What to Do When God Feels Far Away

Join Braden Pedersen on Back to the Bible Daily for a brief, encouraging devotional about spiritual dryness rooted in Psalm 42:1–2. If you’ve ever opened Scripture and felt nothing, this episode gently reframes that dryness—not as failure but as an invitation to turn toward God, deepen your hunger, and root your faith in truth rather than feelings. Practical encouragement to open Scripture, pray, and remain faithful even when God feels distant. Read: Read Psalm 42:1–2 (ESV): “As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.” Reflect: Ask yourself, “Do I feel thirsty or full?” Notice the psalmist’s honest longing—dryness can reveal deeper need rather than defeat. Consider where you might be settling for surface-level faith. Respond: Short prayer — “Lord, I feel dry—but I still come to You. Draw me near, deepen my hunger for Your presence, and strengthen my faith. In Jesus’ name, amen.” Reveal: Share Psalm 42:1–2 and your simple prayer with a friend or family member. Offer to pray together or tell one person how this season is shaping your hunger for God so you can both lean in. Back to the Bible Daily, Braden Pedersen, spiritual dryness, Psalm 42, daily devotional, Christian devotion, scripture meditation, faith encouragement, prayer, worship, feeling distant from God, devotional podcast, short devotional, Bible reading, reflect respond reveal