When You Feel F.A.R. from God

You’re praying, but it feels like no one’s listening and that God is too F.A.R.

 

The worship songs don’t hit the same. 

 

Prayers don’t seem to be answered.

 

The Bible feels dry. 

 

And deep down, you’re wondering if God’s gone quiet—or if He’s gone altogether.

 

Before you let those thoughts spiral you into a spiritual war, here’s something you need to know: God hasn’t moved.

 

Years ago, I remember Dusty and I heard a sermon illustration about a man and wife, a married couple, once deeply in love. They used to sit close together in their truck. As years passed, the wife began sitting closer to her door. One day, she asked her husband why they no longer sat close like they used to. He replied, “The steering wheel hasn’t moved.”  

 

Just like the steering wheel in your vehicle — God hasn’t moved!  

 

Days when I feel like God has pulled away, is too silent, or too distant, I am quickly humbled and gently reminded that He isn’t the one who has pulled away, it is me.

 

Maybe your spiritual walk is like the lady who has slowly drifted away from the steering wheel.  More than likely, it’s happened slowly over time and you don’t even realize it.  I am reminded of James 4:8, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”   Like that couple in the truck, the Lord is still in the driver’s seat—steady, faithful, unmoved. He hasn’t abandoned us. But sometimes we let the busyness of life, distractions, or even disappointment create space between us and Him.

 

So girl—slide back over, brush the dust off your Bible, listen to Him and sit close. He never stopped loving you. He never let go of the wheel. He’s still right there, waiting for you to scoot back over and rest in His presence.

 

When You Feel F.A.R. From God:

F– “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10) This is an assurance of God’s presence and support, encouraging believers to trust and not fear.

A– “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.”  (John 15:4)  Staying close to Jesus means staying connected. Don’t disconnect!

R– “Remember the wondrous works that He has done…”  (Psalm 105:5)

 

If you feel God is far and distant, maybe it’s time to ask yourself a few heart-deep questions to help you find your way back. 

1. 1. Have I been spending time with God? Am I reading His Word, praying, or worshipping?
   2. Is there unconfessed sin in my life?   Sin doesn’t separate God from us in terms of His love, but it can make us feel further away.
   3. Am I relying on feelings instead of faith? (I could write a whole post on this alone!) God’s presence isn’t always felt, but He promises never to leave us (Hebrews 13:5).
   4. What voices am I listening to?  Are fear, comparison, or negativity louder than God’s truth?
   5. Do I need to be still and listen?  Sometimes we need to silence the noise of life to hear His gentle whisper.