When God Feels Far Away
Finding Closeness in the Ebbs and Flows
Rhett Walker, a GRAMMY-nominated artist known for his deep-rooted country soul and unwavering faith, recently shared insights from his life and career in a heartfelt conversation with Family Life Radio.
It’s not uncommon to encounter moments when God feels like a distant memory rather than a present reality. Rhett candidly expresses, “I feel like that’s just an ongoing battle.”
His admission is a powerful reminder that you are not alone in feeling distant from God at times. This ongoing battle is not a sign of a weakening faith but rather an integral part of the spiritual journey. It’s in these moments of vulnerability that we’re reminded of Paul’s words in Romans 8:31, “If God is for us, who can be against us?”
God’s presence is constant, even when He feels far away.
Life’s transitions can often amplify these feelings of distance. Rhett says when he moved from Nashville to Georgia, “I just felt separate from a lot of stuff,” he recounted. “I left the city where my career is, but I did it to rip the Band-Aid off. I’m like, ‘No, this is what I need.’ And now I feel like I’m writing the best songs. I’m with my family, and with my grandpa.”
Sometimes, it’s through the upheaval of our lives that we find ourselves drawing closer to God, discovering His presence in ways we hadn’t anticipated. James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you” (NKJV).
Rhett continues, “I know that [God] is for me. I know that if He is for me, who can be against me. But also, I can be writing songs and singing the truth that I know Scripture says. And I’ve seen Him all life and just know, [He’s there] even if don’t feel close.”
So, how do you navigate these seasons of closeness and distance in your own faith journey? Rhett’s experience offers a few practical strategies:
- Acknowledge the ebb and flow of your relationship with God.
Recognize that feeling distant at times doesn’t mean you’ve lost your way. It’s a natural part of the faith journey, an invitation to seek God with renewed vigor.
1. Embrace life’s changes as opportunities to grow closer to God.
Whether you’re facing a move, a new job or any other significant life change, view it through the lens of faith. See it as a chance to lean into God, trusting that He’s with you in the midst of change.
2. Maintain daily spiritual practices.
Through prayer, Scripture reading or worship, find ways to connect with God every day. These practices are the lifeline of your faith, especially in moments when God feels distant.
3. Lean on your faith community.
You’re not meant to walk this journey alone. Share your struggles and triumphs with others who can offer support, prayer and understanding.
“I feel the closest to God I’ve ever felt,” Rhett says, “But it’s back and forth seasons. It’s not like I feel far from God now. It’s a daily battle. I can easily get there in my mind.”
Our journeys of faith are filled with moments of both profound closeness and challenging distance from God. Yet, even in the seasons when God feels far away, there’s always an invitation to draw nearer, to seek Him with all your heart and to find Him waiting for you with open arms.
As you navigate the ebbs and flows of your own faith journey, embrace the ongoing battle of faith with courage, knowing that each step, whether forward or backward, is a step closer to the heart of God. Your journey, with all its ups and downs, is a beautiful image of the life-changing power of faith, hope and relentless pursuit of a God who never lets go.
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