for me, I believe that God gave us free will. He never violates that gift. The only way to feel close to God is to ask Him to be close to you.

James 4:8 (KJV): "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded."

Psalm 145:18 (NIV): "The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth."

Zechariah 1:3 (NIV): "Therefore tell the people: This is what the Lord Almighty says: 'Return to me, declares the Lord Almighty, and I will return to you,’ says the Lord Almighty."

God will become as close as you want Him.

I believe our decision to call to Him is what gives us value in Gods eyes. Because we have free will.