When God Feels Distant

May 17, 2023

All throughout scripture, God promises, “I will never leave you; I will never abandon you” (Hebrews 13:5 GNT).

But, it is important to note that God has not promised that you will always feel his presence. There are times when he appears to be missing-in-action in your life. You may not always “feel” like he is right there with you.

This is a normal part of the testing and maturing of your

relationship with God. Every Christian goes through it at least once. It

can be painful and confusing, but it is absolutely vital for the

development of your faith. If this is where you are at right now, keep

running the race. Do not give up. Remain faithful. (And, perhaps seek

encouragement from another believer who has been there). 

This knowledge gave Job hope when he could not feel God’s presence in his life. He said, “I

go east, but he is not there. I go west, but I cannot find him. I do

not see him in the north, for he is hidden. I look to the south, but he

is concealed. But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I

will come out as pure as gold” (Job 23:8-10 NLT).

Having a faith based off feeling alone is a dangerous faith. You

don’t follow Jesus because of your feelings, you follow Jesus because he

is the way, the truth and the life. He is truth.

Yes, God wants you to sense his presence, but he’s more concerned that you trust him than that you feel him. We live by faith, not by sight or by our feelings.

The most common mistake Christians make in worship today is seeking

an experience rather than seeking God. They look for a feeling, and if

that feeling happens, they conclude that they have worshiped.

But God often removes feelings so you won’t depend on them. Instead, he wants to draw you into a deeper relationship with him.

Will you trust him even when you can't feel him? Are you depending on HIM or your feelings?