So desperately want to feel God's presence

[Ivyblue]

I'm brand new to Christianity (4 months, not yet baptized) and I have so many questions!

I don't know how to feel God's presence, though I pray for it all the time. People tell me to just open myself up to Jesus, but I don't know how and it is starting to make me feel pretty stupid. I pray every day, but it seems like I'm not doing it right because it doesn't feel like anything is different.

What should I do? Help!

 

[SharonL]

Don't try to feel God's presence - Go by what the Bible says. The Bible tells us that Jesus is always with us and will never leave us. You will feel Him stronger at times than you do at other times. But He is always there. He is your friend. You don't have to be on bended knee with Bible in hand to talk to Him. Just talk to Him all day long just as you would a friend. Thank Him as you go through the day - tell Him how much you love Him. Get in His Word, read and believe. The Holy Spirit will be there to guide you in all that you do. When you have a decision to make ask Jesus what you should do. When you have peace about something that is the Holy Spirit guiding you. Each day you will grow stronger and you will feel God's presence. It will be that little voice inside you telling you what to do or who to help or a strong thought that comes to your mind. He is your shadow and a heartbeat away. Blessings

 

[shawnavery]

I'm brand new to Christianity (4 months, not yet baptized) and I have so many questions!

I don't know how to feel God's presence, though I pray for it all the time. People tell me to just open myself up to Jesus, but I don't know how and it is starting to make me feel pretty stupid. I pray every day, but it seems like I'm not doing it right because it doesn't feel like anything is different.

What should I do? Help!

Ive been feeling same ad you ..I've been reading through the new testament seems to be helping in getting a closer feeling to God.

 

[Ivyblue]

It will be that little voice inside you telling you what to do or who to help or a strong thought that comes to your mind.

Thank you, especially for this line in your response. It really gives me somewhere to start.

Is it really possible to stay God-focused all day (or most of the day)? I work in a job (that I love) that takes a lot of concentration and creativity, so it just doesn't seem possible.

 

[Mediaeval]

The disciples did not pray, "Lord, increase our feelings," but "Lord, increase our faith." The more you know how good God is, the more delight you will have in Him.

 

[Willie T]

I'm brand new to Christianity (4 months, not yet baptized) and I have so many questions!

I don't know how to feel God's presence, though I pray for it all the time. People tell me to just open myself up to Jesus, but I don't know how and it is starting to make me feel pretty stupid. I pray every day, but it seems like I'm not doing it right because it doesn't feel like anything is different.

What should I do? Help!

What do you think you are supposed to be feeling? What would God's presence feel like to you? How do you know this? Did someone tell you?

 

[Bible2]

Ivyblue said in post 1:

I don't know how to feel God's presence, though I pray for it all the time. People tell me to just open myself up to Jesus, but I don't know how and it is starting to make me feel pretty stupid. I pray every day, but it seems like I'm not doing it right because it doesn't feel like anything is different.

What should I do? Help!

Getting closer to God/Jesus requires obedience to what he commands believers to do (John 14:21,23, John 14:15-18, Ephesians 3:17-19; 2 Corinthians 1:22). Also, if believers haven't already, they should get Holy Spirit baptized (Acts 11:15-16, Acts 10:44-46). They usually have to ask to receive the Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13b) baptism, for it's not usually automatically given to them the moment they become believers. That's why Paul the apostle asked some believers: "Have ye received the Holy Spirit since ye believed?" (Acts 19:2).

Believers usually receive Holy Spirit baptism through prayer accompanied by the laying on of hands, subsequent to water baptism (Acts 8:15-17, Acts 19:5-6). Holy Spirit baptism won't result in speaking in tongues for everyone (1 Corinthians 12:30), but for almost everyone, as tongues are one of the Spirit's lesser gifts (1 Corinthians 12:8,9,10,11,28; 1 Corinthians 14:5). Many believers haven't yet experienced Holy Spirit baptism simply because they haven't yet asked for it, under the principle of "ye have not, because ye ask not" (James 4:2b). Many believers haven't yet asked for it because they've come under the influence of mistaken teachings which say that it's no longer in effect. Believers can get hands laid on them to receive Holy Spirit baptism at any Pentecostal-type congregation, or at any charismatic-type congregation, which can be of almost any denomination.

Also, believers will get closer to Jesus as they serve him in that particular spiritual work which he has given them as individuals to do (Mark 13:34, John 12:26, Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:28-30; 1 Corinthians 12:8-10). So if they haven't already, believers should pray and ask Jesus what their particular spiritual work is for him, and do it every day (Luke 9:23).

It's also important for believers to realize that Jesus gives different believers different amounts of spiritual talents (Matthew 25:15). So it's not possible for all believers to do the same spiritual work for Jesus, or to accomplish the same amount for him. And so any one believer shouldn't judge any other believer for not doing the same spiritual work that he or she's doing, or for not accomplishing as much as he or she's accomplishing (Romans 14:4). Nor should any believer think that the spiritual work that Jesus has given him or her is unnecessary and not a real part of the operation of the church (1 Corinthians 12:14-30). But there's still no room for complacency, because for those believers who have been given much spiritual talent by God, much will be required of them by God (Luke 12:48b). And for those believers who haven't been given as much spiritual talent by God, they're still expected to accomplish something for him, and not sit back and do nothing at all for him (Matthew 25:26,30, John 15:2a, Romans 2:6-8).

 

[1watchman]

Here is a paper that I think helps one learn how to believe and trust God:

SIMPLE GOSPEL TRUTH​

[The Gospel ---good news of God as shown in His Holy Word, is all about a relationship with God through His beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ --not by religious works, good thoughts, and doctrines. God made it simple for one who is earnest, sincere to obtain salvation, and is ready to confess one's sin before our Creator-God. Is the reader ready? - R. DeWitt]

God says: "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life; and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him" - John 3:36; also, "He that has [possesses] the Son has life, and he that has not the Son of God has not life" [eternal] - 1 Jn. 5:10-12; so, the word to mankind is very plain. Has the reader done this? Salvation is not about just believing in God, but receiving the Savior. One then ought to read John 1, John 3, John 14 in their Bible and then pray to God to lead them.

When one receives the Lord Jesus into their heart and is devoted to Him, He will enter into that one by His Holy Spirit (a "new birth"), and one will thus be sealed forever as a "child of God", and can go forth settled and at peace trusting the promise of God. See the presence of the Trinity of God in one at John 14:23.

The true believer can then study Acts and the Epistles to see what the Christian life and testimony ought to be in the world. -from biblecounsel.net

 

[SharonL]

Thank you, especially for this line in your response. It really gives me somewhere to start.

Is it really possible to stay God-focused all day (or most of the day)? I work in a job (that I love) that takes a lot of concentration and creativity, so it just doesn't seem possible.

Yes, it is possible. You don't have to really try, once you make Jesus Lord of your life, He is always there. When you are on a hard project and complete it, just a small 'thank you Jesus' is all that is necessary. When you start a complicated project, just a 'help me Jesus, give me wisdom' - that is what is meant by having Jesus close by you all day long. It does not mean that you have to be in prayer all the time.

Just talking to Jesus is prayer. As you go through life, you see someone in need, just lift them up to Jesus and ask Him to look over them. Just a conscious effort to always help people, lift them up to Jesus, asking guidance when decisions are to be made. It will soon come natural and you will do it without even thinking about it. Jesus is with you right now, causing this hunger for you wanting to be closer. You will be fine and enjoy your wonderful walk with the most high God who gave His life for you that you might have life eternal.

 

[turned around]

Hi Ivy,
First off just relax, Jesus now lives in your heart. He desires to live through you by simple faith( I mean simple). Child like stuff not 13 steps just talk to him. We don't have to feel anything, now you might sometimes and that's cool. Gradually ask him to lead you through the bible. The Apostle Paul wrote 13 letters about our Christian life. Ask Jesus to help you with them. Ask JESUS for advice about who to listen to. There are many opinions seek his advice.

 

[paul1149]

​The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” -John 3:8

Walking in the spirit begins with faith and surrender. Keep being faithful in what you already have, and more will be given. Don't be discouraged when progress seems scant. That is exactly the way progress is made. The quiet times are necessary staging for the breakthrough. But it is critical that we remain in faith during them. Keep "circling Jericho" in faith, and you'll see the walls come down. Remember, God's power is perfected in our weakness. Jesus is both Author and Finisher of your faith, and He won't give up on you. Don't let feelings from unbelief dominate you.

You also might check out a small book by Brother Lawrence, Practicing the Presence of God. It's free online.

 

[MadamImAdaminChrist]

The disciples did not pray, "Lord, increase our feelings," but "Lord, increase our faith." The more you know how good God is, the more delight you will have in Him.

I don't know if she is talking about feelings as much as a tangible presence of the holy spirit, the Comforter. I have felt a tangible presence of God since I became born-again. It feels like warmness and light and electricity, but it is not a "feeling".

I would highly recommend praying for such presence if you do not have it!

 

[Tigger45]

I don't know if she is talking about feelings as much as a tangible presence of the holy spirit, the Comforter. I have felt a tangible presence of God since I became born-again. It feels like warmness and light and electricity, but it is not a "feeling".

I would highly recommend praying for such presence if you do not have it!

Right, what you're describing is not a feeling as in an emotion. But more of the power or energy of God that the Desert Fathers (Orthodox mystics) talk about. I see each one of them as in different categories. First you have the HS dwelling inside of you when you receive Jesus as your Savior and you become born from above. Next is when the HS comes upon you to anoint you for a time and purpose. And then there is the power or energy that flows from God. Like in the story where Jesus is pushing through the crowd and the women with the blood issue touches the hem of His rob and Jesus felt power flow from Him. Just my 2 cents and have witnessed all three.

 

[Peripatetic]

God's presence can be felt in many different ways, often very different from what we expect at first. Sometimes it's a little nudge or a new perspective. Or it's a passage of scripture that comes to mind at just the right time. Sometimes it's just a whimsical encounter that feels like a wink from God, like an amusing encounter I had with a deer one day in our neighborhood. At the time, I remember thinking, "maybe that's God reminding me that His world is pretty amazing if I just slow down for a moment to experience it." I tend to feel His presence more when I'm outside. If we often had big, obvious encounters with God, we'd no longer need faith... we'd just keep looking for proof instead. But He's there if we're willing to see Him in those quiet, subtle glimpses.

 

[Mediaeval]

I would highly recommend praying for such presence if you do not have it!

Feelings come and go, but the Truth does not. I seek no other feeling than what is produced by the Truth, by the Spirit who teaches us to cry from our hearts, Abba, Father. Behold what love! Here I have a constant and dependable source of great joy.

New Christians, including myself many years ago, may be so overwhelmed by their new relationship with God and the naturally resultant joy that they seek the repeated renewal of this feeling. But we are to walk by faith, not by sight or other senses. As our faith and obedience grow, so will our joy.

The Mormons promote going by subjective feeling.

 

[MadamImAdaminChrist]

Feelings come and go, but the Truth does not. I seek no other feeling than what is produced by the Truth, by the Spirit who teaches us to cry from our hearts, Abba, Father. Behold what love! Here I have a constant and dependable source of great joy.

New Christians, including myself many years ago, may be so overwhelmed by their new relationship with God and the naturally resultant joy that they seek the repeated renewal of this feeling. But we are to walk by faith, not by sight or other senses. As our faith and obedience grow, so will our joy.

The Mormons promote going by subjective feeling.

Again, I am not talking about feelings, I am talking about a presence, which has nothing to do with Mormonism or anything else that you want to label fringe, and is not to be confused with a high/joy. It is simply a constant, abiding, comforting presence. It is a real presence, and is not to be taken lightly.

 

[Arcwood]

Ivy.

I understand your problem. I often find that when asking for answers to questions like these people tend to avoid the problem and give feed back you may not have been interested in. It is the same conflict that occurs when atheists ask for knowledge that would differentiate between believing/understanding and not.


I believe that if you want to feel the presence of God, you must first have a relationship with him. Some people feel saved when God presents himself to them because they are so unaccustomed to having him directly in front of them. However I feel this is a poor understanding of God and the Lord, because in truth they were always there; and logical reason being for them presenting themselves afterwards(now) is that in your heart you have always been open to them, not denying their greatness and wisdom, not denying their existence.

I think, to have a sense of the Lords presence, all you must do:
is admit you are not alone,
admit it is easy to grasp the difference between what is truly right and wrong
{as if you are saying, God is giving you distinction between this and that}
(this is opening up to Jesus)
[understanding he is clearly with you if you take to understanding who he is]

Praying doesn't help me either. I personally feel (but I'm surely wrong) that prayers are for those who want to pray them. and not that you should expect anything from them. in part because of a scripture by James. {speaking about the wind. but that was personal.}

When I physically felt the presence of God with me in the beginning it came to me like so,

"When I solemnly swore that I loved my God and that his truths were true"
God would send a pleasant feeling over me that showed me kindness.
But this is not something you should just expect whenever, I believe your heart has to be properly aligned.

I hope this answered some questions about
opening up to Jesus, Prayer, and Feelingt he presence of God.

if I didn't answer your question please PM me

 

[Samaritan Woman]

IvyBlue,
As a young believer, it is now time for you to learn to how to discern righteousness from deception and sin (see the book of Hebrews), and to more deeply learn the nature and character of God. I highly recommend getting a good study Bible (I use the paperback and affordable Global Study Bible in the ESV) in a literal translation such as the NASB or ESV (NIV is alright as well) then get on the website Blue Letter Bible

Learning how to study scripture in light of the context, history, and original language will teach you how to own your own faith, think for yourself, and have a deeper, more intimate and fulfilling relationship with the Lord. Enjoy learning about Him!

 

[Ivyblue]

I've read a lot of great answers in this thread. Thank you!! I just wanted to try to explain my situation a little better.

Sometimes I feel so (how shall I put this?) earthbound. I'm the type of person who over-thinks and doubts a lot. It's just my nature. I always question everything. One of the main reasons I joined this community is so I can express these doubts and learn how other people look at or deal with these questions.

I made a conscious decision to accept Jesus in my life, and this is very important to me. I read the Bible regularly and pray two ways: Using prayers like the Lord's Prayer and also just talking to God in my own words. I know in my heart that God is there, but it is just so easy to get caught up in the distractions of everyday life.

I've also recently been through a series of personal tragedies (losing loved ones too young and illness). These things are what drew me toward seeking God.

 

[Lollerskates]

I've also recently been through a series of personal tragedies (losing loved ones too young and illness). These things are what drew me toward seeking God.

Very interesting.

To be honest, the doubt doesn't stop - it wanes tremendously. By the time you are in a "locked-in" relationship of faith in God with almost no doubt, you will be sanctified. Sanctification takes almost a lifetime in many cases, so be patient. Use other spiritual brothers and sisters for help. Christ is your oldest brother: He knows perfectly. Many of us know a little bit too .

And as others have said, feelings aren't good to go on in spirit. They lie; Truth doesn't. The Holy spirit's presence is already with you if you have confessed that Christ is you savior, died on the cross to atone for our sins, and resurrected to Glory at the right hand of God. If you believe this, and have faith in this, then don't worry. From that time on, the holy spirit will work in you to complete you.