How to cope with feeling distant

[exalt]

Hi, I'm new here. Just wanted to introduce myself, and ask you all how you stay strong in faith.

First off, I'm a fairly new christian. I've been a follower for about a year and a half. Since I gave my life to Christ, I have been reading the word daily. I was baptised about 5 months after I became a believer. I have been working with High School ministry for about as long as I have given my life to Christ. I feel that has been a huge part of my growth. I have also been lucky enough to be chosen to be decipled (along with my roomate who has become my closest friend) by a pastor at our church. I have truely been blessed to have the kind of community that I have at my church, as well as at home.

The problem I am having is that sometimes I feel so connected with GOD, (one particular period in time which lasted about a month) and other times (like now) I feel soooo distant, so like my old self, so alone. I skiped church yesterday for the first time. I didn't want to go. I don't know why. I have not had the passion for the word as I used to. I don't feel like praying at all. Even though I know that prayer right now is probably the best thing. It's just that, I feel that my prayers are unworthy when I feel like this. I feel like GOD isn't listening. I don't feel his presence, and I don't like it.

Around Easter, I was studying about other religions. Muslims, Catholics, and Jehova Witnesses for the most part. I prayed all day. I fasted. I prayed for GOD to speak to me in some way. Since then I've felt alone. How do you guys stay so strong in faith? I just want to have the kind of relationship with GOD that he is pleased with. Will you guys say a quick little prayer for me? That this feeling would depart from me. Thank you.

 

[Sketcher]

Well, you're not always going to feel that rush as a Christian. One of the key things God wants to teach us is that He is there for us whether we feel it or not. He wants to build true faith in us, and true faith is what you have when you choose to trust Him and follow Him even though your mood tells you otherwise. I can tell you first hand that Satan loves to use our perception against us. As the father of lies, he is very good at that. But God's promises to us in writing stand true no matter what corner of life you are in. He is with you now no less than He was the week you got saved. All I can say is read your Bible, pray to Him constantly and trust that He will reveal Himself. Leave anything you know to be sin at His feet. Keep doing that, trusting in Him, and you will make it out of this just fine. He may or may not answer as quickly as you'd like or in the specific way that you'd like, but He is faithful to answer.

 

[Donny_B]

It's important to go to a good Bible-believing church where doctrine in emphasized. At my church, we say the Apostle's Creed or Nicene Creed every Sunday, which helps keep false doctrines from creeping in. Also, study the Bible regularly. If you are in doubt about a particular subject, ask someone who is well-qualified to give an answer.

I study the Bible regularly by listening to a 30-minute radio broadcast daily at www.ttb.org You can download the broadcasts in mp3 format off the internet for free. They are in the book of Isaiah now. I listen on my earphones while I am out walking or jogging.

 

[jenptcfan]

Having times when you feel not as close to God is really common. Don't think you're alone in that, and don't give up!

Sometimes I feel distant and I'll realize it's because I have some sort of unconfessed/unrepented of sin in my life. Usually at that time I'll say "OK, God, what is it?" And he'll reveal it to me so I can repent and make things right. Getting honest with God and saying "OK, I don't feel as close to you as I want to. Show me what I need to do." is usually what God seems to want from me in those times.

 

[wvmtnkid]

Hi exalt!

Welcome to CF! Glad to have you join us!

I would venture to say that everyone here has gone through exactly what you are describing more than once in their walk with Christ. So please don't think you are alone or that your faith isn't genuine or that something is wrong with you. Those are just little lies satan likes to whisper to you to spread doubt in your mind. Many times after a huge spiritual breakthrough or a spiritual high, we will go through a spiritual drought. I think sometimes it is a period of testing. Look back at the story of Elijah after he defeated Ahab and the Baal worshippers in 2 Kings 18. You would think that after such a mighty defeat at the hands of the Lord, Elijah would be riding high! But he went into a period of depression and he fled. And remember the story of Christ's baptism? God announced to those there that Jesus was His son, with whom He was pleased! What happens immediately afterward? Jesus is sent by the Spirit into the desert to be tested.

I have read that sometimes God is silent before us, not that He isn't there, but that He is silent, to test our faith. It's easy to trust Him and have faith in Him when we can feel His presence. But what about those times when we don't readily feel Him? Maybe God is using this period as a time to grow your faith and your dependence on Him.

Just keep doing what you know to do in your heart. Keep reading, keep praying and keep seeking Him. When the testing is over, you will know it and feel refreshed by His presence again.

 

[seangoh]

hi exalt! I know what u're going through coz i've been there too. Let me come up with a theory. When one learns so much for a period of time, it is likely that he will burn out unless he does one thing - share what he learns with others. The massive amount of new information that gets into you can suffocate you unless you give it away. And by doing that, you further strengthen your faith and you'll want to go further. So essentially, the giving away part is the one that keeps me going on and on. If i don't have this forum to express what i've learnt or don't have chance at evangelism, i doubt i'll be this strong in faith.

 

[klewlis]

We have definitely all been there! It is a perfectly normal part of the process, as others have stated above.

A couple of things:
- check out Philip Yancey's book "reaching for the invisible God". It deals directly with stuff like this and I have found it to be very encouraging.
- get involved in serving--either serving in some ministry within your church, or in a charitable organization in your community--this can help you to keep your focus on the things that matter, and can revive some passion. Just be sure to find something you love doing and be careful not to burn out.
- don't stop praying and going to church! I know how it feels when you don't feel worthy, but that is a vicious cycle that can only go downward. You are allowed to approach God at ANY time because you have been justified and sanctified, and you are his child. If you stop praying because you don't feel worthy, then you will only feel worse and more guilty, and then you will keep on avoiding prayer. Instead, you need to dive in and tell God how you feel, and ask him to help you stay strong and continue to seek him. And of course be sure to deal with any sin involved, since that can also separate us from God. But don't think that he is punishing you by letting you go through this time--it is a time for your faith to grow and be stretched and strengthened, and he will bring you through it!

 

[songz777]

Hello exalt,
Be strong...the Lord hasnt left you. All Christians go though times of testing ,,I did when I was 21. I stuck at it and made Christian friends .. did fun things together..and Started to share with them. Also I made it a point to learn to worship God and read my bible ...after a while the JOY came and real happiness it will for you ..so dont give up,,and stay close to real Christians who love and care about younger Christians.
Praying for you my friend JOHN

 

[songz777]

Hello exalt,
Be strong...the Lord hasnt left you. All Christians go though times of testing ,,I did when I was 21. I stuck at it and made Christian friends .. did fun things together..and Started to share with them. Also I made it a point to learn to worship God and read my bible ...after a while the JOY came and real happiness it will for you ..so dont give up,,and stay close to real Christians who love and care about younger Christians.
Praying for you my friend JOHN

 

[MrsGnomeCrusher]

Everyone on here is absolutely wonderful.

I'm going through a bit of what exalt is experiencing. I just wanted to say that everyone who responded to his post helped me a bit. I just wanted to say thank you. I hope it helped you, too, exalt.

 

[exalt]

it definately has Caelda. I want to thank you all for your encouragement, advice, and compassion. I think what you said wvmtnkid is totally true. It only makes sence that these type of situations are tests, and growing experiences in faith. I have felt much better lately, have been praying, and singing songs of praise to GOD. I believe he has shown me (through others) some things that have been somewhat concern to me. I do believe that the evil one has a huge part in the lies I have been hearing. I believe that as you grow to be a stronger christian, in knowledge, in faith, in wisdom from the Lord, satan will try his best to make things harder on you. More lies, more attack. I can only immagine what our pastors go through. Thank GOD for the power he gives us. Thanks again to all of you for your care. Caelda, I will pray for you right now. GOD bless you all.