John 14:16
New King James Version
16 I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever. This promise is rooted in God’s desire to be with His people.

In Acts 7:48-49, Stephen quoted Isaiah, emphasizing that God doesn’t dwell in temples made with hands.

Acts 7:48-49
New King James Version
48 However, the Most High does not dwell in temples made with hands, as the prophet says:

49 ‘Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. What house will you build for Me? says the Lord, or what is the place of My rest?’

Ephesians 2:19-21 reveals that God’s presence will never depart from mankind again.

Ephesians 2:19-21
New King James V‬‬ersion
19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,

20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone,

21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord.

Through Christ’s sacrifice, we’re made clean and become a habitation for God. We see the remarkable truth that God has not only promised to be with us but has chosen to dwell within us through His Spirit. We are no longer distant from God; through Christ, we are made into a living temple, a place where His presence resides forever. Glory to God!

His promise is not just for a moment but for eternity. We are no longer strangers or outsiders, but members of God’s household, built on the firm foundation of Christ Himself.

Yet, even with these incredible promises and the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we sometimes feel as though God is distant. We may ask, “If God is truly with me, why do I feel alone?” These feelings of distance aren’t because God has moved away—He hasn’t. Rather, there are things in our own lives that can cloud our ability to experience His closeness.

So in all of this, in the truth that we are the very dwelling place of the Holy Spirit, why do we as believers still feel that God is far from us?

1. Sin and Condemnation

   When we sin, the devil brings condemnation to our minds. But Romans 8:1 reminds us,

   Romans 8:1
   New King James Version
   1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

   And in

   Romans 8:33
   New King James Version
   33 Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.

   No matter what the devil is trying to put in your mind, no matter how you feel, your reality is that you are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. What you feel as a believer is not condemnation. You can feel sorry for your actions. But as a believer, do not feel condemned! Condemnation is not for a believer. Bring yourself to full recognition of who you are.

2. Storms and Sufferings

   Because something bad happened in your house doesn’t mean God is far from you. Many of us have attributed great times to God being close to us and bad times to God being far from us but this is a wrong mindset to have as a believer. Tribulations don’t mean God is far. Jesus said,

   John 16:33
   New King James Version
   33 In the world you shall have tribulations, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

   You must hold the revelation of the Word over feelings. Even if the devil keeps doing his best to put you down, you know Christ has overcome the world so you have overcome the world. When we feel like God is distant, it’s important to recognize that these feelings don’t define our reality. As believers, we know that God’s Word is more powerful than our emotions. The enemy might attempt to cloud our perception with condemnation, fear, or doubt, but God’s truth remains. His promises stand, and He is always near.

So, what can we do when it feels like God is far?

1. Prioritize Confessions

   Remind yourself of who you are in Christ Jesus. Speak words of affirmation and life, not condemnation. When negative thoughts or accusations from the enemy flood your mind, respond with God’s Word. Revelation 12:11 tells us we overcome “by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony.” Victory has already been secured through Christ’s sacrifice. Speak the truth of God’s Word over your life, declaring His promises and silencing the lies of the enemy.

2. Spend Time Praying and Studying

   Build yourself up in the faith. Prayer and Bible study are vital for staying connected with God and strengthening your spirit. Jude 1:20 encourages us to build ourselves up in faith by praying in the Holy Spirit. As you spend time in God’s Word and in His presence, you’ll find clarity and reassurance that He is near.

3. Gather with Believers

   When you’re struggling, don’t isolate yourself. Seek support from fellow believers who can encourage and uplift you. Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us not to neglect gathering together, as it provides an opportunity to stir up love and good works. When you’re feeling down, the prayers and encouragement of others can reignite your faith and help you feel God’s presence once again.

In those moments when God seems far, it’s not that He’s distant. More often than not, it’s the enemy playing with your mind. Remember, you are never alone.

Prayer Point
Father, I acknowledge your presence within me. Help me to remember my identity in Christ Jesus and overcome feelings of distance. I prioritize confessions, prayer, and studying Your Word, and I seek comfort in the gathering of believers.