Sometimes things happen to us that cause us to feel like God is not with us. We feel abandoned and alone. “Why do I feel so alone? Has God abandoned me?” might be some questions you  have. I recently heard someone who was in deep grief say that she didn’t feel God’s presence. She still believed in God and that he was her Savior, but she didn’t feel like he was there. Her grief placed a shadow on her perception of God’s presence.

But her feelings were not accurate. If we believe in Jesus as our Savior, then the Holy Spirit is a gift and indwells us. Indwells? Yes. Comes into our “heart” or “soul” or “very being”. He promises his presence: “Remain in me, as I also remain in you.” (John 15:4),  “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.” (John 14:23).

He is there and will not leave. That’s his promise.

So what do we do when we don’t feel his presence? First of all, recognize the feelings are not always accurate. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit when he ascended into heaven. Once the Spirit is in us–when we believe and accept the gift of salvation through Jesus–the Spirit enters us. Instead of thinking I am abandoned, and alone, what should I do? Might I suggest to start praising?

Even though I don’t feel like praising, when I do, something changes within me. What if I don’t have anything to praise? All of us do! We are alive and breathing. We have the promise of eternal life with God. We have the promise of him right now–“I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”(Hebrews 13:5). Start with praising the fact that God promises to never–that’s a long, long time–abandon us. Thank him for that. Then keep going. Thank him for his presence–even though you don’t feel it. Thank him for your adoption into the family of God. I guarantee you will feel less alone when you vocalize it. Give it a try!

One of my favorite verses is in Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” It gave me hope when I felt alone.

I’ll help you out with this song of praise. I pray it encourages you as it did me:

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