@Wynona I think times of struggling are a part of our Christian lives when God can feel far away. He isn't though he is right there with us.
During my life I have had periods of feeling very low and that I was in the doldrums – with no wind in my sails. Although it has taken time I have always returned to being my real self again, thank God, and I have now realised, or been shown, that the reason for feeling the way I did was because I had begun to look at my weaknesses and faults and compare myself to other people and try too hard to change myself.
I would keep on praying and praying and getting nowhere. And the trouble is I just got worse.
I knew God hadn’t left me and that there was no known sin separating me from him but I was feeling so disconnected, both from God and the church and people in general.
But then God showed me that a lump of clay can’t mould itself. He very clearly said to me, “Just be and let me” which has taken the pressure off completely. This is a lesson I thought I had already learned, but anyway I have now re-learned that particular lesson.
I think God causes us to learn things at different levels all through our Christian lives, just like kids computer games get harder as they move up to the next level. Or like doing your 11+ then O levels, then A levels followed by a degree and then a masters degree etc.