This morning, I sat for a while thinking about this reflection question from my devotional: “What do I do when I feel distant from God?”

When we talk about distance, we often think in physical terms, i.e., the space between two points, or the gap between two people. But spiritual distance is different. It’s not always visible, and it doesn’t always come with a warning. Yet many of us, no matter how long we’ve walked with God, experience seasons of silence, dryness, or disconnection. For me, I often don’t realise how distant I feel until after the fact.

This blog is a reflection on those moments when God felt far in my journey, and what I do to navigate them.

Recognising the Distance

Spiritual distance can creep in slowly. Other times, it hits suddenly, after a loss, a disappointment, or a crisis of faith.

For me, it often begins with distraction. Life gets busy, and I start skipping my devotional time. I get caught in a cycle of self-reliance by doing all the things, forgetting to lean on God and trust in His providence. In recent years, I’ve noticed the distance most when my days slow down and I finally have time and space to reflect. That’s when I realise I’m spiritually parched, and distant from the One who gives the Living Water (John 4:14).

These moments aren’t always obvious. They creep in when I feel anxious, overwhelmed, lonely, or emotionally reactive. I become easily swayed by my surroundings, especially by the people around me. My discernment and awareness drop, and I find myself saying or doing things that don’t align with God’s Word.

What I Do in Response

There’s no perfect roadmap. But over time, these are a few practices that help me reorient my mind and heart:

• I Return to Scripture

Even when it feels lifeless, I read. I make time for devotionals each day, sometimes just a minute, sometimes longer. This year, I’ve started unpacking the passages included in my devotional, which has helped me dig deeper and learn more about the text. Whether it’s a Bible reading plan or a single verse, I let God’s Word speak into my life and I seek His guidance and direction.

• I Pray Honestly

In my prayers I’m honest about anything and everything. I share with God exactly how I feel, whether I’m confused, tired, or numb. Growing up I would write my prayers, pouring out everything from the smallest details to the biggest burdens. I let it all out, the good, the bad, and the ugly. This has become a habit of mine which I still do today. Sometimes I don’t have words at all, so I sit in silence and I trust that God hears even my unspoken thoughts.

• I Seek Community

One thing I learned in my journey is that isolation deepens the distance. So I stay present in fellowship with other believers. One space I always turn up to is our Talipaea Pakipaki every Wednesday night, a time of worship, sharing, and breaking bread. In this space, others’ faith journeys shared through talanoa, helps carry me forward. Being in community brings me out of my own thoughts that the evil one is ready to manipulate when I’m alone and feeling some type of way. So even when I don’t feel like it, I make sure to show up and be present. Although I turn up feeling heavy, I always leave lighter.

• I Reflect in Solitude

Since I was a teenager, solitude has been a lifeline. I journal. I walk. I sit quietly. Journalling in particular, helped me to express my thoughts and heart with God through words I couldn’t seem to express verbally. At the same time, it helped me to withdraw from the busyness of this world and be in God’s presence. These moments led me to slow down, be still, and listen for the gentle whisper of the Holy Spirit, reminding me I’m not alone.

• I Remember God’s Past Faithfulness

I look back at old journal entries, answered prayers, and moments of clarity. I remember the times God rescued me, lifted me, and walked with me. This is so important for me to cling to because if I don’t, I’ll end up being cynical and unable to see God’s Hand at work. If I don’t remember God’s faithfulness, it can lead me to an ignorance and misunderstanding of His Word. So constantly reflecting on what God has done in my life always reminds me that He was faithful then, and He hasn’t changed now.

• I Serve Others

Reconnecting with God often happens when I stop focusing on myself. My parents have shown me the beauty of serving others, and through that, I’ve learned more about God’s heart. Serving, even in small ways, helps me rediscover His presence and reminds me that service and relationships go hand in hand. It’s not always easy but it’s worth the time and effort. Nowadays my challenge is to serve not just who I like and prefer, but every individual God has led me to engage with, and extend love and care.

All of these practices are still a work in progress for me. However, each one has assisted me in overcoming many moments in my journey when God felt far from me.

What I’ve Learned

Spiritual distance isn’t always a sign of failure, it’s part of growth.

From the many seasons I felt far from God, I’ve learned that His presence isn’t dependent on my feelings. He is near, even when I don’t sense Him. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:18).

These seasons have created opportunities for me to trust, to wait, and to deepen my faith. Especially when I feel unsure about what’s ahead.

If you’re feeling distant from God, you’re not alone. You’re not broken. You’re not abandoned.

Lean into the discomfort. Ask honest questions. Surround yourself with people who will walk with you. And remember, even in silence, God is moving and He is “working all things together for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28).

Prayer

Lord, when we feel far from You, remind us that You are near.
Help us trust Your presence, even when we can’t feel it.
Teach us to wait, to listen, and to rest in Your love.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If this reflection resonates with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
What do you do when you feel distant from God?