Understanding the Distance from God

Many people believe that God is far beyond their reach—too high, too powerful, and too distant to connect with personally. In devotion, we often see ourselves as small and limited, while God is supreme and unreachable. This creates a feeling that a relationship with Him is not possible. However, I would like to offer a different perspective: even if God seems beyond our reach, we are never beyond His reach.

My understanding began when I accepted that I am a spiritual being, a soul, beyond matter and eternal. When we recognize this, we can also understand that God is a spiritual being. This -shared nature makes a relationship possible—not physical, but deeply experiential.

Relationships as Experiences

To explain this, consider the example of the sun. The sun is bright and powerful, and we cannot look at it directly. For many, this is how God feels. But when sunlight passes through a prism, it reveals many colors. Each color is distinct, yet all come from the same source. In the same way, God contains all relationships within His qualities. The relationship we experience depends on the lens we choose.

Relationships are not just biological; they are based on feelings. You may have a sister, but not always feel that bond, while you may feel a sisterly connection with someone unrelated. This shows that relationships are experiences. Similarly, with God, we create the relationship through our thoughts and feelings.

If I need guidance, I can see God as a teacher. If I seek comfort, I can experience Him as a mother or father. If I want companionship, I can relate to Him as a friend. The Supreme Soul offers all these qualities, and by focusing our minds, we experience the relationship we choose.

Experiencing God in Daily Life

A common question is how to experience this when God does not respond physically. The answer lies in inner experience. When you express your thoughts sincerely, there is a subtle response—a feeling of being heard, accepted, and understood. It may not come as words but as clarity or peace.

When facing problems, the mind is often full of confusion. In such moments, connection feels difficult. But when we step back and become silent, something changes. A new thought or solution may arise. This is how guidance comes—quietly and naturally.

Not every decision needs to be immediate. Taking a moment of silence helps us become stable and clear. Sometimes, what seems urgent loses its intensity, and the right answer appears with time. Many situations resolve when we stop overthinking and allow clarity to emerge. 

Creating a Personal Connection

Some people explore a more personal relationship with God, such as a friend or even a beloved. This is possible because the experience is created by us. Just as in human relationships, we can express love, gratitude, and care toward God. Even simple acts, like offering food with remembrance or spending time in His presence, help build that connection.

When we give with sincerity, those feelings return to us as fulfillment. Over time, these experiences become natural and form a new way of thinking and being.

In some traditions, people see themselves only as followers of God. While this view is respected, a true follower aims to become like the one they follow. A leader inspires followers to adopt their qualities. In the same way, following God means becoming peaceful, loving, and wise.

Ultimately, the relationship with God is shaped by our awareness and intention. Whether we see Him as a guide, parent, friend, or more, the possibility exists within us. The key is to create the feeling, nurture it, and allow it to transform our inner world. In essence, the ability to experience different relationships with God lies within our own consciousness. The more we practice these feelings with sincerity and awareness, the more natural and real they become in our daily lives. Over time, this connection strengthens and begins to influence our thoughts, decisions, and interactions in a positive way.

Therefore, rather than waiting for a physical response, it is important to focus on inner experience and consistency. By repeatedly creating these feelings, we develop a deeper bond with God, allowing His qualities to reflect through us and guide us in every situation of life.

Erik Larson, Director, Brahma Kumaris, USA