Sometimes, it feels like God left the group chat—and you’re stuck staring at the screen, waiting for a reply that never pings. There comes a time when the closeness you once felt now feels light-years away. But here’s the good news: He hasn’t gone anywhere. This article lists small, honest steps that make a big difference.
Revisit a Favorite Bible Verse
Return to that verse you couldn’t stop highlighting—yes, the one with smudged ink and folded corners. There’s a reason it hit so hard the first time. Maybe it still has something to say. Let that verse be the spiritual GPS that reminds you of where you’ve been—and gently point you toward where God still is.
Read a Psalm Out Loud
Crack open Psalms and read one aloud like you’re talking to a friend—because, honestly, that’s what it is. These ancient poems are packed with raw emotion, and saying the words aloud hits differently. Psalms were written by multiple authors, including David, who wrote around 73 of them while going through every high and low imaginable.
Journal Your Prayers
Writing things down helps clear the mental clutter. It can be anything—thanks, frustration, questions. Studies show journaling boosts mental clarity and lowers stress, which honestly helps when you’re feeling spiritually off. Flipping back through old pages can be a reminder that God’s been working behind the scenes, even when it didn’t feel like it.
Ask God One Honest Question
Skip the polished prayers and ask the thing that’s actually on your heart—the one that keeps popping up when everything goes quiet. God isn’t intimidated by your honesty. Most people in the Bible asked bold, blunt questions—Job, David, even Jesus. Your doubt doesn’t scare Him.
Play Worship Music While You Cook or Clean
Turn on some worship music while folding laundry, cooking dinner, or scrubbing the sink. Familiar lyrics can bring back moments when God felt near. Plus, music taps into memory and emotion in ways that words alone can’t. Before you know it, chores turn into something way more sacred.
Spend Five Minutes in Silence
This one’s harder than it sounds but weirdly powerful. Silence gives your brain a break and your heart some space to breathe. Studies link even short moments of silence to lower cortisol levels and increased clarity. So sit, breathe, and simply be. You don’t have to say a word—sometimes God speaks best when everything else goes still.
Take a Prayer Walk
Lace up your shoes and talk to God while you walk. It’s that simple. Movement helps calm racing thoughts and makes prayer feel less formal. Use the time to chat, vent, or even walk in silence. God doesn’t need fancy words—He meets you right there on the sidewalk.
Go to a Church Service—Even If You Don’t Feel Like It
Sometimes, showing up is the win. Drag yourself there, even if you’re not exactly in the mood. Church offers more than songs and sermons. It’s a space full of people also trying to figure it out. Community worship boosts emotional well-being and lowers feelings of isolation.
Text a Friend to Pray With You
Shoot a quick text. “Hey, can you pray with me?” Chances are, your friend’s been there too. Prayer is personal, but it doesn’t have to be private. Many practicing Christians say they’ve been spiritually encouraged by praying with someone else. Always remember, community makes a difference.
Try a Devotional App
Apps like YouVersion or Lectio 365 serve short, meaningful devotionals perfect for mornings, lunch breaks, or bedtime wind-downs. They’re designed to meet you where you are—tired brain and all. According to YouVersion, over 500 million people have downloaded the app worldwide. That’s a lot of folks looking for the same thing: connection.
Read a Gospel Story About Jesus
Pick a story: Jesus calming a storm, feeding thousands, or chatting with someone no one else noticed, and read it slowly. They’re snapshots of how Jesus treated people feeling lost, confused, or invisible. The Gospels are packed with over 30 miracles and dozens of real interactions. One of them might hit home right when you need it.
Read a Christian Memoir or Testimony
Real faith stories hit differently when you’re feeling spiritually stuck. These people experienced being messy, raw, and relatable. So, reading how someone else wrestled with doubt or silence can be oddly comforting. One story can remind you that distance from God isn’t the end but often the beginning of something deeper.
Reconnect Through Art or Creativity
Making something can feel like a quiet kind of prayer, especially when words don’t come easy. It can be painting, playing the guitar, or piling LEGOs. God created, so it’s no surprise that creating helps us reconnect. Let your hands do their thing while your heart catches up.
Volunteer or Help Someone in Need
Helping could come as holding a door or signing up for a local drive. Serving gets you out of your head and into someone else’s shoes, often where God shows up. Kindness shifts your perspective, and sometimes, that shift is precisely what reconnects your heart with God’s.
Do a Digital Detox for an Hour (or a Day)
Put the phone down and give your soul a breather. Even an hour off the grid gives your brain some room to breathe. Replace scrolling with stillness, prayer, or even a nap. You’d be surprised how much easier it is to sense God’s presence when your notifications aren’t constantly interrupting.