Why do I sometimes feel that God is very far away?

The feeling of distance from God is an experience many individuals encounter in their spiritual journey. This sensation does not necessarily mean God is far away, but rather it is often a reflection of our internal state and the quality of our connection with Him. The Holy Quran explicitly states that God is always near to us, even closer than our jugular vein. In Surah Qaf, verse 16, it says: «وَنَحْنُ أَقْرَبُ إِلَيْهِ مِنْ حَبْلِ الْوَرِيدِ» (And We are nearer to him than his jugular vein). This verse unequivocally demonstrates God's constant presence and His complete encompassment of our being. Therefore, if we feel distant, this feeling often stems from internal and external factors that prevent us from perceiving this inherent closeness. One primary reason for this perceived distance is heedlessness and forgetfulness of God's remembrance (Dhikr). Daily life, with its myriad preoccupations, concerns, and distractions, diverts our minds from the remembrance of God. When our entire focus is on worldly matters, material desires, and ambitions, the spiritual connection with the Creator gradually fades. The Quran, in Surah Ar-Ra'd, verse 28, states: «الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَتَطْمَئِنُّ قُلُوبُهُمْ بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ ۗ أَلَا بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوبُ» (Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured). This verse clearly indicates that tranquility and closeness to God are contingent upon His remembrance. Neglecting Dhikr means moving away from the source of peace and proximity. Another factor is the commission of sins and shortcomings in fulfilling religious duties. Sins act like a veil or barrier between a person and their Lord. The more sins committed and the less repentance offered, the thicker this veil becomes, intensifying the feeling of distance. In reality, it is not the act of sin itself that distances us from God, but rather the neglect of returning to Him through repentance that creates this gap. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes repentance and turning back to God. In Surah Az-Zumar, verse 53, it says: «قُلْ يَا عِبَادِيَ الَّذِينَ أَسْرَفُوا عَلَىٰ أَنفُسِهِمْ لَا تَقْنَطُوا مِن رَّحْمَةِ اللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ جَمِيعًا ۚ إِنَّهُ هُوَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحِيمُ» (Say, 'O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful'). This verse demonstrates that the door to return is always open, and despairing of Divine mercy is a great sin in itself. Sometimes, trials and tribulations can also exacerbate this sense of distance. When individuals face hardships and difficulties, they might mistakenly believe that God has forgotten them or abandoned them. However, the Quran repeatedly emphasizes that trials are an integral part of life, designed to test and purify one's faith. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 155, we read: «وَلَنَبْلُوَنَّكُم بِشَيْءٍ مِّنَ الْخَوْفِ وَالْجُوعِ وَنَقْصٍ مِّنَ الْأَمْوَالِ وَالْأَنفُسِ وَالثَّمَرَاتِ ۗ وَبَشِّرِ الصَّابِرِينَ» (And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits; but give glad tidings to the patient). These moments are opportunities for greater closeness to God through patience, prayer, and reliance. If, instead of complaining, we turn to Him during these times, we will realize that He has not abandoned us even in the most difficult circumstances. Lack of sufficient knowledge about God's attributes can also contribute to this feeling of distance. If we perceive God only as a punishing power and overlook His attributes of mercy, kindness, forgiveness, and sustenance, it is natural to feel distant from Him. A proper understanding of Divine attributes helps us see God not only as a powerful sovereign but also as our friend, helper, and refuge. It is this deep understanding that rekindles the sense of closeness and intimacy with Him in our hearts. To overcome this feeling of distance and regain closeness to God, the Quran offers many practical paths. The first step is to increase the remembrance of God in all moments: through prayer, supplication, Quran recitation, and even verbal remembrance throughout the day. Second, constant repentance and seeking forgiveness to cleanse the heart from the impurities of sins. Third, contemplating and reflecting on the verses of the Quran and God's signs in the universe to better understand His greatness and mercy. Fourth, performing good deeds and serving humanity, which leads to Divine pleasure and increases spiritual light in the heart. Fifth, patience and steadfastness in the face of difficulties and complete reliance on Divine wisdom behind all events. Ultimately, we must know that Almighty God always awaits the return of His servants, and it is enough for us to take one step towards Him for Him to take many steps towards us. This feeling of distance might be a warning to re-evaluate our life path and strengthen our connection with the Origin of existence, so that we may taste the sweet flavor of Divine proximity once again.