Faith Over Feelings: Holding On When You Don’t Feel God

You just prayed for your friend and celebrated his testimony. Another just got engaged, and someone else finally got the job you’ve been waiting for. You smile, genuinely happy for them, yet deep down, you wonder, “When will it be my turn?” ‘Faith Over Feelings: Holding On When You Don’t Feel God.’
You love God. You worship, you serve, you even encourage others. Still, in the quiet of your heart, there’s a weight you can’t shake — a sense of delay, of silence. It’s not that you doubt His existence. You want to feel Him in that particular situation right now. And then, the whispers begin: Is something wrong with me? Am I missing something?
But let’s pause there, because you’re not alone or forgotten.
Many believers walk through this valley. It’s not a sin. It’s not punishment. It’s a season — a season where your feelings betray you and faith feels hard. However, here’s the truth you need to hold onto: faith is not based on feelings. As the Bible reminds us, “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7), meaning faith is about trust beyond what we see or feel.
Feelings fluctuate. One day you’re on fire; the next, you’re numb. Yet God doesn’t change. His presence doesn’t depend on your emotions. Even when you can’t feel Him, He’s still with you. This is why He promises, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5 NKJV) — a steadfast assurance that even in silence, He remains close.
It’s easy to believe when everything’s going well. But real faith kicks in when everything isn’t. When prayers feel unanswered. When the wait is long. When others receive what you’ve been praying for. That’s when you must choose: Will I believe what I see and feel, or what God has said?
In these moments, remember this comforting truth: God’s silence is not His absence. His timing is perfect, and His love for you is unshakable. As it’s written, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end” (Lamentations 3:22). This love holds firm through every season, even when your heart struggles.
So, what do you do in the waiting?
Hold on. Stay in the Word. Journal your thoughts. Surround yourself with Christian materials that will build your faith. Worship, even when it feels dry. And most importantly, remind yourself that this season will pass.
Maybe your breakthrough hasn’t come yet, but it will. Not because of how strong your faith feels, but because the One you believe in is faithful. Remember this anchor: “God is not a man, that He should lie…” (Numbers 23:19) — His promises are sure.
You may not feel Him now. You may be weary. But hold on. God is working — in the silence, in the waiting, in your tears, and in your hope. And when the answer comes, you’ll look back and say, “He was with me the whole time.”
So today, choose faith over feelings. Your story isn’t over yet.
Reflection:
What is God teaching you in this season of silence?
What can you do today to keep your faith alive, even in this quiet time?
Prayer:
Father, help me to trust You when my heart is tired. Teach me to stand on Your promises, even when I don’t feel You. I know you’re here, and I believe in your perfect timing. Amen.
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