Background
Have you ever had a season when you felt like God was far from you?
You were still praying. Still attending church. Still reading your Bible. But it felt like the connection was gone. Like your prayers were hitting the ceiling. Like your heart was numb. If you’ve ever felt like that, I want you to know—you’re not alone.
In fact, some of the most powerful people in scripture had wilderness seasons when they felt distant from God.
David cried out,
“Why, Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” – Psalm 10:1
Even Jesus, while on the cross, said,
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” – Matthew 27:46
The feeling of distance doesn’t mean God has abandoned you. Sometimes, it’s in the silence that He is building your strength, your trust, and your character.
Let’s talk about how to keep your spiritual fire burning, even when your heart feels cold and heaven feels quiet.
1. Keep Going Even When You Don’t Feel It
This is the first and most important thing: Don’t stop.
Keep:
- Praying
- Fasting
- Worshipping
- Studying the Word
- Attending fellowship
Even when it feels dry. Even when you don’t “feel” anything.
Your consistency is a sign of spiritual maturity.
Real faith continues when emotions disappear.
Just like you still eat when you don’t feel hungry, your spirit still needs nourishment even when you’re not “feeling” God.
Keep going. Keep pressing. Your fire will not go out.
2. Know That God Is Never Far
It may feel like God is far, but the truth is: He is always near.
“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” – Hebrews 13:5
Your feelings may be lying to you.
But the Word of God never lies.
Even in the quiet moments, God is present. Behind the scenes. Working. Teaching. Preparing. Stretching your faith.
Don’t believe the lie that you’ve been forgotten. You are engraved on the palm of His hand (Isaiah 49:16). He has not and will not forget you.
3. Understand the Wilderness Is Part of the Journey
Every believer will go through a wilderness season.
Even David—the man after God’s heart—faced many lonely nights, hiding in caves, running from Saul, questioning God.
Joseph had years of silence between the promise and the palace.
Jesus Himself was led into the wilderness by the Spirit.
The wilderness is not punishment. It is preparation.
It’s in the silence that God builds capacity in you. He teaches you to walk by faith, not by sight. He reveals the idols in your heart and calls you to deeper surrender.
You may feel weak right now, but God is using this season to form the stronger version of you.
4. Trust That Chastening Is a Sign of Love
There are times when it feels like God is correcting you—or even hiding from you.
But His discipline is not rejection. It’s love.
“The Lord disciplines the one He loves…” – Hebrews 12:6
When God is pruning you, it’s because He sees fruit in you. He wants you to be better, stronger, purer, and more Christlike.
If you’re in a season of refining, don’t resist it. Embrace it.
He’s not hurting you—He’s helping you grow.
5. Don’t Isolate Yourself
One mistake people make when they feel spiritually distant is to isolate.
They stop attending church. They avoid fellowship. They push people away.
Please don’t do that.
In moments of spiritual dryness, you need community the most.
Join a small group. Speak to a spiritual mentor. Surround yourself with people who will pray for you and remind you of who you are in Christ.
Remember, even coals need other coals to keep burning.
Isolation is the enemy’s strategy to snuff out your fire.
6. Go Back to the Word and Let It Speak Again
Sometimes the reason we feel distant is because we’re rushing through the Word without listening.
Don’t read to check a box—read to connect.
Find a quiet place. Open to Psalms. Open to Isaiah. Open to the Gospels.
Say, “Lord, I need to hear from You. Speak to me through Your Word.”
And wait. Be still.
Let the Word speak comfort to your soul again.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalm 119:105
7. Ask God for Fresh Fire
Sometimes, all you need to do is ask.
Don’t be afraid to cry out:
“Lord, set my heart on fire again!”
“Restore to me the joy of Your salvation.” – Psalm 51:12
God delights in giving fresh oil.
He’s not angry at your dryness—He’s waiting for your honesty.
Pray boldly. Expect restoration.
He said in Isaiah 42:3,
“A bruised reed He will not break, and a smouldering wick He will not snuff out.”
He will fan your flame again.
8. Worship Until You Break Through
Sometimes, words fail. But worship never does.
Put on your favourite worship songs. Lie on the floor. Lift your hands. Let your tears flow.
Worship doesn’t always change your situation—but it will always change your perspective.
Sing until your heart begins to soften again.
Dance even when you feel dry.
Shout even when you feel silent.
Your praise is a weapon, and your worship is a doorway.
Final Note
Friend, the feeling of being distant from God is not the end of your journey—it’s part of the process. A process where your roots grow deeper, your faith grows stronger, and your heart learns to trust without evidence.
Even when you can’t hear Him, He’s still speaking.
Even when you can’t feel Him, He’s still near.
Even when you feel forgotten, you are still His beloved.
Don’t stop praying. Don’t stop seeking. Don’t stop waiting.
Because the fire will return. And when it does, it will burn brighter than ever before.
What You Can Do Next
- Reflect: Have you ever gone through a season like this?
- Share this post with someone who feels spiritually dry
- Read these posts to stay encouraged: