When God Feels Far Off

Even samurai, superheroes, and the Pittsburgh Steelers go through dry seasons. Here's how to stay close to Jesus the next time you find yourself feeling like you’re on an island.

Sometimes walking with Jesus doesn’t feel like charging into battle with a razor-sharp katana or saving the world with a vibranium shield. Some days, it feels more like doom-scrolling in your PJs while wondering if God forgot your address.

I’ve been there.

As a guy who loves Marvel comics, Samurai Warriors, and Pittsburgh Steelers football, I know the value of loyalty, discipline, and staying true—even when the fire isn’t there. That same mindset applies to our walk with Christ—especially in the dry spells.

So today, I want to talk about this:

How do we love God and follow Jesus when we’re just not feeling close to Him?

Faith Over Feeling

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?”
—Jeremiah 17:9

Let’s be real—our feelings can be straight-up deceptive. They’ll have you thinking God is nowhere to be found when, in fact, He’s right beside you.

We love the mountaintop moments, but in reality, faith is built in the hard times of the valleys. Loving Jesus when the goosebumps are gone? That’s not fake—it’s faithful.

 Keep Showing Up (Like a True Samurai)

“In the way of the Samurai, if one uses discrimination, he will fall behind. One needs neither loyalty nor devotion, but simply to become desperate in the Way. Loyalty and devotion are of themselves with desperation.”
—The Hagakure: The Book of the Samurai

Samurai didn’t train only when they felt like it. They showed up daily because their loyalty ran deep. They were desperate to serve. In fact, the word samurai literally means “one who serves.”

You don’t have to feel super-spiritual to serve God and His people. You can serve on a Dream Team or volunteer at the City Mission—even if you’re not feeling it. God honors the ones who keep showing up, even when their soul feels like it's stuck on mute.

Plus, serving is a great way to get out of your own bag of feelings and help others at the same time.

Work Together Like The Steelers

“You want to be successful? Do the work.”
—Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin

There’s power in showing up and working together as a collective—even in hard times. Training camp starts next month. Make no mistake—two-a-days in pads, in the August heat, in Latrobe, PA, are work.

The Steelers have taught us about loyalty and legacy. Worship does the same—it reminds us who God is, even when we feel far from Him.

So, do the work. Put in the reps. Get out there with your team of believers. Sit up front at church and sing that praise song. Pray with a friend who is going through a hard time. Join a Champ Group. Show up early on Sunday for the Dream Team Rally (8:20 a.m.—sharp! Be there!).

The devil hates it when we spend time with other believers because he knows it stokes the flame of our faith.

Talk to Jesus Like He’s Right There (Because He Is)

“I can do this all day.”
—Captain America

One of the best things I’ve learned is that Jesus is always with us. He wants a relationship with us, and He can handle our honesty.

Speak to Him like He’s your friend. (What a friend we have in Jesus!) Talk to Him throughout your day (1 Thessalonians 5:17). This is your chance to be like Cap and “do this all day.”

I’ve prayed prayers like:
“Jesus, I’m just not feeling close. Even doing this feels dry. But I still trust You. Help me hold on.”

He listens. He cares. He stays. He doesn’t want performance—He wants your presence.

Final Encouragement (From a Husband, Dad & Fellow Believer)

I’ve been blessed with a wife who loves the Lord deeply and keeps me grounded, and two amazing daughters. Watching them grow has reminded me that faith isn’t flashy—it’s consistent.

So if you’re in a season where God feels quiet, know this:
You’re not doing something wrong. He’s still near.

Keep showing up. Keep trusting. And don’t let silence fool you—God is still working.

You’ve got this, and God’s got you—even on a muggy Tuesday when the A/C isn’t working.

Stay strong, stay faithful, and keep the armor on!