By Minister Sonnie Robinson/March2025

Let’s be honest—faith isn’t always a straight path. Sometimes, we drift. Life gets messy, we get distracted, or maybe we just feel tired and disconnected from God. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The Bible actually talks a LOT about people who’ve wandered away from their faith, and the best part? It also talks about how God is always ready to welcome us back.

So, what does the Bible really say about backsliding? Let’s dive in.

First off, let’s clear up what “backsliding” even means. It’s not just about making mistakes or having a bad day. We all mess up—that’s just being human. Backsliding is more about slowly drifting away from God. Maybe you’ve stopped praying, skipped church for a while, or felt like your relationship with God just isn’t what it used to be.

The Bible puts it this way in Proverbs 14:14: “The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways, but a good man will be satisfied from above.” It’s kind of like saying when we start focusing more on our way instead of God’s way, we start feeling empty inside.

But here’s the thing: even when we drift, God doesn’t go anywhere. He’s still right there, waiting.

there are a lot of reasons we can feel distant from God. Sometimes life just gets busy. Other times, we face hardships that make us question our faith. Or maybe we get caught up in stuff that pulls us away—work, relationships, stress, you name it.  The Bible totally gets this. In Hosea 11:7, God says, “My people are bent on backsliding from Me. Though they call to the Most High, none at all exalt Him.”

Even back then, people were struggling to stay close to God.

And Jesus talked about it too. In the Parable of the Sower-Mark 4:18-19, He described how the “worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desires for other things” can choke out our faith. Sound familiar? We’ve all been there.

Now, here’s the part a lot of people worry about: “I’ve drifted too far—God must be mad at me.” But the truth? God isn’t sitting there with a checklist of everything you’ve done wrong. He’s more like a loving parent who just wants you to come home.  In Jeremiah 3:22, God says, “Return, you backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings.” That doesn’t sound like anger, to me! It sounds like love. He wants to heal the distance between you.1

And then there’s the story of the Prodigal Son- Luke 15:11-32. You probably know it: a son takes his inheritance, blows it all, and ends up broke and hungry. When he finally decides to go home, his dad doesn’t scold him. Nope – he runs to him, throws his arms around him, and throws a party. That’s how

God feels when you come back. No guilt trips, no lectures, just love.

If you’re feeling like you’ve drifted, the good news is, getting back on track is simpler than you might think. It starts with just being honest with God. You don’t need fancy words or a perfect prayer. Just talk to Him. Tell Him how you’re feeling.  1 John 1:9 puts it perfectly: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” That’s it. No hoops to jump through. Just honesty and a willingness to reconnect.

You can also try:

• Starting small: Read a verse or two from the Bible. Say a simple prayer.
• Reaching out: Talk to a friend who shares your faith or find a local church community.
• Letting go of guilt: Remember, God isn’t holding your mistakes over your head. He’s more interested in where you’re going than where you’ve been.

Once you’ve reconnected with God, staying close can feel like a fresh start. But it’s okay if it’s not perfect—faith is a journey, not a destination.

Here are a few ways to keep that connection strong:  Make time for God, Surround yourself with support, Keep it real: God wants a relationship, not a performance. Be honest with Him about your struggles, your doubts, and your joys.

The Bible says in Philippians 3:13-14, “Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” In other words—don’t dwell on the past. Keep moving forward.

So, if you’ve been feeling far from God, just remember this: you’re not too far gone. There’s no distance too great, no mistake too big. God’s love doesn’t run out, and He’s always ready to welcome you back with open arms.  If you’re feeling like you’ve drifted, take that first step today. You don’t have to have it all figured out. Just start the conversation. Because no matter how far you’ve gone, God is still right there, waiting for you to come home.

Good news, my brother and sister – God’s not through with you yet!