When God feels Distant
Turning Silence into a Deeper Faith Journey
Contemporary Christian Music duo, Caleb and John, in their candid conversation with Family Life Radio, shared their own experiences of feeling far from God—stories that offer solace and serve as guideposts for navigating our way back to Him.
We all seem to have moments on this winding journey of faith when it seems as if God has stepped back, leaving us to wander through our doubts and fears alone. If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re not alone.
When Silence Feels Like Abandonment
John’s story begins with an honesty that’s as refreshing as it is relatable. “I kind of came to Christ later in my life,” he admits. He describes a life where church attendance was more about tradition than transformation.
But then, a seemingly small gesture from his sister—a song recommendation—became the catalyst for his own spiritual awakening. “Reckless Love” was a song he initially dismissed, only to rediscover it on his own six months later. “It just… messed me up,” John recalls.
The lyrics, the melody, just something about the song that he had never c before. “I’ve never understood that,” he reflects on about the power of encountering God in the unexpected.
Caleb’s journey echoes a similar theme of seeking God in the silence. His dream was to create music that glorified God, but rejection from Belmont University’s Christian Showcase year after year left him questioning God’s presence in his life.
“It feels like You’re not with me,” he said, expressing the heartache of seeing his dreams deferred. Yet, it was during a drive away from another disappointment that God broke through his frustration, reassuring him, “Nothing has changed … This does not define you.”
In his moment of doubt, Caleb found truth:
God’s plans for us are not derailed by worldly setbacks.
Unexpected Messages
John’s initial rejection of the song “Reckless Love” is a vivid reminder that God often speaks in ways we might not anticipate or even want. The lesson here is simply to stay open to the possibility that God’s voice might find you through a song, a conversation, or even in the quietness of your own heart.
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Practical Steps to Drawing Closer to God
1. Seek in Silence
If you’re feeling distant from God, take a moment to seek Him in the silence. Silence can be a sacred space for hearing God’s whisper amidst the noise of life.
2. Stay Open
Like John, you might find God reaching out to you in unexpected ways. Whether it’s through music, nature, or scripture, be open to the myriad ways God can speak to your heart.
3. Reflect on Your Journey
Recall moments when you have felt God’s presence. These memories can be beacons of hope during times when He seems far away.
4. Embrace Your Unique Path
Your journey is yours alone. Comparing your walk with God to others can lead to feelings of inadequacy or abandonment. Remember, God’s plan for you is uniquely tailored to you.
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5. Persist in Prayer
Even when it feels like your prayers are bouncing off the ceiling, keep talking to God. Prayer is about building a relationship, not just petitioning for answers.
Your Calling Is Unchanged by Circumstances
Caleb’s repeated rejections did not mean God had abandoned him or altered His call on for Caleb’s life. If you’re facing closed doors, remember your worth and purpose in God’s eyes are not contingent on worldly success.
Every moment of doubt, every season of silence, is woven together by the hand of a God who never lets us go.
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