Why don't I feel God?

We cannot finish the comfort series without answering this question. Our pastor says this is his most-asked question. Wow. It is true that God is with us forever:

“And He said, ‘My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’” Exodus 33:14

“It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

“For the LORD will not forsake His people, for His great name’s sake, because it has pleased the LORD to make you a people for Himself.” 1 Samuel 12:22

“And those who know Your name put their trust in You, for You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You.” Psalm 9:10

“Where shall I go from Your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, You are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me. If I say, ‘Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,’ even the darkness is not dark to You; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with You.” Psalm 139:7-12

“And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20

“And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. You know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.” John 14:16-17

Not only is God with us, but it is my belief that He intends for us to feel Him with us; that His felt presence with us is the normal state of daily life for Christians. Consider our children: in order for them to live securely, happily, and peacefully, they need to know we are there. Being left alone or feeling alone is one of the worst traumas a child can endure. We would never knowingly or willingly inflict that trauma on them. If we, who are evil, would not do such a thing, how much more our heavenly Father, who is good?

The foolish heart reads these Scriptures and says, “I do not feel God, therefore God is wrong and His word is not true.” The wise heart reads these Scriptures and says, “I do not feel God, but His word is true, therefore, what is going on with me that is affecting my feelings?” Good question. There are some biblical answers to that question.

To be continued …

Previously: God’s comforting presence
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Update: continued in Feelings, the unreliable barometer

lay 'em on me

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