Sometimes we may feel like God is distant. It's easy to get distracted by day-to-day life, the chaos in the world, and all the challenges life brings. We may get so caught up in the busyness of our lives that we don’t feel as close to God as we have before. When you feel far from God, you can start to doubt.
Where is God? Is He here? Does He care? Has God forgotten about me? But here's the thing: even when we don't feel it, God is near.
The Bible is God’s great story of His unwavering love, wisdom, and faithfulness to His people. Through reading God’s Word, we’re reminded that no matter how distant we may feel from God, He has always been there walking alongside us.
Why Do We Feel Distant from God?
Why do I feel far from God? Where is God? Is He here? Does He care? Has God forgotten about me?
These are common questions to ask when we are feeling distant from God. But here's the thing: even when we don't feel it, God is near.
We may feel far from God because of our sin. This has been humanity’s story since Adam & Eve. When we sin, we tend to hide and create distance between ourselves and God.
We may be feeling distant from God because we haven’t spent time with Him in prayer or studying God’s Word. God wants to abide with us! While He is always near, our hearts can feel distant when we don’t spend time with Him.
Whatever the reason for feeling far from God, the truth is that He is near. Here are 11 Bible verses for when you feel far from God:
God is Always Near, Even When You Feel Far From God
When we feel distant from God, we can use scriptures about God being near to remind us of His faithfulness. He promises to be close to us no matter what we are facing.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. - Joshua 1:9
It is easy to feel afraid or overwhelmed when you look around at the world today. You may have challenges with family, coworkers, or our children. Maybe the future concerns you. But don’t be discouraged! This is not the entirety of the story. God will be with you wherever you go.
The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth. - Psalm 145:18
God is always ready to listen to us. When we reach out to Him with sincere hearts, He draws near, ready to offer His comfort, wisdom, and love.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. - Matthew 28:20
He is with us always! As we go about our lives, sharing God’s love with those around us, we can hold fast to the truth that Jesus is with us. We can have peace knowing that He is with us in all our endeavors.
Related Podcast: You Are Never Too Far Gone with Ben Peterson
God is Near When You Are Grieving
When you're going through the heavy fog of grief, you can feel distant from God and everyone around you. Grief can feel isolating, and you can feel like God is far away. But the truth is, He's right there with you. Here are a few Bible verses that remind us God is near.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. - Psalm 23:4
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. - Psalm 34:18
God comes close to the brokenhearted. He understands how it feels to be heartbroken, rejected, and alone. In these moments, God is near, offering love and comfort.
Related Post: How to Have Hope When You Are Grieving
When You Have Walked Away From God, He is Near
It's easy to feel distant from God when we've wandered away. But, God is always there, longing for our return. No matter how many steps you’ve taken away from God, it is only one step back to Him.
Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. - Psalm 139:7-12
If you hit rock bottom, or end up in a place that seems full of darkness, it is not too low or too dark for God. He is with you always, and is always there to save and guide you.
So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. - Luke 15:20
The Parable of the Prodigal Son is told by Jesus as an example of God’s love for us. (Start reading at Luke 15:11 for the entire story) Just like a loving parent watches for their wayward child to return, God longs for us to come back into His embrace. If you've strayed, remember that God's love and forgiveness are closer than you think, ready to welcome you back with open arms when you decide to return to Him.
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. - 2 Peter 3:9
If you’ve messed up, the safest, best place you can turn is to God. His grace and mercy are always available and freely given, and He wants the very best for you.
It's not about what we've done, but about what God has done through Jesus. In His forgiveness, we find a second chance, a fresh start, and the assurance that no matter how far we've strayed, God's love is always there.
Related Post: 4 Things You Need to Do When You Mess Up
God Will Never Leave Us
God’s Word is an overarching story of His unchanging love and faithfulness to us. As seen throughout scripture, God is faithful and His promises are true.
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. - John 14:16-17
God has given us the Holy Spirit to guide us, offering wisdom and discernment as we navigate all of life’s choices. He empowers us with the Fruit of the Spirit, so we always have God’s power indwelling in our hearts. God is not far away. He is living inside us!
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 8:38-39
Nothing can separate us from the love of God. Nothing. Not what we’ve done, not what’s been done to us, not what we’ve neglected to do. Not our worst moment, or our harshest words, or our deepest regret. God’s love is greater and stronger than all of these.
What to do when we feel disconnected from God
You may not know what to do or what to read when you feel disconnected from God. It can sometimes feel futile because of the distant feeling. However, press on! Act in faith. Spend time reading the Bible and praying to God. Over time, your heart will grow closer to Him.
Keep this list handy for Bible verses to read when you feel distant from God. Study them and remind yourself that God is close to you.
Conclusion
Even when you feel miles away from God, He is near. Turn toward Him. Call out to God. He is there.
Related Post: 7 Bible Verses For When You Feel Alone
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