You Feel Far From God: What Should You Do?

There are moments when we feel distant from God; when prayers feel unanswered, worship feels empty, and we begin to question His nearness. 

Feeling far from God is not uncommon, but it can shake the core of our faith. If you find yourself in a spiritual fog, you’re not alone, and this isn’t the end of your walk with God. It may be a turning point, a divine invitation to draw near again.

This article will help you rediscover God’s presence through Scripture, honest reflection, and practical steps for reconnecting with Him. 

Together, we will look at:

• Biblical examples of those who experienced this same distance
• Steps to reconnect with God through prayer, the Word, and worship
• And how to move forward in faith and assurance, even when emotions tell you otherwise
  

Let’s begin the journey back into closeness with the God who never truly leaves us.

Biblical Examples of Feeling Distant from God

Before you blame yourself or give in to discouragement, understand this: the Bible is filled with people who felt what you are feeling.

David, the man after God’s own heart, cried out: “Why do You stand afar off, O Lord? Why do You hide in times of trouble?” (Psalm 10:1, NKJV). His psalms are filled with emotional honesty. He felt the distance, but he never stopped pursuing God.

Job, amidst suffering, said, “Oh, that I knew where I might find Him” (Job 23:3, NKJV). His pain clouded the presence of God, yet he clung to his faith.

Even Jesus, in His humanity, cried on the cross, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46, NKJV). Though Jesus was never truly separated from the Father’s love, His cry reveals how real the feeling of distance can be—even for the sinless Son of God.

These biblical accounts remind us that feeling far from God is not necessarily a sign of sin or failure. Sometimes, God appears distant during times of testing, growth, or suffering, but He is still working.

As Ellen White powerfully wrote:

“In the darkest days, when appearances seem most forbidding, have faith in God. He is working out His will, doing all things well in behalf of His people.”
— The Ministry of Healing, p. 482

Recognising this shared experience helps us not feel ashamed. But what do we do next? Let’s look at how to begin moving back into God’s presence.

Practical Steps for Spiritual Restoration

When your heart feels cold and God’s voice seems silent, the way forward isn’t always obvious. But Scripture offers a path for renewal.

Return to God’s Word

The Bible promises that God will draw near if we need the same.

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded” (James 4:8, NKJV). 

One of the most powerful ways to feel God’s presence again is through consistent time in the Bible. Even when you don’t “feel” it, God’s Word is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12). Reading devotionals daily, reflecting on Psalms, or studying the life of Jesus can realign your heart.

Reignite Prayer and Worship

Prayer isn’t about eloquence. It’s about connection. When you feel far, pray honestly like David did. Speak to God about your emotions, your doubts, and your desire for closeness. Combine this with sincere worship. Even a whispered song can soften the heart.

As Ellen White beautifully described:

“Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. Not that it is necessary in order to make known to God what we are, but in order to enable us to receive Him.”
— Steps to Christ, p. 93

Repent and Confess if Needed

Sometimes, the distance is caused by unaddressed sin. 

The gospel prophet records it with clarity: 

“But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear” (Isaiah 59:2, NKJV).

Confession brings healing and restores intimacy. Don’t let guilt keep you from grace. The Holy Spirit convicts not to condemn but to call you back.

Stay Connected to Other Believers

Isolation breeds discouragement. Join a Bible study, call a friend in Christ, or attend worship services again. God often speaks through His people, and staying connected to the body of Christ helps guard against spiritual drift.

As these habits begin to restore your walk, you may still wrestle with doubt. Let’s talk about how to walk in faith, even when the feelings aren’t there yet.

Walking in Faith When Emotions Say Otherwise

Feelings are real, but they are not always reliable. The Christian life is grounded in faith, not fluctuating emotions. The Bible repeatedly calls us to trust in what is unseen (2 Corinthians 5:7).

Faith Believes the Truth Over Feelings

This is what the LORD has said: 

“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 13:5, NKJV). 

Even if God seems far away, He is not. That’s a promise. God reminds us in His Word that He is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18).

Ellen White cautioned against over-reliance on emotion in the Christian life:

“We should not make feelings our criterion. They are variable and subject to outside influences. Many are deluded by relying on feeling rather than on the Word of God.”
— Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 2, p. 137

The Enemy Uses Feelings to Distract

Satan knows how to twist your emotions to make you question your relationship with God. Don’t let him win. Ephesians 6:16 tells us to take up the shield of faith to extinguish his lies.

And yet, even amid darkness and spiritual confusion, God does not abandon His children:

“He will never leave one soul who trusts in Him. He will carry them through the darkest experiences into the light.”
— In Heavenly Places, p. 116

Spiritual Growth Often Feels Like Silence

Many saints experienced deep growth during seasons when God’s voice seemed quiet. Silence is not absence. Often, it’s in the stillness that we learn to listen more deeply, trust more fully, and love more purely.

When we learn to walk by faith, even amid spiritual dryness, we begin to experience the steady return of God’s presence. But how do we sustain that connection long-term?

Rebuilding Daily Closeness with God

The goal is not a fleeting emotional high, but a sustained walk of closeness with your Creator. 

So, how can we keep from drifting again?

Spend Time Daily with God

Make intentional time for God’s Word, prayer, and quiet reflection. Don’t wait to feel inspired—pursuing God is an act of love and discipline. Set a simple routine: one Psalm, one prayer, and one moment of silence each morning can reshape your day.

“Communion with God imparts to the soul an intimate knowledge of His will. But many Christians fail to understand that it is this living connection with God that brings peace and power.”
— The Desire of Ages, p. 362

Listen for His Voice in the Ordinary

Don’t confine God’s presence to the dramatic. The Holy Spirit speaks through the gentle nudge, the timely word from a friend, or the peace that passes understanding.

“It is not the fear of punishment or the hope of everlasting reward that leads the disciples of Christ to follow Him. They behold the Saviour’s matchless love, and this awakens the heart to respond.”
— Steps to Christ, p. 44

Cultivate a Heart of Worship

Live worshipfully—through music, gratitude, service, and daily obedience. Worship keeps your heart aligned and helps you feel God’s love even in the commonplace.

“The closer you come to Jesus, the more faulty you will appear in your own eyes… but this is evidence that Satan’s delusions are losing their power.”
— Steps to Christ, p. 64

Guard Against Spiritual Drift

Be alert to what causes you to drift spiritually: busyness, distraction, and compromise. Identify those patterns and set up safeguards. Remember: closeness with God is a relationship, not a formula.

Bottomline

If you’re feeling distant from God, know this: He hasn’t moved. He is not indifferent. In fact, He may be calling you deeper. The distance you feel is not a wall. It’s a doorway. Jesus stands at the door and knocks (Revelation 3:20). 

Will you open?

Ellen White offers tender reassurance to the weary soul:

“Do not think that because you feel discouraged and forsaken, God has changed. His love remains the same. He knows every trial and sorrow of your life.”
— Steps to Christ, p. 124

Draw near to Him today. Don’t wait until you feel worthy. Come as you are—tired, confused, even numb—and let His Word restore you, His love embrace you, and His presence transform you.

You may feel far from God right now, but you are only one step away from home.

Is it not time to go home?