Usually it’s when I’ve hit a
feeling of despair…a situation isn’t going well…I’m tired, stressed, or
angry…life isn’t going the way I hoped or wanted…and I can’t feel His presence.
But I know He’s there. And
sometimes knowing instead of feeling has to be enough.
Those moments of despair are times I can either grow closer and more dependent on God, or turn away from Him. The enemy would love to watch us turn away. He wants us to question God’s love for us, and the enemy knows that in our times of desperation, we are most vulnerable. We are wounded and susceptible to his lies.
Those moments of despair are times I can either grow closer and more dependent on God, or turn away from Him. The enemy would love to watch us turn away. He wants us to question God’s love for us, and the enemy knows that in our times of desperation, we are most vulnerable. We are wounded and susceptible to his lies.
That is when I have to rely
on what I know, and not on what I feel. I may feel alone, but I know God is with me. When I cry out to
Him, I may not hear an answer, but I know
He is there.
God’s Word says…
“This is my command—be strong
and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with
you wherever you go. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (Joshua 1:9,
Deuteronomy 31:6, 8 NLT)
When I get to those times of
crying out, “Where are you, God?!?” I know He’s there, but I long to see and
feel Him. Sometimes He answers right away, through a feeling, a Scripture verse,
or something that calms me down. But other times, I have to wait…patiently.
Because I know God is there
and hasn’t left me, I continue to pray and talk to Him. I must keep myself in
God’s Word, trusting in His promises. And I look back at times God showed
Himself to me—in His time and His way.
The waiting is not easy, but knowing He’s there helps me wait until I
feel it again. The moments of desperation are often when my faith and trust in
God can grow the most.
However, I can’t wait only
for the times of despair to turn to Him. I must be in His Word at all times or
I won’t be prepared for the tough times.
Every school practices fire
drills. Why? So that if there ever is a fire, the children know what to do. In
an emergency, panic can immobilize us, especially if we are not prepared and
don’t know where to go.
When I get to a low point and
I can’t feel God’s presence, panic can be immobilizing. It helps greatly if I
already know where to go—God’s Word. I start with Scripture verses that are my
favorites or have brought me comfort in the past. Then I’ll often let myself
continue to read wherever I am in the Bible, and that’s how I find new verses
that help me wait on God and bring me peace. I believe He guides us to those
verses, knowing what we need to hear from His Word.
There are other things we can
do to keep us turned toward God when we are waiting to feel His presence:
- Know that He is there!
- Continue to pray.
- Stay in God’s Word.
- Write out favorite
Scripture verses to keep with you at all times.
- Remember other times when
you have seen God’s work in your life, remembering that He knows what’s best
for us.
- Listen to Christian music.
- Talk with friends or other
people who are like-minded in Christ.
- Get enough rest. (Being
overtired is sure to affect my thoughts and feelings when things are already
not going well.)
Do you have others to add to
this list? Please share by leaving a comment.
In Christ,
Laura
Praising God that you KNOW, even when you don't feel it!
ReplyDeleteYour list is right on track! Thanks for reminding me Laura!
Your list is awesome! It's the physical rest that I have to be very mindful of.
ReplyDeleteSo relative to an everyday woman's life. Thank You Laura.
Thanks Stacey and Jeri for your comments! God Bless! ~Laura
ReplyDeleteFound you through WriteItGirl! Loved this post. I don't often feel God's presence. He is teaching me to walk by faith and not feeling. Feelings are huge for me. God is so wise.
ReplyDeleteWe walk by faith, not by sight...or feeling. Amen!
ReplyDeleteThanks Barbie!
"sometimes knowing instead of feeling has to be enough."
ReplyDeleteI've been reminded lately of just how WRONG our feelings can be at times. I love the examples of ways to KNOW!
Hi, Laura, I'm here from Ashley's.
ReplyDeleteGreat list; I would just add practicing thankfulness for God's ongoing provision, protection and all those blessings large and small that He showers on us every day. (This relates to your excellent suggestion of remembering times when God has worked in my life, perhaps more dramatically.)
Blessings!
Hi Janice,
ReplyDeleteGreat addition! Even in the midst of things that aren't going well, God continues to care of us. I think the more we show thankfulness, the more we will continue to see His provision and blessings!
Thanks for visiting today!