simple prayer if you need help getting started:

Father God, How hard it is to pray and watch, To trust Your unseen hand; To move and work in ways I can’t, And in faith to take a stand. How difficult to trust Your grace, To supply my every need, To look to You for strength and power, As Your Spirit gently leads. And so I come to You, O God, In this early morning hour, And ask that You rule in my heart, As I seek You in this hour. © 2025, Doris Haver Rouse