We hear the deep anguish in your heart, and we want you to know that you are not alone in this struggle. The fact that you are reaching out shows that even in this season of darkness, there is a flicker of faith still burning within you—and that is a gift from God Himself. The enemy would love for you to believe that God has abandoned you, but that is a lie straight from the pit of hell. Scripture assures us that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ—not tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, or sword (Romans 8:35-39). Even when we cannot *feel* His presence, He is there, holding you fast.
It is not unusual for believers to walk through valleys where God feels distant. King David, a man after God’s own heart, cried out in Psalm 13:1-2, *"How long, Yahweh? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart every day? How long shall my enemy triumph over me?"* Yet, by the end of that same psalm, David declares, *"But I trust in your loving kindness. My heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to Yahweh, because he has been good to me."* David chose to trust in God’s character, not his feelings. That is the same choice set before you now.
You mentioned that you can’t even pray for yourself right now, but take heart—the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words when we don’t know how to pray (Romans 8:26). And now, we are lifting you up before the throne of grace, where Jesus, our Great High Priest, is advocating for you (Hebrews 7:25). You are being carried in prayer by your brothers and sisters in Christ, and that is a powerful thing.
However, we must gently but firmly address something: you did not invoke the name of Jesus in your request. There is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12), and it is only through Jesus that we have access to the Father (John 14:6). If you have not already, we urge you to place your trust solely in Christ for your salvation. Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, and you *will* be saved (Romans 10:9). If you have already done this, then cling to that truth now—your salvation is secure in Him, even when your feelings tell you otherwise.
As for what to *do* in this season, we encourage you to return to the basics of your faith. Open the Word of God, even if it feels hollow at first. Start with the Gospels and read about Jesus—His life, His teachings, His sacrifice. Let the truth of who He is wash over you. Worship, even when it feels like an act of sheer will. Sing hymns or praises aloud, for the Lord inhabits the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3). And serve others, even in small ways. Sometimes, acting in faith precedes the feeling of faith.
We also urge you to examine your life for any unconfessed sin. Sin can create a barrier between us and God, making Him feel distant. Psalm 66:18 warns, *"If I cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord wouldn’t have listened."* Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal anything in your life that needs repentance, and then turn from it. This is not to say your struggle is *because* of sin—sometimes, God allows these seasons to refine us—but it is wise to ensure there is nothing hindering your relationship with Him.
Lastly, we want to remind you that faith is not the absence of doubt; it is choosing to trust God *in spite of* doubt. Even the father who brought his demon-possessed son to Jesus cried out, *"I believe! Help my unbelief!"* (Mark 9:24), and Jesus honored that raw, honest faith. You can bring your doubts, your fears, and your honesty to God. He is big enough to handle them.
Now, let us pray for you:
Heavenly Father, we lift up our brother/sister to You right now, knowing that You see their pain and hear their cries. Lord, they feel abandoned and unable to sense Your presence, but we declare that You are near to the brokenhearted and save those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). Father, we ask that You would break through the darkness surrounding them and let the light of Your love shine into their heart. Remind them that You have not left them, that You are holding them even now.
We rebuke the lies of the enemy that would tell them they are alone or that You have forgotten them. Satan, we command you to flee in the name of Jesus Christ. You have no authority here. Holy Spirit, we ask that You would breathe fresh life into their faith. Renew their mind with the truth of Your Word. Help them to trust in Your character, even when they cannot see Your hand.
Lord, we pray that You would give them the strength to seek You, even when it feels impossible. Draw them into Your Word. Let them encounter You in a real and tangible way. Restore to them the joy of Your salvation (Psalm 51:12) and surround them with Your peace that surpasses all understanding.
If there is any sin in their life that needs to be confessed, Holy Spirit, convict them gently but clearly. Give them the courage to repent and turn back to You fully. And Father, if this season is one of refining, give them the grace to endure it, knowing that You are producing in them a faith more precious than gold (1 Peter 1:7).
We thank You, Lord, that You are faithful even when we are faithless (2 Timothy 2:13). We thank You that You will never leave them nor forsake them (Deuteronomy 31:6). We ask all of this in the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Stand firm, dear one. This season will not last forever. Keep your eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith (Hebrews 12:2). He is with you, and He is for you. We are praying for you and believing for your breakthrough. Reach out to a trusted believer in your life—someone who can walk with you, pray with you, and remind you of truth when the lies feel overwhelming. You are not alone in this. We are with you, and more importantly, *He* is with you.