What are you to do when you cannot feel God’s presence, you want to overcome this spiritual distance, and draw near to God? Do you feel as if you have exhausted all avenues, ideas, and ways to get closer to God? Let’s explore the topic more in this enlightening article.
There are often times in life when God “feels” distant, even when He has not gone anywhere. He is always with you. Nevertheless, prayers seem like they are going unanswered. Is He listening to our cries? Does He hear our prayers? How can we do better at listening to Him?
What if you have really tried everything you know in order to draw near to God? Does He continue to feel out of reach? That is just one reason that God did not put us here alone; instead, use the ideas of others who are willing to share them! Read on for some of mine!
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Why God May Not Seem to Answer Prayers
There might be times when you do not feel that God is answering you. When you try to do all the work yourself, make the situation fit in a perfect box, or attempt to control a situation, often, you will find that God does not answer because you are acting like He isn’t there.
Another reason that it might seem like God is leaving unanswered prayers is that you are trying to understand Him. In Isaiah 55:8-9, God reminds us that His ways are not the same as ours. Additionally, His thoughts are different from ours. We think we know it all, but we do not.
Sometimes, God delays an answer to a prayer because He has something better in mind for us or is protecting us from something we are unable to see. Don’t think of His silence as a rejection; rather, think of the invitation He offers to trust Him more deeply!
If you long for answered prayers and to draw near to God, remember that He longs for the same. He might have other plans for the things that you pray for, but He is always near, and He wants you to pursue getting close to Him.
For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways. – Isaiah 55:8
How to Draw Near to God and Overcome Spiritual Distance
When you are feeling far away from the Lord, it can be disheartening and lonely. Look through the following ideas on how to draw near to God. Perhaps one will work just right for you, or you can turn one into something that will work for you! I’m so excited for you!
#1 – Draw Near to God.
Do you feel distant from God? Do you wonder if your prayers are truly being answered? Maybe you just want His presence to not be so far away. James 4:8 reminds us of a simple yet profound truth – Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you!
God does not move away from us. It is our hearts, distractions, or struggles that bring frustration and create distance from Him. When we take intentional steps toward God, building back our relationship with Him, doing things like prayer, worship, and complete surrender, He is there.
In fact, God meets us with love and His presence. The key that you might have discovered by now to overcoming spiritual distance isn’t waiting for a certain feeling, but actively seeking Him in faith. He is there for you, even when it seems that He is not. Have faith!
Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. James 4:8
#2 – Remember Answered Prayers.
One way that I remember God’s promises and see how incredible He is in all He does is by looking at answered prayers. In fact, every day, I review my prayer list to see His faithfulness. When you witness his answered prayers, you’ll feel His presence and draw near to God.
#3 – Pray: Talk to God.
Prayer is an essential element to include in your daily time with God. If you are a beginner to prayer, that’s okay! Just speak from your heart. Tell God what is bothering you. Ask for help, and continue asking for help. He answers all prayers – maybe just not in the expected ways.
Prayer is one of the most important ways to draw near to God. Think about any relationship. If you do not talk to that person on a regular basis, the relationship fizzles, right? God is always with you, so you can pray at any time – day or night.
And we are confident that He hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases Him. And since we know He hears us when we make our requests, we also know that He will give us what we ask for. 1 John 5:14-15
#4 – Worship: Share Joy with Our Creator.
Have you ever wondered how to show joy? Maybe you wonder how to worship. It can be as little or as big as you wish it to be. Let the Lord’s Holy Spirit guide you as you worship God. Even if it starts small, you will be moved toward and drawn near to God over time. Be patient.
#5 – Surrender: Put Yourself in His Hands.
If you’ve chosen your word of the year, you might have chosen the word surrender. Many have. Surrender means letting go of your life, taking up your cross, and carrying it each day. This means trusting God with your life, your money, your career, your family, and everything else.
#6 – Actively Seek Him.
In Hebrew, the word seek means to search, inquire, or diligently pursue. In Jeremiah 29:13, God says, “You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.” So, how do you grow closer to God? This is especially hard when you feel far away. Don’t give up!
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. – Matthew 6:33
#7 – Be Silent: Quieting Distractions.
Worldly distractions cloud our spiritual vision without filling our hearts with God’s truth. Spend more time in Scripture to renew your mind, be reminded of God’s promises, and experience a deeper relationship with the Lord. Prioritize His Word, and take a step closer to Him.
#8 – Avoid Empty Times: Stay Strong in God’s Word.
One of the biggest causes of feeling distant from God is neglecting time in His Word, the Bible. That is one area God will speak to you, helping you feel His presence. In Psalm 119:105, we find, “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. – Psalm 119:105
#9 – Community: Spend Time with Others.
God draws near to us through the right community. Hebrews 10:25 says, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another.” When we isolate ourselves, we might feel that distance from God.
Engage in fellowship, prayer groups, and Bible study with other believers. This will help you experience His presence in new ways. God often uses other people to speak encouragement, truth, and love into our lives, reminding us that God is always with us – no matter what.
#10 – Practice Gratitude.
If you’ve followed the above-listed ways to feel God’s presence, you have accomplished a lot! Congratulations! Now it’s time to show gratitude to God for all of the wonderful things that He has done in your life. Here is a list of resources that might help you with this step.
The 5-Minute Gratitude Journal – This gratitude journal is one that I have used several times. You can give thanks, practice positivity, and find joy in this gratitude journal. It has creative content, great gratitude quotes, and engaging questions.
Gratitude Journal for Women: A Daily 5 Minute Guide for Mindfulness, Positivity, Affirmation, and Self Care – This keepsake edition is beautiful. The design on the inside makes it perfect for gratitude growth every day, which will surely meet your needs.
Gratitude List Printable PDF – I am a “list” girl. I really enjoy making and checking off lists. This printable list is perfect to complete each day or each week. The cute design will help you stay on track with your goals and motivate you to fill it out on a continuous basis.
Gratitude Tree Printable PDF – This cute printable gratitude tree lets you create a lasting memory! This gratitude tree printable was made to help us become more humble in the ways we interact with others. Find spiritual growth as you enjoy this printable!
My Daily Gratitude Tree – With this gorgeous daily gratitude tree, you can list everything that you are thankful for! It was made as a PDF to keep you in check and build your humility. Print it out, and place it on your bulletin board or in your war binder. It is eye-catching!
Praising God for Your Blessings Bible Study – This 8-page mini Bible study helps you grow closer to God as you learn how to praise God for every blessing that you have received in life. Think of each thing that He has done for you, and learn more about praising God!
Praising God for Your Blessings Prayer Journal – To accompany the Praising God for Your Blessings Bible Study, this prayer journal was made. It will help you expand your prayer life by including gratitude assistance for all of the blessings you’ve received from God!
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. – 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Putting It All Together and Further Thoughts
Feeling distant from God does not mean He has abandoned us. He is always there for us, just waiting to draw close. We can overcome spiritual distance through prayer, the Bible (His Word), and community – to name a few.
God’s silence is an opportunity to grow in faith, trust, and patience. No matter how far you might feel from God, He is only one step away. You just need to take the risk and give Him a chance. Without God, we can feel lonely and lost. Dissipate that through prayer and love.
Additional Resources to Help You Draw Near to God
Use these additional resources to help you feel God’s presence. Remember that even if you cannot feel His presence, He is there for you – always and forever.
A Prayer to Feel God’s Presence
When you are feeling far from God, consider saying this prayer.
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for always being near, even when I feel distant from You. Lord, I long to draw closer to You, to hear Your voice, and to feel Your presence in my life. Please remove any distractions, doubts, or burdens that keep me from seeking You fully each and every day.
I also ask You, dear Lord, to cleanse my heart and renew my spirit so that I might walk more closely with You. Then, when I do feel that I am walking near You, help me to trust You to meet me there with Your love, peace, and guidance.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
Bible Verses For Times When You Want to Draw Near to God
Use the following Bible verses for times when you want to draw near to God.
God’s Promise to Be Near
For what great nation has a god as near to them as the Lord our God is near to us whenever we call on him? Deuteronomy 4:7
The Lord is close to all who call on Him, yes, to all who call on Him in truth. Psalm 145:18
If you look for Me wholeheartedly, you will find Me. Jeremiah 29:13
His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward Him and find Him, though He is not far from any one of us. Acts 17:27
Overcoming Spiritual Distance
Seek the Lord while you can find Him. Call on Him now while He is near. Isaiah 55:6
The Lord is good to those who depend on Him, to those who search for Him. Lamentations 3:25
Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know Him. Hosea 6:3
Return to Me, and I will return to you. Zechariah 1:3
Seeking God Through His Word and Prayer
But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. Matthew 6:6
Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in Me. “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in Me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. Apart from Me, you can do nothing. John 15:4-5
Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. Colossians 3:2
And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him. Hebrews 11:6
Questions to Reflect Upon
To further explore this topic or to dive deeper into what is really going on between you and the Lord, consider answering the following questions.
- In what areas do you feel distant from God in your daily life?
- Which intentional steps do you take to draw closer to God?
- Are there any distractions that affect your relationship with God?
- How have you experienced spiritual dryness, and what helped you overcome it?
- What can you do this week to seek God more earnestly?
- What steps will you implement to have a stronger relationship with Him?
Conclusion
If you want to draw near to God or build a relationship with Him that you have never had, the tips or ways in this article will surely lead you in the right direction. Feelings of being lost can easily be overcome when we trust God and pray to Him about our problems.
And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him. Hebrews 11:6
