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Feeling Far From God

It’s no surprise to God that people sometimes feel disconnected from Him. In Ephesians 6, we are reminded that our battle is not against flesh and blood, it’s against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. We’re given instructions on how to prepare for the battle each day. God recognizes that it’s a battle, and the same power of the resurrection of Jesus Christ can restore our spiritual strength!

When was the last time you felt spiritually disconnected? Did you feel like God was no longer hearing your prayers? Or is it how you feel now? Maybe you’re struggling with a sin that’s driving a wedge between you and the Lord. Or perhaps there is shame and guilt from your past weighing you down.

No matter what the circumstances are, you are never too far from God. God is omnipresent, which means that He is quite literally everywhere at all times, no matter what. There is no place you could hide that God wouldn’t be. You cannot move faster than God can keep up with. He is with you at all times, everywhere, always.

King David is an example of a strong man of faith who found himself distanced from God. The prophet Samuel anointed David as king in 1 Samuel 16:1-13, but David didn’t actually become king for another 15 years. Even after defeating Goliath and experiencing what was surely a spiritual high point in his life, David still experienced times of spiritual brokenness.

Read what David wrote in Psalm 13:1-4 as he was on the run from King Saul, scared for his life, and crying out to the Lord:

O Lord, how long will you forget me? Forever?
How long will you look the other way?
How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul,
with sorrow in my heart every day?
How long will my enemy have the upper hand?

Turn and answer me, O Lord my God!
Restore the sparkle to my eyes, or I will die.
Don’t let my enemies gloat, saying, “We have defeated him!”
Don’t let them rejoice at my downfall.

This psalm is one of many where David cries out to the Lord, feeling like God has abandoned him and left him spiritually alone. No doubt, David likely struggled with moments of depression and anxiety as he was actively running from God’s purpose in his life.

If King David, the giant-slayer, can feel distanced from God, it’s no surprise that we do, too. When we’re feeling spiritually down, it’s not because God is not near; it may be because we lost sight of God’s mighty power or don’t know what to do to restore that intimacy with Him.

Later in the psalm (vv. 5-6), David switches his thinking and reminds himself of the mighty works God has done, His majestic power and grace, and of God’s goodness. He chooses to trust in Him, even when he doesn’t understand:

But I trust in your unfailing love.
I will rejoice because you have rescued me.
I will sing to the Lord
because he is good to me.

King David’s approach to reminding himself of the goodness of God and His love is a wise choice and a great example of what we can do, too! Even when we walk through seasons where we feel spiritually disconnected from God, we can praise Him and speak truth over ourselves (like from these psalms) of God’s mighty power in all circumstances.

We can be confident that victory belongs to the Lord in all situations. As you cry out to the Lord, remind yourself of who He is. He is bigger than your feelings; He’s defeated sin and death, and there’s nothing He can’t do. Allow Him to restore your faith as you praise Him.

Heavenly Father, sometimes I feel spiritually disconnected and far from You. In these times, remind my soul that You are close to the brokenhearted. You are omnipresent and never leave me. Help me to see Your hand in every detail of my life, especially when I feel that You’re not there. Convict me of each sin that may drive a wedge in our relationship and give me the strength and power to confess and repent. Renew my strength. Help me to fully trust in Your resurrection power dwelling within me in the Person of the Holy Spirit. You are bigger than any giant before me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Declare this truth over yourself as you pray and meditate on God’s Word: I walk in freedom knowing that God goes before me. His Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path (Psalm 119:105).

God has declared that I am His son/daughter (2 Corinthians 6:18), and I will walk in this truth of His Word! I am not abandoned or spiritually disconnected. God is here for me, He loves me, and He has chosen me!