10 Bible Passages for When God Seems Distant and Aloof

Where do you go when God seems distant?

“It feels like God is watching from his throne far away.”

“I’m sure God cared about those guys in the Bible, but I’m not sure he cares about me.”

“God doesn’t have time for me.”

“Me and God aren’t very close.”

If you’ve ever thought or said any of the above phrases (or a close equivalent), this post is for you. This is for the girl who feels like God, in his busyness of running the world, would never notice her, and the boy who thinks God is unwilling to get his hands dirty with him. It’s for the one who believes Jesus died for her but doubts the closeness of her relationship with God.

If that’s you, you’re not alone.

When God seems far away, these Bible passages will set you on the right course. Because distant and aloof are adjectives that, when used to describe the one true God, couldn’t be further from the truth.

(Psst! Follow the post to the end to get a free 9-day Bible study based on this collection of scripture passages!)

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Psalms For When God Seems Distant

Psalm 139

Psalm 139 demonstrates, in no uncertain terms, how much you are known by God. He created you—knitted you, actually (knitting is a very hands-on activity)—he knows your thoughts before you know them, and he follows your comings and goings every minute of every day. But in case you think he’s observing all this from a distance, check out verse 5: 

“You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.”

No one can put a hand on you from a distance. God is not only close, but he’s also very active in your life. 

Psalm 91

Psalm 91 takes the idea of a close, active God further with the image of him covering you with his feathers (v. 4) and commanding his angels concerning you (v. 11). If you’re having trouble applying this promise of protection to yourself personally, try this eye-opening exercise. Take v. 14-15 and replace every “he” or “him” with your name:

“Because [he] loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue [him]; I will protect [him], for [he] acknowledges my name. [He] will call on me, and I will answer [him]; I will be with [him] in trouble.”

It’s not wrong to do that because these promises aren’t just for the psalmist but for all believers. When God seems far away, this is where you uncover the truth.

Psalm 5:12

“Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.”

Psalm 25:14

“The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them.”

To confide in someone is to tell him or her a secret or private matter. Who do you confide in? Probably your best friend, your brother, your boyfriend, your favorite teacher, or your mother. You don’t confide in the mail carrier or the secretary at your senator’s office (unless he or she is one of those previously listed). Confidence is a personal matter.

Can you imagine God leaning in to whisper a secret in your ear? That’s exactly what this verse says. God confides in believers through his Word. He makes his thoughts known to us—to you.

That’s pretty personal.

Psalm 145:18

“The Lord is near to all who call on him . . .”

God is nearer than you think. You would shudder if you realized just how close he stood to you right now. But no worries, as it says in Psalm 73:28, “As for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge.”

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More Bible Verses For When God Seems Far Away

Notice how all these verses are about where to look when God seems distant? That’s because it’s only your perception. God never moves away from your side, as I hope you will realize here.

Isaiah 41:9-10

“I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you . . . I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.”

Deuteronomy 31:8

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

This verse was first spoken by Moses and addressed to Joshua. Two verses before, he said pretty much the same thing to the whole Israelite nation. 

But I’m neither Joshua nor an Israelite, you say. That’s okay, because  this verse is quoted and applied to all believers in Hebrews 13:5.

That means you.

Ephesians 2:13

“. . . you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”

1 John 4:13,15

“This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God.”

James 4:8

Make God your refuge every day. Dive into his Word, study his promises, seek him in earnest prayer, and see how close he gets. Because just as he promised,

“Come near to God and he will come near to you.”