What can we do when we feel that God is far away?

Sometimes we can feel that God is far away. What can we do to reconnect with God?

Three ways to reconnect with God

It's pretty normal for all of us to have times when we don't feel particularly "connected" with God.

So what should we do when we feel estranged from God for days, months, even years?

How can we reconnect with God and restore our relationship?

There's no quick fix, but there are a few ways to maintain a sense of His presence.

1. Continue To Seek God

When my feeble effort to pray fails, I should have kept going rather than giving up so easily. Often, the times when we don't feel like praying are the times when we need it most.

When it seems that God is silent towards our prayers, or when we simply feel disengaged, it can be hard to keep talking.

But the Bible reassures us that what we are experiencing will not last: "For the Lord does not reject forever. But when He afflicts, He has compassion according to His great mercy; For He does not willingly humble And afflict the children of men." Lamentations 3:31-33 (LSG)

Other translations write this last sentence as follows:

"It is not with a good heart that he humiliates and afflicts human beings." Lamentations 3:31-33 (Sower)

"Indeed, it is not with a good heart that he humiliates, that he causes grief to men." Lamentations 3:31-33 (S21)

This means that when you go through a difficult period, God doesn't laugh at you. He finds no joy in seeing you suffer, and it won't last forever.

These moments are opportunities to live out our faith, to exercise our conviction that God is faithful to his promise to be with us always (Deuteronomy 31:6). So keep calling on him, even if, or especially when, it seems your words aren't being heard.

2. Examine Your Heart

Take the opportunity to examine what's going on in your heart and mind. Are there areas of life where you cling to anger, pride, greed or envy? Are you struggling with any particular sins?

The Bible repeatedly warns that unconfessed sin hinders our connection with God. At root, sin is the failure to keep God's commandments. Sins are not like heavenly parking tickets; they are personal offenses against God. Disobedience therefore always leads to distance.

And yet, the Scriptures announce good news: "He who hides his transgressions will not succeed, but compassion will be shown to him who acknowledges them and forsakes them." (Proverbs 28:13)

This means that if we admit what we have done wrong and turn away from it, we will find forgiveness. The God of the Bible is a God of mercy. He forgives, welcomes and accepts those who make mistakes, admit them and humble themselves in repentance.

3. Consider God's Past Faithfulness

Perhaps the best way to get closer to God is to meditate on what He has done in the past to be close to you. Two millennia ago, on a hill outside Jerusalem, God showed the efforts He was making to bring people closer to Him.

Hanging from a Roman cross, Jesus, the Son of God, was crucified and died to bridge the gap between humans and God. Christians believe that with His resurrection, Jesus re-established the path to a direct, personal relationship with God.

When you're tempted to despair, when you fear that God has forgotten or forsaken you, when you worry that you'll never feel His presence again [...] Take time to remember that Christ died for you. He will never abandon you.

This truth is the same no matter how we feel. We can take comfort in Hebrews 13:8, which tells us, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever."

Remember God's Promises

Feeling far from God, as we did this morning, is a regular experience for most of us. Of course, many feel disconnected for more recognizable and difficult reasons: a wave of suffering has washed over their lives, wreaking havoc and leaving behind unwelcome questions and indescribable pain.

But the Christian's hope rests on God's promises: whether your present situation seems common or overwhelming, there is a Father in heaven who sees you, knows you and loves you.

Yes, our world is broken, filled with grief and disappointment. But God promises that this won't always be the case. There will come a time when "Behold the tabernacle of God with men! He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them." (Revelation 21:3).

Even when you feel it, you are not forgotten, or abandoned.

Pray:
Heavenly Father, when I feel far from you, help me remember your promises. Remind me that you're there in my worst moments and that you'll celebrate with me in my best. Amen!

When did you feel far from God? How did you find your way back to Him? He is love and he does not abandon his children. Put your trust in him.

May God bless you

Pasteur Clémentine