Experiencing God's Presence: Faith Beyond Feelings

 

Summary

The presence of God is a profound and often elusive experience for many believers. Today, we explored the question of why we sometimes struggle to feel God's presence and what it means for our faith. Many of us have felt God's presence at some point, whether through a tingly sensation, overwhelming emotion, or a deep sense of peace. However, there are times when we don't feel Him, and it can lead to questions about His reality and our faith.

We began by acknowledging that not feeling God's presence doesn't mean He is absent. The Bible provides examples of faithful individuals like David, Paul, and even Jesus, who experienced moments of feeling distant from God. These stories remind us that we are not alone in our struggles. We explored three possible reasons why we might not feel God's presence: over-sensationalizing it, having a hardened heart, or God wanting to draw us closer.

Over-sensationalizing God's presence can lead us to seek extraordinary signs and wonders, forgetting that God often reveals Himself in the ordinary moments of life. We must be cautious not to rely solely on feelings as evidence of His presence, as faith is about trusting God even when we don't feel Him.

A hardened heart can also hinder our experience of God's presence. Sin, unforgiveness, and bitterness can create barriers between us and God. We must examine our hearts and seek forgiveness and healing to restore our connection with Him.

Lastly, God may allow us to feel distant to draw us closer. In times of spiritual dryness, our longing for God can deepen, leading us to seek Him more earnestly. God desires a relationship with us, and He promises that when we seek Him with all our hearts, we will find Him.

In conclusion, feeling God's presence is not always about extraordinary experiences but about faith and trust in His constant presence. We are encouraged to draw near to Him, knowing that He will draw near to us.

Key Takeaways:

- Over-Sensationalizing God's Presence: We often seek extraordinary signs to confirm God's presence, but He frequently reveals Himself in the ordinary moments of life. Faith is about trusting God even when we don't feel Him, as feelings are not the only evidence of His presence. [12:27]

- The Danger of a Hardened Heart: Sin, unforgiveness, and bitterness can harden our hearts, creating barriers between us and God. We must examine our hearts, seek forgiveness, and allow God to soften our hearts to experience His presence more fully. [15:18]

- God's Desire for Closeness: Sometimes, God allows us to feel distant to draw us closer. In times of spiritual dryness, our longing for God can deepen, leading us to seek Him more earnestly. God desires a relationship with us and promises that when we seek Him with all our hearts, we will find Him. [18:28]

- Faith Over Feelings: Just because God feels distant doesn't mean He is absent. We must not rely solely on our feelings but activate our faith, trusting that God is with us even when we don't feel Him. Our feelings can deceive us, but God's presence is constant. [22:07]

- The Promise of God's Presence: God promises that when we seek Him, we will find Him. He is a relational God who desires to be pursued. As we draw near to Him, He draws near to us, revealing Himself in both extraordinary and ordinary ways. [30:13]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:44] - Feeling God's Presence
- [01:24] - Whose Fault Is It?
- [02:51] - Story of Megan
- [04:36] - Biblical Examples of Distance
- [05:58] - Jesus' Experience on the Cross
- [08:49] - Over-Sensationalizing God's Presence
- [10:28] - Personal Experiences of Distance
- [12:27] - Faith Over Feelings
- [13:32] - Hardened Hearts
- [15:18] - Sin and Separation
- [16:58] - Religious Performance vs. Presence
- [18:28] - God Drawing Us Closer
- [19:49] - Deprivation and Desire
- [22:07] - Activating Faith Over Feelings
- [24:08] - Everyday Moments of God's Presence
- [25:47] - God With Us: Emmanuel
- [27:35] - Megan's Revelation
- [28:51] - Seeking and Finding God
- [30:13] - Prayer for God's Presence
- [31:36] - God's Relational Nature
- [33:20] - Invitation to Faith

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Psalm 88:13-14
2. John 6:30
3. Jeremiah 29:13

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Observation Questions:

1. In Psalm 88:13-14, what emotions does the psalmist express about feeling distant from God? How does this relate to the sermon’s discussion on feeling God's presence? [04:36]

2. According to John 6:30, what were the people asking Jesus for, and how does this reflect the idea of over-sensationalizing God's presence mentioned in the sermon? [08:49]

3. What promise does Jeremiah 29:13 offer to those who seek God, and how does this promise relate to the sermon’s message about God’s desire for closeness? [20:39]

4. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of a hardened heart, and what biblical reference supports this idea? [13:32]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How might the psalmist's cry in Psalm 88:13-14 resonate with believers today who feel distant from God? What does this suggest about the nature of faith during spiritual dryness? [04:36]

2. In what ways can the desire for signs and wonders, as seen in John 6:30, distract believers from recognizing God's presence in everyday life? [08:49]

3. How does the promise in Jeremiah 29:13 challenge believers to actively seek God, and what might this look like in practical terms? [20:39]

4. What are some modern examples of a hardened heart, and how can believers work to soften their hearts to experience God more fully? [13:32]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. What steps did you take to draw closer to Him, and how did that experience impact your faith? [04:36]

2. Have you ever found yourself over-sensationalizing God's presence, seeking extraordinary signs? How can you become more aware of God's presence in the ordinary moments of your life? [08:49]

3. Consider a specific area in your life where you might have a hardened heart. What practical steps can you take to seek forgiveness and healing in that area? [13:32]

4. How can you actively pursue God this week, based on the promise in Jeremiah 29:13? Identify one specific action you will take to seek Him with all your heart. [20:39]

5. Think about a time when you relied on feelings to gauge your faith. How can you shift your focus from feelings to faith, trusting in God's constant presence? [22:07]

6. In what ways can you encourage someone else who might be struggling to feel God's presence? How can you share the message of God's promise to draw near when we seek Him? [28:51]

7. Identify a routine or habit in your life that might be hindering your experience of God's presence. What changes can you make to prioritize your relationship with Him? [16:58]

Devotional

Day 1: Trusting God in the Ordinary

In our pursuit of experiencing God's presence, we often look for extraordinary signs and wonders, forgetting that God frequently reveals Himself in the ordinary moments of life. This tendency to over-sensationalize can lead us to rely solely on feelings as evidence of His presence. However, faith is about trusting God even when we don't feel Him. It's important to remember that feelings are not the only evidence of His presence. Instead, we are called to trust in His constant presence, knowing that He is with us in both the mundane and the miraculous. [12:27]



1 Kings 19:11-12 (ESV): "And he said, 'Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.' And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper."



Reflection: Think about a recent ordinary moment in your life. How might God have been present in that moment, and how can you become more aware of His presence in the everyday?





Day 2: Softening a Hardened Heart

A hardened heart can hinder our experience of God's presence. Sin, unforgiveness, and bitterness can create barriers between us and God, making it difficult to feel His closeness. It's crucial to examine our hearts and seek forgiveness and healing to restore our connection with Him. By allowing God to soften our hearts, we open ourselves to experiencing His presence more fully. This process requires humility and a willingness to let go of the things that harden our hearts. [15:18]



Ezekiel 36:26 (ESV): "And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh."



Reflection: Identify an area of your life where bitterness or unforgiveness has taken root. What steps can you take today to begin the process of softening your heart and seeking reconciliation?





Day 3: Embracing Spiritual Dryness

Sometimes, God allows us to feel distant to draw us closer. In times of spiritual dryness, our longing for God can deepen, leading us to seek Him more earnestly. These periods of feeling distant are not meant to discourage us but to encourage a deeper pursuit of God. He desires a relationship with us and promises that when we seek Him with all our hearts, we will find Him. Embrace these moments as opportunities to grow in your faith and deepen your relationship with God. [18:28]



Psalm 42:1-2 (ESV): "As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?"



Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt spiritually dry. How did that experience impact your relationship with God, and what steps can you take today to seek Him more earnestly?





Day 4: Faith Over Feelings

Just because God feels distant doesn't mean He is absent. We must not rely solely on our feelings but activate our faith, trusting that God is with us even when we don't feel Him. Our feelings can deceive us, but God's presence is constant. Faith requires us to trust in His promises and His character, even when our emotions tell us otherwise. By choosing faith over feelings, we can experience the peace and assurance that comes from knowing God is always with us. [22:07]



2 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV): "For we walk by faith, not by sight."



Reflection: Consider a situation where your feelings have led you to doubt God's presence. How can you choose to activate your faith in that situation today, trusting in God's constant presence?





Day 5: Seeking and Finding God

God promises that when we seek Him, we will find Him. He is a relational God who desires to be pursued. As we draw near to Him, He draws near to us, revealing Himself in both extraordinary and ordinary ways. This promise encourages us to actively seek God in our daily lives, knowing that He is always ready to meet us where we are. By prioritizing our relationship with Him, we can experience the fullness of His presence and the joy that comes from knowing Him intimately. [30:13]



Jeremiah 29:13 (ESV): "You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart."



Reflection: What is one practical way you can seek God more intentionally this week? How can you create space in your daily routine to draw near to Him and experience His presence?

Quotes

If you don't feel him, is he there? Is he real? We're going to answer those questions today. We'll let God's word answer them. And the title for today's message is, When God Feels Far Away. So, Father, we ask that as we draw near to you, that you would not be far away. But you would do what your word says. [00:02:24]

If you draw near to him and don't always feel or experience some kind of a supernatural moment, you're not alone at all. In fact, the psalmist in the old Testament, Psalm 88 verses 13 and 14, you can almost hear the pain of the psalmist who says to God, but I cry to you for help, Lord. [00:04:36]

The apostle Paul, one of the greatest spiritual leaders in the history of the world, who found himself blinded by some kind of heavenly light and healed by the glory of God and experiences the resurrected Christ. And he says, I just want to preach. And he finds himself wandering for three years and suffering in obscurity for 14 years, building tents going, but I thought we were going to reach the world, God. [00:05:25]

You're looking for something supernatural, something awe-inspiring when the presence of God can be that, but it's not always that. In fact, in John's gospel, John 6, verse 30, Jesus was explaining in the context is that some people, they always want a sign, they want something big. They wanna see the lights, give me something special, God. [00:07:21]

Feelings aren't the only evidence of the presence of God. For example, my job is about as holy as it can get, meaning being a pastor, meaning my job is about God and Jesus and the Holy Ghost and things like that. And I can count on one, for sure, two hands. The supernatural experiences of God that left me awestruck. [00:12:21]

Why don't you always experience the presence of God? Maybe you're a Christian, but you've allowed your heart to harden. It could be that somebody did something to you, and they hurt you, and you closed off your heart toward people or toward God. Maybe you had a disappointment, and you thought, I can't really trust God, and you've closed off your heart to God. [00:14:06]

It's when you just allow a sin, something that's displeasing to God, to rule and reign in your heart, and you just, you're not confessing it. You're not doing war against it. You're just kind of accepting that sin, and your heart starts to grow hard. And I'll explain it a little bit like this, what a hard heart does. [00:14:59]

Maybe God just wants to draw you closer to him. In fact, I love what in Acts chapter 17, the context Paul was actually preaching in Athens. And in verse 26, he said this, From one man, God made all the nations. That they should inhabit the whole earth. And he marked out their appointed times and histories and the boundaries of their lands. [00:17:59]

What happens when you don't eat? What do you get? Hungry, give me something to eat. What happens when you don't drink? What do you get? You get thirsty, give me something to drink. And when you don't feel God's presence, guess what? You want him all the more. You want him, you need him, you crave him, you long for him, you thirst for him, you hunger for him, you want. [00:19:46]

You will seek me, and what happens when you seek me? When you seek me, he says, you'll find me. It's a promise. If you pursue God, he will reveal himself to you. You will seek me and find me. When you seek me with all your heart, God says, I will be found by you, declares the Lord. [00:20:55]

Sometimes you got to get out of your feelings and activate your faith. You just have to believe. Believe by faith that if I draw near to God, he's there. Sometimes you don't feel love in your marriage. What do you do? You don't walk out. You rekindle the fire. Sometimes you don't feel love for your kids. You may love them deep down, but you're just like, ah! [00:21:45]

And you may end up being just like David who says, I know the Lord is always with me. He will never leave me. He will never forsake me. I mean, so Father, we ask that in this holy moment, you would reveal yourself. Wherever you're watching from today, a Life .Church location, maybe you're watching online. [00:29:14]

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