Feelings are an integral part of our human experience, created by God to help us navigate life. However, our feelings do not always reflect the truth.
Many times life can seem bleak, filled with one challenge after another. Perhaps your home air conditioner breaks down during what seems like an unusual heatwave, adding discomfort to an already stressful situation where you’re wondering how you will be able to pay for the repair. Or work is extra stressful and you’re thinking about looking for another job. Meanwhile, your children outgrow their clothes and shoes faster than expected, necessitating unplanned expenses and a shopping trip. Just when you think it can't get worse, you receive an unexpected health diagnosis, and it feels like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. Add to these stressors the stories of crime and violence you hear on the nightly news.
In these moments, you may feel fearful and all alone, and even the most devout Christian might ask, "God, where are you?" It's natural to feel overwhelmed when life is filled with one difficulty after another and it seems like evil is rampant. During these times, the truth that you’re believing may come from the strong emotions that are rising up in response to your circumstances. But it's in these very moments that you must have a plan in place to remind yourself of God's faithfulness and presence in your life.
Acknowledge Your Feelings and Emotions
Feelings are an integral part of our human experience, created by God to help us navigate life. However, our feelings do not always reflect the truth. They can be influenced by our circumstances, thoughts, and perceptions, leading us to believe things that are not in line with God's truth.
It's important to acknowledge our feelings without allowing them to dictate our beliefs and actions. When feelings of fear or doubt arise, we can bring them before God honestly. Psalm 62:8 encourages us to "Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your hearts before Him; God is a refuge for us.”
After acknowledging our feelings, we can weigh them against the truth of God's Word. We may feel like we are all alone, but God's Word says He is always with us (Isaiah 41:10). We may feel like no one loves us, but God's Word says we are His children who are dearly loved (1 John 3:1). By aligning our thoughts with God's truth, we can overcome the deception of our emotions. Instead of dwelling in this state of fear and doubt, we can take proactive steps to reframe our mindset and realign our hearts with God's truth.
Reframe Your Mindset
One of the most transformative shifts we can make is moving from a mindset of scarcity to one of abundance. Scarcity tells us we are lacking -- lacking peace, lacking direction, lacking God's presence. This mindset breeds fear and anxiety, making us feel like we're constantly running after something that we don’t have.
In contrast, an abundance mindset acknowledges that, in Christ, we have everything we need. Ephesians 1:3 reminds us, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.” Instead of focusing on what we think or feel we don’t have, we can rest in the knowledge that God has already provided us with everything necessary for our spiritual well-being.
Move from Striving to Resting
Often, our default mode is to do something. We try to control the situation, to understand, to find a solution. We quickly get lost in performance mode and before you know it, we are exhausted, frustrated, and experiencing more doubt and despair. Jesus invites us into a different way: "Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).
Resting in what we already have in Jesus because of what He’s already done means trusting that He is sufficient and that His grace is enough. It means ceasing our relentless striving and receiving the peace that we gained the moment we put our faith in Jesus. Psalm 46:10 encourages us to "Stop striving and know that I am God.” In this space of rest, we find the assurance of His presence and the calm that comes from knowing He is in control.
Remind Yourself That God Is Always with You
In moments of doubt, it is crucial to remind ourselves of the unchanging truth that God is always with us. Deuteronomy 31:6 assures us, "The Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." This promise is not conditional on our feelings or circumstances. It is a steadfast truth that we can hold onto.
When life feels scary and we feel like we are all alone, we can look to Scriptures like Psalm 139:7-10, which beautifully remind us of God's omnipresence, "Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. If I take up the wings of the dawn, If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, even there Your hand will lead me, and Your right hand will take hold of me.”
Speak Biblical Truths Aloud to Yourself
Understanding who you are in Christ is foundational to combating feelings of fear and isolation when you are questioning God’s presence. The Bible is filled with affirmations of your identity as a beloved child of God and the blessings you have received through Jesus. Here are a few key truths you can say aloud to remind yourself of who you are and what you have as a child of God:
1. I am a child of God.
"See how great a love the Father has given us, that we would be called children of God; and in fact we are." 1 John 3:1a
As His child, you are never outside of His care and concern.
2. I am never alone.
“For He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, now will I ever forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5b
God is always present with you.
3. I am victorious.
“But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:37
No matter the challenges you face, you have victory in Christ.
4. I have God’s power working within me.
“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us.” Ephesians 3:20
In Christ, you can do all things.
5. I have joy.
“These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.” John 15:11
You have access to the fullness of joy in this life.
6. I have peace.
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” John 14:27
You have access to peace no matter your circumstances. Jesus says it will be a peace that “surpasses understanding.” Philippians 4:7
In times of uncertainty and doubt, when life is chaotic and challenging, instead of asking, "God, where are you?" choose to reframe your mindset from one of scarcity to one of abundance, from striving to resting in Christ's finished work. By reminding yourself of the biblical truths of who you are and what you have in Christ, you can combat feelings of fear and being alone with the unwavering assurance of God's presence and love. Your feelings are valid, but they do not define your reality. God is always with you, and His promises are steadfast. Rest in this truth and remind yourself of the peace you have in Him.
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