As a believer, who is after a longing relationship with God, there is a need to recognize the signs you are distant from God. This is because our relationship with God is the most important one in our lives. He is the source of true fulfillment, purpose, and lasting joy. Yet it’s easy to drift from intimacy with Him without even realizing it. Life gets busy, other priorities crowd out time with God, and we can gradually become distant from our Creator.
Have you noticed your spiritual life lacking lately? Do you feel distant from God or struggle to connect with Him? In fact, how do you know you are drifting away from God? Don’t worry. You’re not alone! Many believers go through seasons where they feel far from God. The good news is – no matter how distant you feel, God is always near and waiting for you to draw close to Him again.
In this article, we’ll explore 12 common signs you are distant from God. As we examine each one, don’t feel guilty or condemned. Rather, let these signs serve as an invitation from God to return to Him. He loves you so much and longs to have a vibrant, intimate relationship with you.
The great news is that no matter how far you’ve drifted, God offers multiple ways to reconnect and restore closeness with Him. We’ll share 12 practical and powerful tips to rekindle your intimacy with God. Even if you feel miles apart from Him right now, take heart! These simple yet profound practices will help you reunite with God and experience His presence anew.
You don’t have to stay distant from God any longer. Let this article serve as your guide back into His loving arms. With some practical adjustments and prioritizing God above all else, you can reestablish a warm, close walk with Him starting today.
1. You don’t pray or read the Bible regularly
One of the clearest indicators and signs you are distant from God is when your prayer life and Bible reading have declined. These are the primary ways we communicate with God and hear from Him. If you’ve noticed that your conversations with God have dwindled and your Bible has been collecting dust, it’s a sure sign that you’ve distanced yourself from the Lord.
Life gets busy, and time with God often gets pushed aside by other priorities. Days or weeks can go by without any substantial time in prayer or God’s Word. But this neglect has consequences – the natural result is feeling distant from God. His voice grows faint, and you lose the joy of His presence.
The good news is that restoring your intimacy with God begins with a simple commitment to spend regular time with Him in prayer and Bible study. Set aside a specific time and place each day to meet with God, guarding that appointment against anything else encroaching upon it. Many people find first thing in the morning or in the evening before bed to be ideal times.
As you read God’s Word, speak to Him about what you’re reading and how it applies to your life. Pour out your heart to Him, and listen for His voice and direction. Using a prayer journal or Bible reading plan can help you stay consistent and engaged. When you regularly open your heart to God and soak in the truths of Scripture, you’ll find that closeness with Him is revived. Distance from God melts away in the light of His Word and through the power of prayer.
So if your prayer life is nearly non-existent and dust is gathering on your Bible, take it as one of the signs you are moving away from God. Re-prioritize your daily quiet time with Him. Discover the joy of feeling His presence again as you start each day in communion with Him.
2. You don’t feel His presence or peace
One of the joys of walking closely with God is experiencing His manifested presence and overflowing peace. But if you’ve noticed that God seems distant and His peace is lacking, it’s a clear indication that your relationship with Him is not thriving and one of the clearest signs you are distant from God.
When we abide in Christ, we can feel His presence surrounding us, guiding us, comforting us. Our souls are anchored in Him, and His peace guards our hearts even in turbulent times. But sin and self-reliance interrupt our connection with God. His voice fades, and we lose the joy of His presence.
The good news is that you can restore God’s presence and peace by drawing near to Him again. Begin with worship – praised-filled, surrendered worship. Thank Him for who He is and all He has done for you. Confess any sins that are causing separation from Him. Ask Him to fill you afresh with His Holy Spirit.
Also, surrender your will entirely to Him. Quit trying to control your own life and submit to His lordship over every area. Obey what you already know He is calling you to do in obedience to His Word. As you seek His face and surrender to His will, you’ll feel His presence surrounding you again. Your soul will be replenished with His perfect peace.
Don’t settle for distance from God and lack of His peace. Take this sign seriously and sincerely pursue Him. God promises that if we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us. As you realign your heart with His and submit to His ways, you’ll be overwhelmed again by His nearness and peace. Don’t give up until His presence permeates your life once more!
3. You don’t care about His kingdom or His glory
One of the signs you are distant from God and a telling indicator that your affection for God has grown cold is that you have little interest in advancing His kingdom or bringing Him glory. When our relationship with God is vibrant, we naturally care deeply about His purposes and passionately want to see His name honored and proclaimed.
But if your heart is distant from God, you may not give much thought to the expansion of His kingdom. You’re indifferent toward ministry done in His name. You don’t feel compelled to share the gospel or live out its implications. Pursuing God’s glory in your life and world seems like a low priority.
The good news is that by realigning your priorities with God’s, you can reconnect with Him and rekindle spiritual fire. How? Begin serving others, meeting needs, and blessing your community in Jesus’ name. Use your gifts and talents to advance His kingdom every day.
Also, become eager to share the hope of Christ and tell others about Him. Make bringing glory to God’s name your supreme desire. As you focus again on His kingdom purposes rather than your own, you’ll be drawn back to God’s heart of compassion, justice, and redemption.
Don’t settle for apathy toward God’s work in this world. If that fire has gone out, take it as the urgent sign it is. God wants to use you to build His kingdom and spread His fame. When you devote yourself to His global purpose, you’ll reconnect to His heart and find unspeakable joy and meaning. Revive your passion for His kingdom!
4. You don’t love God or others as you should
The heart of our faith is love – a wholehearted love for God and a selfless love for others. But if your love for God and people has grown cold, it’s one of the signs you are distant from God and a sure sign that your relationship with God is in need of revival.
When we walk closely with God, our love for Him overflows. We long to know Him more, obey Him, and bring Him glory. Our compassion for others also naturally increases. But sin and self-focus interrupt this kind of fervent love.
The good news is that by intentionally cultivating a grateful and generous heart, you can rekindle love for God and others. Begin by reflecting on all God has done for you and the many ways He has blessed you. Offer prayers of thanks and praise to Him for His goodness and grace.
Also, look for practical ways to share His love with people around you. Give generously of your financial resources and time in service to others. Extend compassion to those in need and invest in kingdom work. As you choose to fix your eyes on God’s kindness and care for others, your heart will open again.
Don’t settle for lack of love. It was never God’s intent. Draw close to Him again in praise and gratitude. And follow His model of selfless giving. As you lean into generosity, you’ll rediscover the profound joy of wholehearted love for God and others. This is God’s call on your life, and it’s too wonderful to forfeit!
5. You don’t have joy or passion in your life
One telltale indicator of distance from God is feeling stuck in lifeless drudgery. When our relationship with God is vibrant, we experience His joy and pursue dreams He’s placed in our hearts with passion. But apart from Him, joy fades and passion runs dry.
Life becomes monotonous, mundane, and even burdensome. Each day feels like going through the motions without significance. We lack spiritual vitality and hunger. But the good news is that by realigning with God’s purposes, joy and passion can be restored!
Ask God to show you the unique purpose He has for your life. How does He want you to use your gifts and interests for His glory? As you gain clarity on your God-given calling, joy will grow and passion will be rekindled.
Also, set inspiring goals aligned with your purpose. Dream big and take bold steps of faith! Don’t settle for mediocrity when God has destined you for greatness in His kingdom. When you pursue His dreams for you wholeheartedly, your spirit will come alive again.
Don’t remain stuck in a rut, drained of joy and zeal. If passion is missing, it’s time for a change. Seek God and boldly follow His vision for your life. The joy, satisfaction and enthusiasm you crave can be found in pursuing His plans. Reignite your passion by unlocking your God-given potential starting today!
6. You don’t have faith or hope in your future
When our relationship with God is thriving, we have rock-solid faith in His promises and vibrant hope for the future He has planned. But if your faith feels shaky and hope for your future seems uncertain, it’s one of the signs you are distant from God.
Without staying rooted in God’s truth, doubt and fear set in. You may be relying on your own strength rather than trusting God’s power and timing. But the good news is that by immersing yourself in God’s promises, faith and hope can be restored!
Start reading and meditating on Scripture verses about God’s faithfulness and His plans to prosper you. Pray these promises back to God. Let your imagination be ignited with hope again for all God desires to do in and through you. He guarantees you a future of blessing and purpose if you walk with Him.
Also, look expectantly for God’s miraculous hand in your life. He specializes in the impossible and delights in showing Himself strong on behalf of those who believe. Watch for His divine appointments and healing touch. Thank Him in advance for the wonders He will perform. As you set your hope fully on Him, doubt and despair will vanish.
Don’t settle for a life devoid of faith and hope. Reconnect with the God who parts seas and raises the dead! Take hold of His mighty promises for you and watch expectantly for His miracles. Let your heart swell with hope again today!
7. You don’t have freedom or victory in your struggles
One evidence that we are walking in step with God is experiencing His strength in the midst of trials and freedom from bondage. But if you continually struggle without victory, it points to one of the signs you are distant from God.
In our own power, we will fail again and again. Addictions and weaknesses keep us trapped because we rely on human willpower rather than God’s. Detachment from God’s truth and grace opens the door to strongholds in our lives. But the way back into His freedom is within reach!
First, confess your faults and weaknesses to God without shame. Admit all the ways you’ve failed and surrendered ground to the enemy. Ask Him to break chains and provide a way of escape. Claim His power to help you overcome.
Also, affirm who you are in Christ – a dearly loved child of God, a friend of Jesus, a victorious warrior. Fix your eyes on your identity in Him, not your shortcomings. As you lean wholly on His strength and believe His truths about you, you will walk again in freedom and victory!
Don’t settle for Repeat defeat and despair. Break free by owning your weaknesses and claiming your true identity in Christ. You were made to live in the power of the Spirit and walk in dominion. Don’t give up until the freedom Christ purchased is yours!
8. You don’t have growth or maturity in your faith
An ever-maturing faith characterized by spiritual fruit is the natural result of walking closely with God. But if your faith feels stagnant and your spiritual growth stunted, it is one of the clear signs you are far from God and intimacy with Him is lacking.
When we disconnect from God’s presence, we cease to be transformed into His likeness. His truth stops permeating our hearts and changing us. Stagnancy and apathy set in, and our character shows little resemblance to Jesus.
The good news is that by seeking God’s wisdom and applying His principles, your faith can flourish again! Rekindle your spiritual hunger for the Word. Study Scripture daily and ask God for fresh revelation of His truths. Then promptly apply what you’re learning.
Also, listen for His voice of wisdom in prayer. Walk in obedient surrender to His lead. Imitate Christ’s example of service and sacrifice. As you hide God’s word in your heart and actively follow His ways, dormancy will give way to vibrant maturity.
Don’t settle for a stale faith. Reignite your spiritual passion and watch how deliberately seeking and obeying God restores growth. Stay intentional about pursuing Him through His Word. Your knowledge and Christlike character will mature beautifully as you draw close to Him again.
9. You don’t have fellowship or accountability with other believers
God designed us to grow in community with fellow followers of Jesus. But a lack of meaningful Christian relationships and accountability is one of the signs you are distant from God and a definite indication that you’ve drifted from God’s design.
It’s easy to slip into isolation when we pull away from God. We lose connection with the body of Christ and try to walk solo spiritually. But this leaves us vulnerable and without the essential support and sharpening of fellowship.
The solution is simple, yet profoundly powerful – commit to a local church and small group. Surround yourself with brothers and sisters who can lift you up, speak truth, and help you draw close to God again.
Find a church where you can worship, hear sound teaching, and get involved. Meet regularly with other believers who will pray with you, study the Word together, and do life side-by-side. As you invest in Christian community, you’ll be anchored again to God’s family.
Don’t dismiss the need for regular fellowship. If you’ve become detached from God’s people, reorder your priorities. Pursue friendships and accountability that spur you on in your walk with Christ. Regain spiritual vitality through community!
10. You don’t have influence or impact in your world
When we walk closely with God, we can’t help but influence others and make an eternal impact. His light shines through us, drawing people closer to Him. But if you feel ineffective and isolated, it likely indicates a distancing from God’s purpose for you.
In our own strength, we can’t make a lasting difference for Christ. But when we abide in Him, His power flows through us. We become salt that adds flavor to life and light that pushes back darkness. Staying disconnected robs us of His Spirit’s influence.
The solution is re-embracing your calling to serve as an example and witness for Christ. How? Start by living each day in a way that honors God – strong integrity, uncommon kindness, peace in turmoil. Your life will draw others to Him.
Also, look for opportunities to speak truth about Jesus. Share transparently about how He has changed you. Don’t accept ineffectiveness when you’ve been commissioned to make an eternal impact. Reignite your passion to shine for Jesus and introduce others to Him. Stay close to God and watch your world be transformed!
11. You don’t have humility or repentance in your heart
Pride and unconfessed sin erect walls between God and us. But humility and repentance tear down those walls and open the way for restored intimacy with Him. If your heart lacks tenderness and remorse over sin, it’s a solemn sign that you’ve drifted.
Hardened hearts become calloused toward the conviction of the Holy Spirit. We justify and rationalise our sins, blaming others or circumstances. But the only remedy is to humbly fall before God in repentance, as He is ready to forgive.
First, ask God to search your heart and reveal any offensive ways. Open yourself to His examination and be ready to renounce what He exposes. Then confess fully – agree with Him about the reality of your sins. Hold nothing back.
Finally, repent. Turn away from sinful attitudes and behaviors by the empowering grace of Christ. Determine to walk in holiness and purity, honoring God above all. As you humble yourself and repent, you’ll experience joyful restoration!
Don’t harden your heart any longer. Is pride and sin blinding you from your need for God? Humble yourself and turn back to Him. God embraces the repentant heart. You’ll rediscover unspeakable joy as you return to Him.
12. You don’t have hunger or thirst for God
When we are walking closely with God, we desire Him above all else. Our spirits thirst to know Him more and live fully for Him. But if your soul feels apathetic toward spiritual things, it reveals a heart grown cold and one of the signs you are distant from God.
The cares of this world, busyness of life, and drifting from God’s presence cause our spiritual appetites to fade. The fire of holy hunger vanishes when we feed on the world’s shallow substitutes. But we can rekindle our hunger for God again!
The first step is fasting from anything that competes for your affections and steals your focus. Temporarily abstain from entertainment, social media, or other distractions to realign your heart. Then feast on all God has for you! Immerse yourself in His Word, linger in worship, and cultivate a prayerful spirit.
As you cut out worldly static and indulge deeply in the things of God, divine hunger will be revived. You’ll once again burn with holy passion and single-minded devotion to Christ above all. Don’t remain satisfied with distance from God. Rediscover the joy of pursuing Him wholeheartedly!
Conclusion
As we come to the end of our exploration, we have unveiled the twelve signs you are away from God. Our journey has been one of reflection, understanding, and the pursuit of rekindling a deeper spiritual connection.
Recognizing the signs of distance from God is not a testament of our shortcomings but a call for self-awareness and growth. Each sign serves as a beacon, guiding us towards the path of reconciliation and renewal. Embracing these signs with courage allows us to confront our vulnerabilities, and in turn, find strength in our journey back to the divine.
In times of isolation and doubt, when the burdens of life weigh heavy, it is vital to remember that the divine presence never abandons us. The road back to God is paved with forgiveness, compassion, and acceptance of our imperfections. It is a road that welcomes everyone, regardless of past missteps.
May this understanding guide us all towards a life enriched with spiritual fulfillment and a lasting connection with the eternal grace of God.
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