Have you ever felt like your prayers were bouncing off the ceiling? Like God was silent, and you were left wondering if He was even there? You’re not alone.
We don’t always feel God’s presence or hear His voice. It can be frustrating, discouraging, and confusing. But these experiences don’t mean God is distant, or that He isn’t capable of giving you His peace. So how do we experience the peace of God when we don’t feel the presence of God? Let’s find out together.
Ways to Find Peace When You Want to Feel Closer to God
You aren’t the first to feel far from God. Many people go through seasons where they don’t feel close to Him. Finding peace during these seasons can be difficult, but it’s possible! Here are a few ways you can draw nearer to God and feel His peace.
1. Keep Seeking God Through Prayer
You might be thinking, “Of course prayer is the answer. But what if I don’t feel like praying?” That’s okay. God meets us where we are.
You can just talk to God—you don’t have to pray a certain way. Talk to Him like you would a trusted friend or family member. You don’t need to have all the right words. You just need to be honest.
An example of someone who kept praying whether he was joyful, fearful, or repentant is King David. The Bible tells us that David longed for God—even though he committed big sins and faced immense hardships. In Psalm 63, David prays to God:
You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water. Psalm 63:1 NIV
Why Does Prayer Help?
Even when God feels far away, He’s actually still close, and He cares.
David knew the truth: Even when God feels far away, He’s actually still close, and He cares. You might be in a spiritual desert, weak and thirsty, but God is with you even there. Keep seeking Him through prayer and keep an eye out for how He responds.
You might try starting a prayer journal and using that space to write down how God is answering your prayers. This spiritual practice can help you see God at work, even when you can’t feel Him.
But prayer isn’t the only powerful tool you can use to grow closer to God. The Bible is another helpful source of peace.
2. Spend Time in God’s Word
Reading Scripture helps us understand God’s ways better. In the Bible, we see many people struggling with doubts and feelings of distance from God. They remind us that what we’re going through is natural—not a sign of failure or weak faith.
Replacing Lies With Truth
The Bible helps us replace the lies of the enemy with the truth of God. It’s hard not to let the enemy’s lies in—but when you read Scripture, you can counteract the lies with reminders of the unchanging love of God.
For instance, if you feel like God has abandoned you, remind yourself of these words:
… “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 NIV
Write this verse down, say it aloud, or memorize it to combat doubts about God’s presence. You might try reading and reflecting on this verse, too:
No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:39 NLT
God’s Word Is Constant
Scripture offers us stability in our lives. Life often feels chaotic because of everything going on—work, kids, school, and sports practices. But God’s Word is constant, never changing, and always reliable. Reading and meditating on verses about God’s faithfulness can provide reassurance and peace.
Scripture is also great to use when you don’t have words to pray. Sometimes you might be in such a pit that you don’t even know where to start. During these times, you can speak Scripture over your life.
The Lᴏʀᴅ hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. Psalm 34:17 NLT
3. Seek Relationships With Other Believers
Seeking healthy relationships is so important when we want to grow closer to God. We’re not meant to do life alone. God created us to be relational human beings who gather together to worship Him.
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20 NIV
Being in a community of people helps to remind us that we are not alone. God speaks through the encouragement and guidance of others. And God’s love is often expressed through the kindness and generosity of His Church.
As you get to know other followers of Jesus, you’ll probably find that many of them have had similar experiences in their spiritual journey. Hearing how others have gone through the same thing can encourage you that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.
Practical Ways to Seek Community
How do you find community? There are a few simple ways to get started. You might ask someone to pray for you, regularly attend church services, seek a mentor, serve at church, or join a Bible study or small group.
Keep Growing
Just because we feel far from God doesn’t mean He’s distant. We can keep drawing closer to God through habits and practices that fuel our spiritual growth. Continue listening to your feelings, but avoid letting your feelings dictate your relationship with God.
You can have peace even in the most trying times.
We are never alone. You can have peace even in the most trying times. Just remember to lean in to God even when you don’t feel Him. Pray consistently, read His word regularly, and seek community through your church. If you do these things and still feel distant from God, don’t give up. Faith isn’t about feelings—it’s about trust. It isn’t always easy, but it is simple.