Faith Over Feelings: Trusting God Even When You Don’t Feel His Presence
I don’t always feel God’s presence. There, I said it. And maybe you’ve felt that way too. You wake up, pray, read your Bible, go to church, and yet—nothing. No overwhelming peace, no spiritual goosebumps, no clear signs that God is near. It can be frustrating, even discouraging. But here’s the truth: Our faith in God is not built on how we feel; it’s built on who He is.
The Psalms are filled with raw emotions—joy, sorrow, frustration, longing. David, a man after God’s own heart, often cried out, “How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?” (Psalm 13:1). He felt distant from God, yet he chose to trust anyway: “But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation” (Psalm 13:5).
There have been seasons in my life where I felt like my prayers were just hitting the ceiling. No matter how much I sought God, I couldn't sense His presence. I remember one particular season of struggle when I was crying out for direction, clarity, and peace—but all I felt was silence. Doubt crept in, and I started to wonder if God had withdrawn from me.
Yet, looking back, I can see how God was there in the small provisions that sustained me. The encouraging word from a friend at just the right time, the unexpected financial provision that helped me get through, the strength to take one more step when I felt I had nothing left—these were all glimpses of His faithfulness. Though I couldn't feel Him, He was guiding me, shaping me, and teaching me to walk by faith, not by sight.
Faith isn’t about feeling close to God; it’s about choosing to trust Him even in the silence. In Scripture, David cried out, “How long, Lord? Will You forget me forever?” (Psalm 13:1). Even a man after God’s own heart had moments where he felt abandoned. But he didn’t stay in his despair—he reminded himself of God’s unfailing love.
What about you? Have you ever gone through a time when God felt distant? Have you questioned if He was still working in your life? The truth is, our feelings don’t determine God’s presence—His promises do. He has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5), and that truth remains, no matter what we feel.
If you're in a season of silence, I encourage you to keep pressing in. Continue seeking Him, even when it’s hard. Pay attention to the small provisions that sustain you—they are signs of His love. And most of all, trust that He is working behind the scenes in ways you cannot yet see.
What Do You Do When You Can’t Feel God?
Go Back to the Truth – Feelings are temporary, but God’s Word is eternal. Just because you don’t feel Him doesn’t mean He isn’t there. Isaiah 41:10 reminds us, “Do not fear, for I am with you.”
Keep Seeking – Sometimes, God allows seasons of silence to deepen our faith. Will you keep showing up even when the emotions aren’t there? Love is often most powerful when it’s a choice rather than just a feeling.
Remember Past Faithfulness – Look back at the times God has shown up in your life. Write them down. When doubt creeps in, remind yourself of His goodness.
Stay Connected – The enemy loves isolation. Surround yourself with believers who will encourage you when your faith feels weak.
Where Is Your Trust?
If we base our faith on feelings, we’ll constantly be on a rollercoaster—high on the good days, doubting on the hard ones. But if we build our faith on God’s unchanging character, we’ll remain anchored no matter what.
So, let me ask you—are you trusting in your feelings, or are you trusting in God’s promises? What step can you take today to strengthen your faith even when you don’t feel Him?
If you’ve been struggling with feeling distant from God, don’t keep it to yourself. Share in the comments, send a message, or reach out for prayer. Let’s walk this journey of faith together, choosing to trust Him even in the silence. God is near, whether you feel it or not.
