‘The Lord is near to all who call on him…’
(Psalm 145:18, NIV)
Introduction
If God is with us, why does he feel so far away? There’s this old line we like to throw about: ‘If God feels distant, guess who moved?’ But is it really that simple? When you’re feeling disconnected from God, maybe it’s not about you walking away. Maybe it’s because you’re stressed to the point of breaking, your nervous system is in overdrive, just trying to keep it together. What if God isn’t as far away as you think? What if he’s been right there, amidst the debt and depression, activity and addiction, even if you can’t feel it? The Psalmist said it best; ‘The Lord is near to all who call on him.’ (Psalm 145:18 NIV) God isn’t just close when the worship band are giving you goosebumps, or when the world is all conferences and summer festivals. Nope. God is near when you feel numb. Overwhelmed. Misunderstood.
Spiritual dryness? Maybe it’s your body’s way of telling you that you’ve been running on empty for too long. As Corin explains in this video.
⏵ Play the video: Spiritual Dryness
Reflection Questions
- Can you recall a time in your faith when you felt distant from God? How would you describe that experience, and what helped you feel reconnected?
- In what ways do physical feelings like anxiety or tension or numbness affect your focus or ability to pray? What things or activities might help you refocus or find a sense of peace? This might be exercise, gardening, DIY, music or some sort of creative expression.
- How often do you find that you judge yourself when you don’t feel spiritually on track? What are ways you can show yourself grace?
💬 Response activity
Fill a bowl with water and essential oils. Wash your hands and feet as symbol of your desire to be cleansed and refreshed. As you wash, think about the words of Psalm 63:1 (NIV) in your mind, ‘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.’
🤔 Final thought
There will be times when your soul feels like the wilderness. Prayers dry up, scripture feels like literature, and ministry feels more like a chore than a calling. Don’t be too hard with yourself. Your emotions are not the measure of God’s presence. Your doubts don’t cancel God’s devotion. The Holy Spirit hasn’t packed his bags, looking for a happy-clappy Christian to dwell with. He stays. He’s with you. Even in the silence. Sometimes the silence is the invitation. Not to give up on God. But to go deeper in your healing. Psalm 84:6 (NIV) says, ‘As they pass through the valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs: the autumn rains also cover it with pools.’ Even the driest of days, the valley of Baca times, can lead to refreshing, strength and blessing when we are prepared to lean into spiritual silence.
🙏 Prayer
God,
I don’t understand why I feel so distant from you right now.
But your word promises that you are near.
Even when I can’t feel it.
Even when I struggle to believe it.
So, I choose to accept it’s true.
I accept you are close.
I accept you are for me, not against me.
I know you desire what is best for me.
So, I ask you to lead me through this dry season.
Help me find my way back to myself.
Help me rediscover your nearness.
Come close.
Closer still.
Amen
This devotional was written by Matt Britton, and the accompanying videos were written and presented by Corin Pilling.