Many people have come to me with this question, often quietly and with some pain in their hearts. You pray, you try to be faithful, yet God seems silent—almost absent. If you have felt this way, you are not alone. Even strong believers, even saints, have known moments when heaven felt closed and God seemed far away.
The Bible speaks honestly about this experience. In the Book of Psalms, we hear cries like, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” These words are not a lack of faith; they are the language of real relationship. Scripture shows us that God allows His children to speak to Him from places of confusion, sorrow, and longing. Silence does not mean abandonment—it often means something deeper is taking place within us.
The Church teaches us that God sometimes allows this sense of distance to mature our faith. When feelings fade, love becomes a choice. In these moments, God invites us to trust Him not because we feel His presence, but because we know His character. Like a loving parent teaching a child to walk, God may step back—not to leave us, but to help us grow stronger in faith and perseverance.
In daily life, this means continuing to pray even when prayer feels dry, continuing to love even when hope feels thin. Often, it is only later—looking back—that we recognize God was closest to us in those very moments of silence. Faith deepens not when everything is clear, but when we choose to remain faithful in the dark.
A Quiet Reflection
If God feels distant right now, do not be afraid. Stay with Him, even in silence. Sometimes, God is closer than ever—teaching our hearts to listen more deeply.
— Fr. John Matthew, for Christian Way.
