When God Feels Distant- Be Still
Recently, I struggled to hear God’s voice in the midst of the chaos that is going on around me.
I needed to grow in my relationship with God, but I felt stagnant in my efforts. Every time I tried to pray or read the Bible, God felt so distant. I felt like a bad Christian. It seemed like I was talking to an old friend, who couldn’t relate to me, and there was a barrier between us so I couldn’t clearly hear His voice.
With tears in my eyes, I slowly admitted this to one of my friends… I struggled to hear God’s voice. I felt like the Lord was far from me. I read my Bible and prayed. But I still felt overwhelmed and defeated.
As I laid in my bed, with a sleepless night on the horizon before me, my mind wouldn’t stop racing. When we speak our fears or doubts into the world, their importance seems to dissolve from our minds. After admitting what I perceived to make me a “bad Christian,” I was still.
A few weeks ago, I was given a journal that read on the cover “be still and know I am God,” which preceded a note in the mail which read “Be still and know.”
I read these messages during that season, held onto its virtue and well-intentions, and moved forward.
As life got busy, my planner started to quickly lose blank space. The “stillness” of quarantine which I experienced for three long months had quickly dissolved. With no warning, mind you.
I thought, God should still be close! Once again, I was reminded of God’s Word and His promises.
God’s Word always reminds us of His steadfast promises that we cling to through every season. There is nothing we can do to earn His favor, to earn our salvation in Him.
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18 ESV
“Let those who delight in my righteousness shout for joy and be glad, and say evermore, “Great is the Lord, who delights in the welfare of His servants!” Psalm 35:27 ESV
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trails of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4 ESV
His Word reminds us that the Lord is with us forever.
The verse written on a somber green notecard once again felt to jump out in front of me.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit, you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13 ESV
I looked up, at the swirling fan above my head, and let the tears fall to my pillow. My body seemed to tremble. I didn’t know what to do.
As my mentor often reminds us, as Christians, “we don’t know what to do, but we know who to go to!”
Without knowing what else to do, I prayed.
I want God’s voice to speak louder than anyone else. I want the Holy Spirit to overtake me. I want to trust Him. So we cling to His truths, to His Word, even when we don’t see Him. Because we trust what the Bible says.
“Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1) ESV
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Emma Lown is a freelance content writer and social media coordinator for nonprofit organizations. She is passionate about shining through hope in Jesus, sharing His love, and giving a voice to the voiceless. She has traveled globally to capture stories through photography and writing with Unto, Jesus Film Mission Trips, and The Tide ministry. She has been published in Conscious Magazine, Tirzah Magazine, and the Focus. Read Emma’s blog here: And Emma