“He is not far from any one of us. ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.” Acts 17:27-28 (NIV)
Have you ever felt that God has turned His back on you? Maybe you’re walking through excruciating pain and loss, and it seems like He’s nowhere to be found. Perhaps you’ve made mistakes and run from Him in guilt or fear. Or maybe you’ve followed the world’s ways and turned your back on God, and now you feel certain He must have done the same to you. But friend, no matter how it feels—God is never far.
Trust me, friend, I understand. When I was a teenager, I accepted the Lord as my Savior, but no matter how hard I tried, I felt I was letting Him down because of my behavior. Eventually, I gave up and began living according to the world’s standards. Later in life, when hardship and heartbreak struck, I questioned whether God was even there. I wondered if He had allowed me to wander away to figure things out on my own, and if He even cared.
But looking back, I can see that God was never far. Those “coincidences” I once dismissed were really His hand at work protecting me, guiding me, and bringing beauty from brokenness. When I finally turned back to Him, prayed, and sought forgiveness, God welcomed me with open arms.
Dear one, let me reassure you, whatever struggle you’re facing, God is with you in the midst of it. No matter what you’ve done, God still loves you and wants to forgive you, if only you would ask. Even if you’ve walked away, God has not walked away from you.
Paul explained God’s presence to the people of Athens: “He is not far from any one of us. ‘For in him we live and move and have our being’” (Acts 17:27–28, NIV). In other words, no matter how far we wander, how deep the pain, or how distant God feels, He is always near—God is never far.
If God feels far, here are some ways to draw near again:
- Draw Near: Seek His help, strength, and guidance in your struggle.
“Come near to God and he will come near to you” (James 4:8, NIV).
- Confess and repent: If you’re weighed down by guilt or shame, remember, Jesus died to give you grace and forgiveness. Run to Him with open arms.
“He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His steadfast love toward those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does He remove our transgression from us. As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him” (Psalm 103:10-13).
- Read His Word: The Bible is full of wisdom, comfort, and promises. It is God’s voice guiding your steps.
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (Psalm 119:105, NIV).
- Look back: Build your faith by reflecting on God’s past faithfulness in your life. Remember all He has done for you.
“Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago.(Isaiah 25:1, NIV)
- Give thanks: Gratitude shifts our focus from what’s missing to what God has provided. It opens our eyes to His presence, even in pain.
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NIV).
Friend, no matter how hard life is or how much your heart hurts, I promise, God has not abandoned you (Deuteronomy 31:6). No matter what you’ve done or how far you’ve wandered, nothing can take you out of His hand or separate you from His love (John 10:28, Romans 8:38-39). God is never far.
Heavenly Father, thank You that no matter where I am or what I’m going through, You are always near. When I feel lost, remind me that Your presence never leaves me. Help me quiet my heart and rest in Your love. Teach me to look for You in every moment and to trust that even in the silence, You are at work. Draw me closer to You each day, and let Your peace fill my soul. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Verse For Reflection:
David gives a perfect example of what to do when we feel distant from God in Psalm 103.
