I woke up this morning and reached for my phone before I reached for God.
It’s become a pattern lately. I scroll through messages, check notifications, and before I know it, 20 minutes have passed and I haven’t said a single word to Him. And then the guilt creeps in, quiet but heavy. I should pray. I should read my Bible. Why does this feel so hard?
Maybe you are there right now, asking yourself, “Why do I feel distant from God? You might wonder why the God who once felt so close now feels a world away. Like there’s a wall between you and Him that you can’t name. You still believe. You still love Him. But something feels… off.
If that’s you, I want you to know something: you’re not alone, and you’re not failing. This season, as hard as it is, is part of your journey. And there’s a way back.
Let me share what I’ve learned about why we feel distant from God and, more importantly, how to reconnect.
Why Do We Feel Distant From God?
1. Not Knowing Your Identity in Christ
When you forget who you are in Christ, everything starts to shake. You begin to see yourself through the lens of your mistakes instead of through God’s eyes. You forget that you are chosen, loved, and called.
The truth is this: you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation
1 Peter 2:9
Before you were even formed in your mother’s womb, God knew you and set you apart (Jeremiah 1:5). Your identity isn’t based on how well you’re doing spiritually today. It’s rooted in what Christ has already done for you.
Your identity isn’t based on how well you’re doing spiritually today. It’s rooted in what Christ has already done for you.
2. Guilt That Crept In as a Result of Sin
This one hits close to home for me. When I first started as a believer, I found out that sin easily beguiled me. No matter how much I prayed and fasted, I still found myself backsliding over and over again. And because of this, I started feeling ashamed.
Anytime I was in church, I felt like an imposter, someone not worthy to be in the midst of God’s children. There was even a time I agreed with the lie that maybe I wasn’t part of the elect to serve God, because if I was, wouldn’t I be able to stay holy and perfect?
But here’s what I didn’t understand then: sin separates, but shame keeps you separated.
Remember Adam and Eve? After they sinned, they hid from God’s presence (Genesis 3:8). Sin brought separation, guilt and shame, but it was their shame that made them run.
The devil whispers, “You’re unworthy of God’s love. Stay away.” And instead of running to God for forgiveness, you stay distant, thinking you need to clean yourselves up first.
But that’s not how grace works. Romans 5:8 says, “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” He didn’t wait for you to get it together. He came for you in your mess.
3. Physical Stress and Emotional Exhaustion
We live in a turbulent world. Things are happening left and right. Jobs are stressful. Relationships are complicated. Bills are piling up. And somewhere in the middle of it all, prayer feels like one more thing on an already overwhelming to-do list.
But even in the midst of this, Jesus told us:
In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world
John 16:33
He knows life is hard. He’s not asking you to be superhuman. He’s asking you to come to Him when you’re weary (Matthew 11:28).
4. Trying to Be Righteous by Your Own Power
Sometimes you think you can please God by doing tasks, by checking off spiritual boxes. You think if you just read your Bible more, pray longer, or stop sinning completely, then you’ll be close to God again.
But here’s the truth: our works of righteousness are like filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). That’s not meant to discourage you; it’s meant to free you. You can’t earn God’s love. You already have it. God is the author and finisher of your faith (Hebrews 12:2), and He’s the One doing the work in you.
How Do We Stay Connected During This Season?
1. Reclaim Your Identity
When you begin to doubt your identity, speak God’s Word over yourself. Say it out loud until your mindset changes:
- “I am a chosen generation, a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9)
- “Before I was formed in the womb, He called and chose me” (Jeremiah 1:5)
- “I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14)
The enemy wants you to forget who you are. Don’t let him win.
2. Don’t See Studying the Bible and Praying as Chores
God loves you, and you love God in return. Anyone you love, you want to speak with them every day because you miss them and because you want to hear their voice.
Even if it’s just a few minutes a day, try to have fellowship with God. One verse. A short prayer. Done consistently, these small steps can change everything. It’s not about perfection; it’s about presence.
3. God Is Interested in the Tiniest Details About You
Tell everything to God. When you’re down, when it seems He is far away, tell Him.
“God, I feel distressed today. It seems like You’re distant. My faith feels too weak.”
He understands. He’s your Father. When you’re tired and weary, you go to Him to receive comfort.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:18
He’s there to guide you, comfort you, and strengthen you.
4. Surrender Everything to God and Trust Him
The work of righteousness can’t be perfected by you. God is the One helping you and molding you to become more like Christ. So trust Him, not in your ability to do tasks or avoid sin.
Your faith is a journey. It’s not like a mushroom that grows from damp soil overnight. It’s like an oak tree that grows under the sun, wind, storms, and rain of life. Trust Him to perfect your faith, even when it seems like nothing is showing at the end of the tunnel.
Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.” The one who relies on Him will not be put to shame
Psalm 34 : 5
What NOT to Do When You’re Feeling Distant From God
Every Christian passes through this phase. Even David, in some of his psalms, showed his struggle (Psalm 42:5, Psalm 13:1). But this phase is critical for your faith, because overcoming it means you’re going to the next level spiritually.
Don’t Leave the Presence of God
When you feel distant from God, that is not the time to stay far away from Him. You might need to take a journal and write how you feel and why you feel the way you do. If it’s sin or feeling unworthy, ask for forgiveness and seek the Word of God as affirmation that you are worthy of God’s love and attention.
Do not forsake the gathering of believers (Hebrews 10:25). When you stop gathering because of how you feel, you give an opening to the devil to attack your life. The devil is roaming, looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8), and he doesn’t have power over you, which is why he will try to alienate you first.
During this period, people might offend you more, and this might push you to cut people off. But never make the mistake of leaving God’s presence. Stay planted. Stay connected. Even when it’s hard.
A Final Word: You’re Not Alone in This
If you’re feeling distant from God right now, I want you to hear this: He hasn’t moved. He’s right where He’s always been, waiting with open arms, ready to welcome you back. You don’t need to clean yourself up first. You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need to come.
Start small. One prayer. One verse. One moment of surrender. God will meet you there.
And remember, your faith isn’t measured by how you feel today. It’s anchored in the unchanging love of a God who has never let you go.
Let’s grow together, one imperfect step at a time.
What’s one small step you can take today to reconnect with God?
