In my previous post, I talked about seasons when God feels distant. It is not helpful to just acknowledge it, you must work to remove that feeling of distance and prepare when that feeling creeps back in. I will be addressing what I believe are the key ways to handle those seasons. 

Talk with Him

“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall read [and meditate on] it day and night” Joshua 1:8a

“Be persistent and devoted to prayer, being alert and focused in your prayer life with an attitude of thanksgiving.” Colossians 4:2

When feeling distant with God, the first thing to do is to call out to Him. How do you expect to get closer to someone without reaching out to them. Growth in relationships does not happen without communication, it is the same with our relationship with God. That is why it is repeatedly stated in the Bible that we must remain in God’s Word and to pray without ceasing. So how do we lowly people, call out to the God of the universe? Well, God has done the work so He is here with us, willing and ready to give ear to everything we may bring. He is not sitting up in space, He is walking with us, waiting for us to call on Him. When we do call on Him and talk with Him regularly it will become increasingly harder to feel distant from Him. Over time we will be trained in knowing He is there. And when you want to hear God, read the Bible. He does not audibly speak like He did in the Bible, but we have the living word of God that we can turn to. It is important to not forget that, especially in times when it is harder to feel God’s closeness. Do not speak to and listen to God only when you deem it necessary, it is always needed. Sit in His Word in the joy and the sorrow all the same. Rejoice with Him as much as you bring your struggles to Him. He truly is closer than a brother and the greatest friend you will ever have.

Dwell with Him

“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” James 4:8a

“In Him [and in fellowship with one another] you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:22

Once you have talked with God and sat under His Word, remain there. It is not enough to be with Him only on Sundays. We are to remain with God throughout the week and for every day of our lives. If you talked with someone only on one day of the week and maybe before you eat, that relationship would have no depth. We should recognize what God has done to make it possible to dwell with Him and jump at the opportunity to do so. I heard a preacher demonstrate it this way, “We often imagine what it will be like to see the heroes of the faith in heaven such as David or Moses, but what if they are waiting for us?” What if, when we get up there, they can’t wait to ask what it was like to have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. Are we going to respond with nothing, or will we respond with how we constantly dwelt with Him. Do not waste the gift that even the heroes of the faith yearned for. Stay with Him, sitting in the stillness and perfect peace that God brings.

Know Him

“But grow [spiritually mature] in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory (honor, majesty, splendor), both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” 2 Peter 3:18

“I am the Good Shepherd, and I know [without any doubt those who are] My own and My own know Me [and have a deep, personal relationship with Me]” John 10:14

As you talk with God and dwell with Him, the more you will learn about Him. It is like any other relationship, the more time you spend with someone, the more you will learn about them and the closer you will become. The more you learn about God, the more you will love Him. Knowing Him is not simply to know facts, it is for deep, personal relationship with Him. Jesus says that He knows His sheep and they know Him. Do you know Him? Do you know of His steadfast love? Do you know of His perfect peace He grants? Do you know of His promises to never leave or forsake you? When you truly learn that and hold it to be true, even when He feels distant, you can know in your heart that God is closer than He has ever been. Do not believe the lie that He even thinks about leaving. Fill your mind with the truth that He will always be close and leave no room for that lie to creep in. That is why it is important to talk with Him, dwell with Him, and to know Him.