Where Are You, God?

As followers of Jesus, we can sometimes drift away from God and even lose a sense of His presence. We can feel dry spiritually and even lose interest in church. When this happens, it’s hard to know what to do. How do we get our fire back? How do we rekindle our intimacy with God, and how can we once again feel close to Him?

Here are some steps that have helped me when I have felt distant from God.

1. Confess your sin.

Sometimes the distance we feel from God is caused by our own disobedience to His will. We sin against God, and our fellowship with Him is damaged.

The prophet Isaiah said, “It’s your sins that have cut you off from God. Because of your sins, he has turned away and will not listen anymore.” (Isaiah 59:2) Much like our human relationships when there is an offense, the quality of the relationship is diminished. Sin creates relationship distance. Confession of that sin bridges the gap and restores the relationship.

The Apostle John explained in 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” When we confess our sin, God not only forgives us, but He also washes us clean. He removes the stain of sin and the tension between us.

If we want to restore our intimacy with God, we need to follow the example of King David when he wrote, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” (Psalm 139:23, 24)

Open your heart up to God and ask Him if there is anything that you have done that has offended Him. Repent of whatever He reveals to you, and times of refreshing will come. (Acts 3:19)

2. Seek God with all your heart.

Many times, it’s not sin at all that has caused the distance. Sometimes, it can simply be getting interested in other things. The cares of the world invade our lives and choke out our love for God and the things of God.

Instead of seeking God with all of our heart, we begin seeking safety, money, pleasure, attention, validation, adventure and so on. Jesus explained the importance of seeking the kingdom of God above all else. In the sermon on the mount, Jesus said, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)

To seek means to look for something everywhere until you find it. For instance, think of the last time you misplaced your keys or your wallet. Didn’t you look everywhere until you found it? This is how we need to seek after God.

The prophet Jeremiah explained in Jeremiah 29:13, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” I believe that God sometimes withdraws from us to give us some space to consider what we really want in this life. Will we choose Him or something or someone else?

3. Stay close to those who are close to God.

Sometimes, others can bring us back into close fellowship with God. Other people have a powerful influence on us for the good or the bad. The author of Hebrews tells us, “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” (Hebrews 3:13)

It seems that all it takes for our hearts to turn away from God is a day in which we are deceived by sin. The point is that we need each other to stay on track. In chapter 10 we read, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24, 25)

When you feel far from God, find a person with whom you are close and schedule a coffee or just a time to hang out. They will encourage you to get back on track.

4. Dive deep into His Word.

As followers of Jesus, we need to be in the Word of God consistently. This is how we come to know the truth that sets us free (see John 8:31,32). Daily reading keeps us within the range of the voice of God; however, a quick read of a chapter or two will not be enough when we are feeling far from God. We must move from reading to meditating.

Meditation is simply focused thinking. It’s holding a scripture in your mind for an extended period of time. Extended time gives the Spirit of God the space to penetrate to the depths of our souls with His truth, and there is power in it. It stirs and awakens us. It restores us.

Listen to the psalmist explain, “But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.” (Psalm 1:2, 3) The person who spends extended periods of time mediating on the Word of God, even memorizing passages of it, will always be fruitful in season.

This means that in the ups and downs of life, there will be consistent evidence of the Spirit’s work. Love, joy and peace will be the consistent emotional tones of their life. Patience, kindness and gentleness will be demonstrated consistently toward others. And love for God and intimacy with Him will become normal.

As followers of Christ, we all go through dry spells. The question is, “How long will they last?” These are four practical action steps we can take to reduce the time you spend feeling far from Him. Try them and watch yourself reconnect to the “True Vine.” (John 15:5)