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@ Unfiltered Faith
2025-01-13 17:09:20It’s one of the hardest questions to ask when you’re in the middle of a tough season: What if I don’t feel God’s presence?
Maybe you’ve been through pain, disappointment, or loss, and the one thing that used to make sense, the feeling of God being near, has disappeared. You’ve prayed, you’ve hoped, you’ve waited, but there’s no sense of God’s comforting presence. You’re doing all the right things, but it feels like you’re talking to a wall.
This is such a confusing and painful experience. The God who once felt so near now feels so far away, and you’re left wondering, "Why doesn’t He feel close anymore? Did I do something wrong? Does He even hear me?"
If you’re in this season, I want you to know: You are not alone. It’s something a lot of Christians wrestle with, and it doesn’t mean your faith is broken or that you’ve done something to earn God’s absence. Sometimes, it’s just part of the journey.
It’s okay to ask the hard questions. It’s okay to wonder where God is. It’s okay to not feel His presence right now. But even in those moments of silence, I want to remind you that God is still there.
The Truth About Feeling God’s Presence
It’s so easy to think that our relationship with God is all about what we feel. In a world that’s constantly telling us to trust our emotions, it’s natural to equate the absence of feeling with the absence of God. But this is what I've learned: God’s presence isn’t always about feelings.
God doesn’t pull back from us just because we can’t feel Him. Sometimes, He’s there in ways we don’t recognize or understand. Maybe He’s there in the quiet, in the peace that comes after the storm. Maybe He’s there in the small, everyday moments, like the friend who checks in on you or some unexpected encouragement you receive. Those moments can be God, too.
The Bible says that God is always with us, even when we don’t feel it. “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love, he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17). Whether you feel it or not, He’s there, delighting in you.
God is Present, Even in Silence
Sometimes God’s silence is a part of our growth. I know it sounds strange. Why would God be silent when we need Him the most? But think about this: when you’re in a relationship with someone, you don’t always need words to feel connected. You can sit with a friend or loved one in complete silence and still feel their presence. It’s the same with God.
Psalm 46:10 tells us, "Be still, and know that I am God." There’s a peace in stillness. A peace that doesn’t depend on what we hear, but instead on trusting that God is who He says He is. Even when we don’t feel Him, we can trust that He’s still God, still good, still present. And that can be enough.
The Struggle Is Real, and That’s Okay
It’s not easy. I get that. It’s hard to hold onto faith when God feels distant, especially when your heart is aching for His comfort and His presence. And sometimes, the hardest part is not knowing when or if things will change. But even in that struggle, I believe God is near. He may be closer than you realize.
When you're in that dark shadow of doubt, remember this: It’s okay to be honest with God about your feelings. He already knows them. He’s not afraid of your anger, confusion, or frustration. In fact, He welcomes your honesty. Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” If you’re feeling broken or crushed, He’s not far away. He’s near to you, even if you can’t feel Him.
Trusting God in the Dark
What if this season of silence is a chance for you to lean into a deeper trust? Trusting God even when you don’t feel Him is one of the most powerful things you can do. It’s a faith that doesn’t rely on feelings or circumstances but on the unwavering truth that God is faithful, even when we can’t see it.
I want to encourage you if you're in this place to keep going. Keep showing up, even when it feels like nothing is happening. Keep praying, even when your prayers feel empty. Keep reading the Bible, even when the words seem distant. In the dark, sometimes the smallest step forward is enough. And in that process, you’ll start to find that God's presence is always there, even if it’s not the way you imagined it.
You Are Not Alone
Remember this: God has not abandoned you. If you’re struggling with feeling God’s presence, I want to say to you, in gentleness, that there is no shame in that. Your journey with God doesn’t look like anyone elses. It’s okay to walk through seasons of silence, doubt, and wondering.
But please, don’t give up. Even when you feel nothing, even when your heart feels heavy, God is still there. And He’s still good. His love for you hasn’t changed.
Sometimes the most beautiful moments of faith are the ones where we keep going, even when we don’t feel it. And one day, in the quiet of your heart, you’ll realize He’s been with you all along.
I’m here for you, walking this journey with you. Keep pressing on. You are loved.
Heavenly Father,
I feel like I’m walking through a wilderness right now. My heart is questioning, my mind is restless, and my spirit is tired. But I trust that You are still with me, even when I don't feel it. Please grant me peace in this season of silence. Calm my anxious thoughts and help me rest in the assurance that You are holding me close. I don’t have all the answers, but I know You are good, and I know You love me. Help me to lean into Your presence, even when I can’t feel it. Thank You for being my constant, even when I feel lost.
Amen.