Sometimes, i just can't feel God's presence. Why? (answer on if you're a true christian)?

Question

I have been through serious depression and now it seems to be getting better as i don't get as many panic attacks anymore. However, sometimes, when i asked help from God, he doenst seem to answer me. I feel frustrated about it at times and sometimes, it even leads to a panic attack. I feel that there's no one around to look after me and that I'm all alone. I'm really scared i'll backslide and deny him one day. I know it's not right, but sometime i do that unintentionally. :( Please help me! I want a close and personal relationship with him. How can i achieve that?

Answer 1

God's presence has got nothing to do with feelings but everything to do with believing God. He has promised to always be with us, never to leave or forsake us. Do you believe that, or are you so unsure you are seeking reassurance? Our feelings yo-yo - sometimes according to the weather! Faith should never waver but just keep on growing. It won't if we are led by our feelings. "The righteous will live by faith" (Romans 1:17). Believe God. Trust him. Hold on to his faithful promises. You are engraven in the palm of his hand. Nothing can separate you from the love of God, in Christ. God never promised you good feelings of his presence all the time. He promised you far more - your eternal salvation - and when you are depressed, that's what you need to think about.

Answer 2

Sweet friend. This is my first visit to this site and I praise God for you. I am a Christian and am struggling with stress / depression. you need to keep good chrisitan friends close to you. If you find this difficult then just open the Word and spend time with your heavenly father. Don't worry about backsliding - there is nowhere you can go from Gods presence. Jesus himself must have experienced times of anxiety - remember as He prayed before the crucifiction. Sweet sister i will pray along with you. Take some time to love yourself - GOD DOES!! remember He sees you through Jesus. through the Cross. Take heart xx

Answer 3

Father K makes a good point to start

And to develop a lasting relationship, you need to remember to feed it. Give and take. Read the word, even if you don't "get it" yet. And Pray. Lots.
Talk to Jesus too, when you're by yourself or just in your head when you are out and about. He wants you to ask Him questions. He wants you to trust Him, and how can you do that if you don't ask questions?
Fellowship at a relational church. Develop friendships with like minded people who will opening TALK about Jesus and scripture OUTSIDE the church at any time. Relationship isn't only about Sundays.

And most of all - you need to begin to understand what the LOVE of Christ is,... "I knew you before you were born- I knit you in your mother's womb" is a VERY powerful scripture. Jeremiah 1:5 and Psalm 139: 15 - but the whole psalm is excellent for understanding His love.

Carry scripture in your heart. It's amazing how God talks to us through scripture. We'll be having a conversation with someone and suddenly a relevent scripture either for the person or just for us will come to mind. The more you pray and read scripture, the more you understand Who God is. That's developing relationship.

blessings sister
:)

Answer 4

Elish,
A healthy personal relationship with God has a lot to do with our MINDS. The Devil has known this since the days of Adam and Eve and that is where he puts most of his effort. Fortunately for us GOD knows this too and God has given us a powerful defense…SALVATION! Some Christians believe their Salvation can be somehow forfeited, that is a very DANGEROUS mindset. Sure when you feel on top of the world and you are resisting all kinds of temptations its ok. But when the wheels of life start to come off and temptation leads to sin our relationship starts a downward spiral. It is imperative that you KNOW your Salvation is being kept by GOD not you. You submitted your heart to HIM and He gave you the Holy Spirit to be with you until He brings you home. This KNOWING is more important than anything else. Read scriptures that remind you that GOD has your back that is how you REGAIN your footing. Listen to teachings that emphasize this because the Devil targets how we view our relationship with God. If he sees you depending on your actions to keep your Salvation he will set you up for depression. I have seen this happen to many Christians. God’s love for us is embodied in the act of Salvation. Also search for a Church fellowship that has a GOOD Pastor and Biblical teaching. It’s important to develop a church family for extra support.
“…For He hath said, I will never Leave thee nor forsake thee.”_ Hebrews13:5

Answer 5

Hi, sorry to hear you are feeling so bad. Please try the following steps for your anxiety and depression. After doing Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, I think you'll be more able to recognise the truth of the world around you, including God's love for you:

1.Breathe properly - if you control your breathing, you control panic. As soon as you notice the signs of anxiety, check your breathing: breathe in slowly through your nose pushing your tummy out (to the count of 5 or so). Breathe out slowly and for a bit longer (to the count of 7 or so) through your mouth. Do not breathe rapidly or shallowly (in the chest area). This will soon restore the balance of oxygen and you will feel a lot better.

2. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy! CBT is proven to be the most effective thing for panic attacks, OCD and anxiety etc. It takes a bit of work, but it is super effective. (After 15 years of panic attacks, mine stopped completely). You can speak to your doctor about taking a course or you can take a course for free online at: www.livinglifetothefull.com

3. Try relaxation exercise tapes (progressive muscular relaxation). They really help if you practise often enough. You can get free downloads in you put "progressive muscle relaxation" into Google (e.g. lots of universities have them as free downloads)

With each step practise makes perfect. (i.e. practise the steps every day, not just when you are feeling bad). I hope you feel better soon. Best of luck!

Answer 6

I think any relationship with any god is about opening yourself up to them. That is harder then you think. It's hard to put all those jumbled thoughts and stresses out of your mind for even a little while. In my faith I meditate to pray and I bet the same concept could work for you.
If you BELIEVE in your God you are not denying him. You are frustrated sure. But that isn't denial.
If you are truly depressed and have anxiety I really hope you are seeing a professional. Some times meds can help a LOT

Answer 7

I am searching for the same answer. I don't want anyone to say "It is by faith", your too busy with other things and not putting him first, your relationship needs to be right with God, Because that is not what it is in my case. Why can't I feel him????

Answer 8

If you are a child of God, there is no time that we can not get in the presence of God. If you take out time to meditate and prayer, and with sincerity you are seeking God for an answer, or just placing some issues in front of Him, His presence will truly be there, if you can discern the presence of God. The Lord hears sincere prayers, and if you come to him with all your heart, you will began to feel his presence of comfort around you, letting you know that everything is going to be alright. So come to him with all your heart and put it out there and commune with Him, because you are seeking guidance, or you want his direction on anything that you are dealing with, and know that He will be there as He so said in His word. " I will never leave you, nor forsake you", and whatsoever you ask of My Father in My Name, that will I do." God is faithful to His Word, and to His promises.

Answer 9

You should keep praying. Don't lose faith in God. When I feel that way sometimes my youth leader ussually come and asks me whats wrong n I let her know n we go somewhere n talk about it n she helps me out a lot. Why don't you try talking to someone you look up to maybe they can help you. But as I said before never lose faith in God it may seem like he is not listening to you but he will always be there for you. Read your bible it can help you also.

Answer 10

To relieve yourself of your depression praise and worship God. In Isaiah 61:3 we are told to put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. When you are in the presence of the Lord there is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11). Delight yourself also in the Lord and He shall give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4). May the joy of the Lord be your strength! Amen.