Discovering and growing in faith can be a challenging journey filled with ups and downs. There are seasons when God seems close and real, and other times when He feels distant or silent. What causes these spiritual highs and lows? Why is it sometimes so hard to find and follow God?
Here are some potential reasons that finding God can be difficult at times:
1. We are distracted by the cares of this world
It’s easy to become consumed by the demands of everyday life – work, family, responsibilities, problems, entertainment, technology, etc. Our schedules fill up, we get busy, and we can push God to the margins. But Jesus warns us: “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life” (Luke 21:34). The distractions and pressures of this world often compete for our attention.
2. We struggle with sin and temptation
When we give into temptation and sin, it damages our fellowship with God. We feel guilt, shame, and distance from Him. Unconfessed sin creates a barrier between us and God (Isaiah 59:2). Thankfully, God is gracious and forgiving when we repent (1 John 1:9), but ongoing struggle with sin impacts our ability to clearly see and hear from God.
3. We face spiritual warfare
There is an enemy of our souls who wants to turn us away from God. Satan prowls around looking for people to devour (1 Peter 5:8). He will put lies in our minds, discourage us, and do anything he can to distract us from drawing near to God. We must be alert and resist the devil (James 4:7). Spiritual warfare is real, and it can hinder us from pursuing God.
4. God seems silent when we need Him most
Perhaps one of the most difficult experiences is when God’s voice seems absent right when we need to hear from Him most – in a time of crisis, tragedy, or pivotal decision. But as believers, we can be assured that God has promised to never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). His timing and purposes are beyond our understanding. We walk by faith even when we cannot see or hear Him clearly (2 Corinthians 5:7).
5. We doubt God’s goodness and care
When painful circumstances come our way, we can be tempted to wonder if God is who He says He is. Does He see what I’m going through? Does He care? Why hasn’t He intervened? But the Bible assures us that God is infinitely loving, wise and powerful. He knows what is best for us and will not allow unnecessary pain (1 Peter 4:19). He can redeem any hardship for our growth. Doubts reveal where we need to build our trust in God’s faithful character.
6. We have not made seeking God a priority
Intimacy with God requires dedicated time and focus. But so often we say we are too busy, too tired, or we just forget. Our spiritual life slowly becomes crowded out. If we want to find and know God, we need to actively prioritize seeking Him every day through bible reading, prayer, worship, fellowship, etc. We have to make time for relationship. “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you” (James 4:8).
7. We insist on wanting God in our own way
Many times we want an experience with God on our own terms. We want Him to speak and move when and how we demand. But a defining quality of God is His complete holiness and “other-ness” from us as creatures. He is God and we are not. He reveals Himself through Christ on His terms and timing. We must surrender our agendas to find Him.
8. We have adopted wrong views of God
Our ability to relate to God can become distorted if we adopt unbiblical views of His character and ways. For example, believing God is angry, harsh, distant or uncaring will cause us to avoid Him. We must allow Scripture to shape our perspective on who God truly is – loving, patient, wise, gracious, forgiving, good, sovereign, etc. Wrong views of God lead us away from Him.
9. We feel ashamed to approach God again
When we fail and fall short spiritually, some may hesitate to re-engage with God because of shame or feelings of unworthiness. But the Bible urges us to draw near to God with boldness, knowing that He will accept and forgive us as His children (Hebrews 4:16). Condemnation comes from the enemy, not our Father. Don’t let shame keep you from returning to Him.
10. We have not experienced personal encounters with God
For new believers or those with little background in faith, finding God can seem abstract or mystical. But Christianity is based on historical, supernatural events. As we learn about God’s nature and grow in relationship with Him, we begin to experience and recognize His presence and activity in our lives.
These kinds of personal encounters with God – hearing His voice, seeing answers to prayers, having spiritual conversations with others, etc. – are critical for building an authentic faith. We were designed for intimate friendship with God.
In summary, there are many reasons why finding and following God can be challenging at times for believers. But He promises that if we continue to seek Him, we will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13). God desires relationship with us even more than we desire closeness with Him. He is always faithful even when we are faithless (2 Timothy 2:13). If God seems hidden, keep praying, reading Scripture, Christian fellowship and trusting in Christ. Our spiritual highs and lows are temporary. God’s love endures forever.