What To Do When You Feel Distant or Far From God
It’s no secret that we live in an increasingly busy world. Something is always pulling at our attention, asking to be our obligation, or distracting us from the moment we are in. Of course, as mothers, wives, and homemakers, our laundry list of things to do is ever long. Little ones have many needs, dinner needs cooking, and that mountain range of laundry desperately needs folding. How easy it is to become so wrapped up in the list of “to do’s” that we forget our most important task- to commune with God. Before we know it, we find ourselves feeling empty, lonely, and utterly exhausted.
I am incredibly guilty of being so fixated on the things in front of me that I forget that crucial quiet time of communion with our Father. The second I have a free moment in the evening, how quickly I collapse into bed, ready to finally turn my mind off and rest. After months of misdirection, mental clutter, or exhaustion, it is very easy to find ourselves feeling distant from God- far away from the One that loves and knows us best. How can we mend this rift and draw nearer to our God that we desperately need in this chaotic world? If you find yourself asking this question or feeling that God isn’t close by, don’t fret. There are several ways to reach out for God and find Him again.
1. Read Your Bible (Dive into God’s Word)
The easiest way to begin closing the gap when you sense the absence of God is simply to open God’s Word. The Bible isn’t just a book—it’s living and active, and through it, the Holy Spirit speaks directly to our hearts. When we feel far from God’s presence, picking up Scripture reminds us of His nearness.
Start small if a full Bible study feels overwhelming during a difficult time. Try a simple Bible plan—perhaps one focused on the Psalms. Even King David poured out his honest cries, asking in Psalm 13, he asks, “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?”—echoing that feeling of distance we all know too well. God isn’t hiding from us. He is waiting right where we left Him. To reinforce this, we can turn to Romans 8:38-39, where the Apostle Paul assures us that nothing can separate us from the love of God.
“Nothing in all creation-neither death, life, angels, demons, present or future fears, nor cosmic powers- can separate believers from the love of God in Christ Jesus.”
Reading Bible verses like these anchors us in truth: God’s unfailing love doesn’t waver, even when we’ve drifted in the past months whether by neglect or finding old habits. Make reading the Bible a part of your daily schedule—maybe first thing in the morning or during a quiet pocket of the day. Over time, this habit will become second nature, encouraging spiritual growth and reminding you that He’s always waiting with open arms.
2. Fast and Pray (Seek God in the Quiet)
Sometimes the best way to break through that sense of distance is to intentionally set aside distractions and seek Him through fasting and prayer. Jesus Himself modeled this in the Garden of Gethsemane, pressing into the Father during His deepest trial. When we think of fasting, we often think of going a time without food. Fasting, however, can take many forms. In my own life, I have felt a particular call to fast from social media or distractions, because these are the things taking my attention away from God in my spare time. When life feels overwhelming, fasting—whether from food, social media, or other comforts—creates space for the Holy Spirit to move.
During your time of fasting, use that empty time to pray honestly: “O Lord, I feel far—draw me near.” Pour out your heart whether about unconfessed sin, worries, or exhaustion. Prayer isn’t about perfect words; it’s about relationship. As you wait on Him, even in slowness, you’ll often sense God’s presence returning—not always dramatically, but steadily. Combine this with days of prayer focused on gratitude for the good things He’s already done. The Lord is our Shepherd- He will never abandon us.
3. Declutter Your Mind and Your Heart
Feeling distant often stems from clutter—mental, emotional, or spiritual. Examine your heart for unconfessed sin that might hinder intimacy; as Scripture warns, it can block our fellowship with God. Confess it openly—He already knows—and receive His forgiveness. Also, look at daily habits. Has social media, endless to-do lists, or the noise of this fallen world crowded out time with Him? Declutter by simplifying your daily schedule: limit screens, create quiet pockets, and prioritize what truly matters. Clearing space invites the Holy Spirit to fill what’s empty. You may find that what felt like a long way back was shorter than you thought once the distractions fade. Often, when something is amiss in our lives, we distract ourselves as a way to numb or drown out the very thing that eats at us. God works in those quiet or uncomfortable moments- don’t be afraid to lean into them.
4. Know God’s Character (Rest in Who He Is)
Finally, the best things we can do is remember on God’s unchanging character. He is not distant because He moved—often it’s our perception in a busy or hard season. Recall His promises: He draws near to the brokenhearted, and the love of God is steadfast. Think of King David in the Psalms, crying out yet affirming God’s nearness. The Apostle Paul faced immense trials yet declared the power of the love of God. Feelings come and go, but truth remains: God is with us.
When we struggle or when exhaustion make Him seem far, cling to verses like Lamentations 3:22-23.
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”
His mercies are new every morning. He understands our struggles, our weakness. He waits with open arms, ready to restore us. If you’ve felt this distance for a long time, take heart. God hasn’t left. Step toward Him, and watch how He meets you where you are. You’re not alone; His God’s presence is closer than you realize. All we have to do is reach for Him.
