When God Feels Close

For the last few years, I have been blessed to feel the presence of God in my life. It was a spiritual high — a constant joy and peace. Nothing could hinder it. I felt God within my heart and knew He was with me. I felt truly connected to God through the Holy Spirit.

I chased this feeling too. There were times when that burning love and truth would fade, and I would seek the Lord to feel it again. I prayed constantly, read the Bible, listened to Christian sermons, and did everything I could to keep my focus on the Lord and on Jesus Christ. To have the light of the Holy Spirit shine through your heart is an amazing feeling.

Spiritual Dryness

But over the last few weeks, I feel like God has left me. That burning light and truth escaped my heart, and I feel separated from God. I don’t feel that joy and peace anymore. It all went away in an instant.

When I read the Bible, it doesn’t hit me like it used to. When I pray, I feel disconnected. Worry, anxiety, and stress are creeping back in. I’m overthinking again. I’m quicker to anger. I’m opening myself to sin.

It feels like the last few years of feeling God’s presence have suddenly dried up — spiritual dryness.

During this time, I’ve experienced temptation creeping back in through vivid dreams. I’ve let the world distract me again. I know these are schemes of the devil, yet I’ve allowed them to happen because I relied too much on feeling God instead of knowing God.

Encouragement From God

Even though I may not feel God in my heart — and only God knows why — I am encouraged by His Word that He will not leave me nor forsake me.

“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8

“The Lord our God be with us, as He was with our fathers. May He not leave us or forsake us.” 1 Kings 8:57

There are many verses reminding us that God is always with us. Even though I’m being attacked by Satan, I have not lost faith. I know God is there. I know God loves me. I know He will never leave my side — or yours.

David’s Example

When David faced Goliath, he said:

“You come against me with a sword, spear, and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord… The battle belongs to the Lord.” 1 Samuel 17:45

David didn’t say, “I feel God with me.” He said, “I know God is with me.”

That’s the difference.

Through this spiritual dryness, I’m realizing I don’t need to feel God to connect with Him — I need to know and believe He is with me at all times.

The Deceiving Heart

“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure… I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind.” Jeremiah 17:9–10

The human heart desires things that lead us into sin. It manipulates the mind. It convinces us we need something to fill the emptiness.

The same happens during spiritual dryness:

• Your heart feels God’s absence
• Your mind believes God is gone
• Anxiety, worry, and stress take over
• Emotions become volatile
• Faith begins to drift
• The devil creeps back in
• The world consumes you again

Peace, joy, and love escape because we rely too much on feeling God instead of knowing God.

How Can You Overcome Spiritual Dryness?

I’m discovering that the key is being aware of God — knowing He is there, knowing He is with you, knowing He has your best interest at heart.

Think of Moses and the Israelites at the Red Sea. Human logic said, “Don’t walk through the sea.” But they knew God was with them. They trusted Him — and walked forward.

You may not feel God’s powerful light right now, but know He is with you.

Be aware of God at all times. Think of God as much as you can.

Tips to Overcome Spiritual Dryness

1. Keep Your Focus on God

Life gets busy — work, family, distractions. Take moments throughout your day to think of God, thank Him, praise Him, or say a quick prayer.

2. Pray More

When you feel disconnected, pray more — not less. God hasn’t given up on you. Don’t give up on Him.

3. Open Your Bible

Even if Scripture feels distant, keep reading. Let the Word of God encourage your faith.

4. Turn Off Distractions

The world wants to pull you back in. Limit social media, TV, negativity. Spend more time with God than with the world.

5. Go to Church & Serve Others

If these activities help you seek the Lord, do them. Community strengthens faith.

God Has Not Left You

Just because you experience spiritual dryness does not mean God has left you.

God is walking with you. God is ahead of you. God is watching your back. God is for you.

He will never leave or forsake you.

When you sin, Jesus Christ is there to forgive you. Be aware of His love, peace, mercy, and grace.

Don’t lose faith. Don’t lose trust. God is with you then, now, and always.

Continue to pray. Continue to praise God. Never lose hope in the Lord. Never stop believing in Jesus Christ.

Thank you, and God bless.

Reflection: Where in your life do you feel spiritual dryness? What distractions pull your heart away from God?

Prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me stay aware of Your presence even when I don’t feel it. Strengthen my faith, calm my heart, and guide me through this season of dryness. Amen.”