What to Do When You Feel Far from God

You pray, but nothing happens. You go to Mass, but it feels empty. You look around at people who are “on fire” for Jesus, and you wonder: “Why don’t I feel anything?” “Am I doing something wrong?” “Has God forgotten me?” Here’s the truth: Feeling far from God doesn’t mean He’s far away. It just means you’re in a season - and seasons change. Let’s walk through what to do when your soul feels dry and disconnected.

1. Remember: Faith Is More Than a Feeling

God is still with you, even when you feel absolutely nothing. The greatest saints went through what’s called “spiritual dryness” or “the dark night of the soul.”

Mother Teresa felt abandoned by God for decades - but never stopped praying.
St. Thérèse of Lisieux said, “Jesus is asleep in my boat” - but she stayed in the boat anyway.

Faith isn’t about feelings. It’s about choosing Him even when it’s hard.

2. Go Back to the Basics

When you feel far from God, don’t try to “do more.” Just return to the simple things:

Go to Mass - even if you feel numb.
Sit in Adoration - even in silence.
Read a few lines of Scripture - even if they don’t move you.
Say the name of Jesus - even if it’s all you can say.

You don’t have to put on a show for God. Just be present. That’s enough.

3. Talk to Someone

When you're spiritually stuck, it helps to open up. Find a trusted priest, spiritual director, or faith-filled friend. Tell them what you’re going through. You’ll be surprised how many people have been there too. Sometimes God speaks to us through others, especially when our hearts are too tired to hear Him clearly.

4. Keep Showing Up

Think of it like this: If you stop eating just because you’re not hungry, eventually you’ll starve. If you stop praying just because you don’t “feel” it, your soul begins to dry up. So even if it feels empty or awkward, keep showing up. Every prayer, every Mass, every act of faith is a brick in your spiritual foundation - even if you don’t see the house being built.

5. You’re Closer to God Than You Think

God doesn’t wait for you to get it together. He’s not on the other side of your emotions. He is with you right now - in your confusion, your questions, your silence. You don’t have to find Him. He already found you. And He’s not going anywhere.

Final Word

Dryness. Darkness. Anxiety. Silence. These are not signs that God has left you. They are invitations to go deeper, to trust more, and to walk by faith, not by sight.

So keep going. Even when you don’t feel God- He feels you.