If you feel distant from God, start by letting go of these 8 self-critical thoughts

Feeling disconnected from God can often stem from our own self-critical thoughts.

You see, these thoughts can create a barrier, making us feel as if we are unworthy of God’s love and presence.

The key to reconnecting is to let go of these toxic thoughts, and allow ourselves to feel deserving of that divine connection.

In this article, I’ll be sharing eight self-critical thoughts that you need to release in order to feel closer to God. These are thoughts that I’ve personally grappled with, and I hope my journey can help you on yours.

1) I’m not good enough

This is a common thought that many of us struggle with, and it’s one of the most damaging.

Believing that we’re not good enough can put a huge distance between us and God. It makes us feel unworthy of His love and grace.

But here’s the thing – God doesn’t see us through our mistakes, failures or shortcomings. He sees us as His beloved children, deserving of His love and forgiveness.

Understand this: feeling ‘good enough’ isn’t a prerequisite to connecting with God. He loves you just as you are.

So let’s start by letting go of this self-critical thought. You are enough, just as you are. With every mistake, every flaw, you’re still worthy of God’s love.

Remembering this can help bridge that feeling of disconnect.

2) I’ve messed up too much

There was a time in my life when I felt like I had made too many mistakes to be deserving of God’s grace.

I’d beaten myself up over past decisions, replaying them over and over in my head. This self-critical thought kept me distant from God, as I believed I had messed up too much for Him to forgive me.

But the truth I came to realize is that God’s grace and forgiveness are limitless. He doesn’t keep a scorecard of our mistakes. His love isn’t conditional on us being perfect.

God doesn’t expect us to never mess up. What He cares about is our heart, our desire to grow and learn from our mistakes.

So, if you’re carrying around the heavy burden of past mistakes, let it go. God’s love for you is unconditional – and nothing you’ve done can change that.

3) I don’t pray enough

Many people believe that if they don’t pray enough, or in the ‘right’ way, they’re somehow failing God. This can lead to feelings of guilt and distance.

But did you know that there’s no set rule about how or how much we should pray?

In Thessalonians 5:17, the apostle Paul encourages us to “pray without ceasing.” This doesn’t mean we should be on our knees 24/7. Instead, it suggests a constant state of openness and communication with God, which can be achieved in many ways – a thought, a feeling, even a simple moment of gratitude.

So instead of criticizing yourself for not praying ‘enough,’ reframe your understanding of prayer. God is always listening, and there’s no right or wrong way to connect with Him.

4) I’m not as spiritual as others

Comparing ourselves to others is a slippery slope, especially when it comes to spirituality.

It’s easy to look at someone else’s faith journey and feel like we’re falling short. Maybe they attend church more often, read the Bible more regularly, or seem more at ease in their faith.

Here’s the thing – spirituality isn’t a competition. It’s a personal journey that looks different for everyone.

God doesn’t measure your faith by comparing it to someone else’s. He cares about your heart, your personal relationship with Him, not how you stack up against others.

So let go of this self-critical thought. Your spiritual journey is yours alone and it’s exactly as it should be.

5) I don’t deserve forgiveness

This is one of the most heart-wrenching self-critical thoughts that can creep into our minds. Feeling undeserving of forgiveness can create a profound sense of unworthiness and distance from God.

But here’s the reality – God’s love for us is so immense that there is no sin too great for His forgiveness.

He knows our hearts, our struggles, our regrets. And His desire is for us to turn to Him, not away from Him, in times of guilt and shame.

Please, remember this – you are deserving of forgiveness. God’s grace is not something we earn; it’s a gift freely given out of His boundless love.

So open your heart, accept His forgiveness, and let His love wash away the burdens of guilt and shame. You are worthy, you are loved, and you are forgiven.

6) I’m not making a difference

There was a period in my life where I questioned my purpose. I looked at the world around me, with all its problems and challenges, and felt small, insignificant. I wondered if my faith or actions could make any real difference.

This self-critical thought created a wall between me and God. It made me feel disconnected and unimportant.

But over time, I realized that God doesn’t judge our worth by the scale of our actions. To Him, every act of kindness, every word of comfort, every moment of patience matters.

We may not all be called to do great things, but we can all do small things with great love. And in God’s eyes, that’s what truly counts.

So if you’re feeling like you’re not making a difference, remember this – to God, you matter. Your actions matter. And your love makes a difference.

7) God is disappointed in me

This thought can sneak up on us when we’re feeling low or have made a mistake. We imagine God looking down on us with disappointment, causing us to feel distant and unworthy.

But God is not a stern judge waiting for us to trip up. He’s a loving parent who understands our weaknesses and loves us unconditionally.

When we stumble, He’s not disappointed; He’s there to pick us up. When we fail, He doesn’t condemn; He offers grace.

So let go of the belief that God is disappointed in you. Replace it with the knowledge that God loves you, cherishes you, and is always ready to offer grace and forgiveness.

8) God doesn’t hear my prayers

This self-critical thought can make us feel like we’re speaking into a void, creating a feeling of profound disconnect.

But understand this – God hears every prayer. No prayer is too small or insignificant. No prayer goes unheard or unanswered.

He may not always answer in the way we expect or desire, but He always answers in the way that’s best for us.

So never doubt that your prayers are heard. God is always listening, always caring, and always responding in His perfect timing and wisdom.

Final reflection: The power of grace

At the core of our spiritual journey is God’s boundless grace.

Grace, by its very nature, is unearned and undeserved. It’s a gift of love and forgiveness from God to us, regardless of our shortcomings or mistakes.

Psalm 103:12 says, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” This Scripture reminds us that God doesn’t hold our mistakes against us. He forgives and forgets.

Feeling distant from God often stems from these self-critical thoughts we’ve examined. And letting them go begins with understanding and accepting God’s grace.

So if you’re feeling distant, remember this – God’s love for you is unchanging and His grace is enough. You are worthy, you are loved, and you belong.

Let this truth dissolve your self-critical thoughts and draw you closer to the divine connection you seek.