I Don’t Always “Feel” Like a Christian…

…even though I have faith that I am.

What I mean is, I don’t always sense the presence of the Holy Spirit who lives inside me.

I don’t “feel” him in my heart.

(And sadly, I don’t allow myself to be controlled by him every moment.)

Even when I am deeply immersed in my devotional time, I can’t always tell that God is in the same room, around me, surrounding me, holding me in the palm of his hand.

But Scripture provides two assurances that I rely upon, time after time.

First of all, I can’t trust what I feel – or don’t feel – in my heart, contrary to popular belief.

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? – Jeremiah 17:9

Second, God promises richly and repeatedly that he is indeed within me.

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. – John 14:16-17

He does hear and answer my prayers, even when I feel as though they are stopping at the ceiling.

And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. – John 14:13

The road of my life has been beautifully laid out before me, with all its twists and hairpin turns, by his hand and according to his plan.

I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. – Psalm 32:8

Remember, the next time you don’t feel the presence of God, don’t doubt it. Trust the promises of his Word. I welcome your valuable and insightful comments.

My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. – John 10:29

---