When God Seems Distant: Surprising Ways God Deepens Our Faith and Draws Us Near

I came to When God Seems Distant already familiar with Kyle Strobel’s work—particularly Where Prayer Becomes Real (co-authored with John Coe), Formed for the Glory of God, and his Substack writing. I anticipated that the insights here would be helpful, and I was not disappointed! The central problem the authors address is one most Christians know well: the experience of feeling that God is not working, paired with the subtle assumption that we must now fix ourselves. Strobel and Coe gently but firmly dismantle that assumption. They help us see that God’s activity has not ceased when our feelings go quiet; rather, our gracious God is revealing aspects of our character and long-habituated responses to life that still exhibit our need for His love, grace, and mercy. God is not absent—He is inviting us to live honestly with Him in the reality of our lives. In this, the book shows clear continuity with Where Prayer Becomes Real, while also extending and deepening those insights. One of the book’s great strengths is that it is evident the authors have paid close attention to how the Lord actually works in the lives of His children. This wisdom is going to be striking, new, and enlightening to the ears of many, though it is not absent in the Protestant and Reformed traditions further back in our history. These are not abstract principles, but pastoral insights offered for the good of the church. The opening chapter’s analogy is especially memorable and clarifying: the Christian life is likened to a peaceful lake in our early years of faith—sun shining, waters calm, joy abundant. But as God matures us, the lake is drained, and what was always at the bottom is revealed. This exposure is not God’s withdrawal, but His loving work of transformation, teaching us where deeper dependence on Him is required. Another strength is the way the book wraps up, proposing five paths that readers may walk after reading the book. These paths are tailored for Christians in various places in life. What this does is to help readers envision the Lord drawing us near wherever we are in our journey, encouraging us to wrestle further with the questions that will inevitably arise through the reading. Stylistically, the book feels written by fellow travelers, not academics. It is highly accessible, experiential in tone, and intentionally invitational. The authors consistently encourage readers not merely to understand these insights but to be before the Lord with them. I believe there is much to be gained if readers will actually engage the “Experience” sections that conclude each of the chapters. Personally, I found many moments where the authors’ experiences mirrored my own journey and response to seasons of spiritual dryness (disorientation, attempting to compensate with mere passion). One of the most searching and helpful themes is their exposure of how easily we resort to self-willed religious effort. We do “spiritual things,” yet fail to involve the Lord Himself. I know this tendency well. The way the authors name and address this dynamic has already helped me abide more intentionally in Christ. I gladly commend the insights the Lord has given these men regarding spiritual formation. This book has substantial practical value, particularly for Christians who feel frustrated by the “ups and downs” of their spiritual growth. Strobel and Coe help us see how our pursuits may have actually taken us away from the One we are drawn to. I have already had fruitful conversations about this book with my small group, and I plan to purchase multiple copies to give to fellow travelers who may feel disoriented by God’s apparent distance. I give When God Seems Distant five stars. I anticipate lifelong benefit from the way it is already drawing me nearer to the Lord and reshaping how I look for His activity in my life. I was provided an advance copy for review; the opinions here are my own.