When You Don’t Feel God: How to Keep Going

When the Silence Feels Loud

There was a season in my life — during the late 2000s — when everything seemed to unravel.

Professionally, I faced immense pressure, and conflict loomed over the future of my career. At home, my marriage faced an incredibly challenging obstacle. Yet, giving up was never an option. “Till death do us part” wasn’t just a vow we made; it was a commitment we honored. We had to figure out how to climb out together.

Spiritually, I felt adrift. I couldn’t feel God’s presence. I was uncertain of my purpose. Worst of all, I felt utterly alone.

That season impacted every aspect of my life. I was in a valley so deep that I couldn’t see a way out. Yet, in the silence and confusion, God gave me a powerful revelation:

“The depth of the valley corresponds to the height of the mountain peaks on either side.”

That truth didn’t change everything overnight. However, it provided me with something I desperately needed: hope. That hope enabled me to move forward.

1. Faith Is Not a Feeling

Feelings can be deceiving. They fluctuate. Faith, on the other hand, remains anchored in truth.

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” – 2 Corinthians 5:7 (KJV)

God’s presence doesn’t depend on our emotions. He stays with us, even when we don’t sense Him. Trusting God in silence cultivates spiritual maturity.

2. When the Faithful Felt Forgotten

Many of God’s greatest servants experienced seasons of silence:

David cried, “Why art thou so far from helping me?” (Psalm 22:1) (KJV)
Job suffered in isolation, not knowing why.
Jesus Himself cried out, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46) (KJV)

Even the faithful felt forsaken. Still, they pressed on. So can you.

3. Don’t Quit the Disciplines

During dry seasons, spiritual disciplines serve as lifelines. Keep reading the Word, continue to pray, attend church, fast, and worship intentionally.

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” – Galatians 6:9 (KJV)

Consistency becomes your anchor while you wait for a breakthrough.

4. God Is Still Working

Just because you can’t see progress doesn’t mean nothing is happening. A seed grows underground long before it breaks through the soil.

“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength…” – Isaiah 40:31 (KJV)

Trust that God is working in the background of your silence.

5. Lean on the Body

God created us for community. When your faith falters, the church helps carry you.

“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together…” – Hebrews 10:25 (KJV)

Stay close to your spiritual family. Their prayers and support will sustain you.

6. His Silence Isn’t His Absence

Never confuse silence with abandonment. God is always near.

“He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” – Deuteronomy 31:6 (KJV)

The Teacher remains present during the test. His quietness does not equal His departure.

7. A Prayer for the Silent Season

When you don’t feel God, when words escape you and emotions feel numb, use this prayer as a guide. Let it become your voice until your strength returns:

Father, I feel distant. My prayers feel hollow, my worship weak. But I know You’re still here.
Your Word says You will never leave me (Deuteronomy 31:6).
You said nothing can separate me from Your love (Romans 8:38–39).
You promised that those who wait on You will renew their strength (Isaiah 40:31).
So I will trust. I will keep walking. I will not give up.
Help me to draw near, even when I don’t feel it.
Let my faith be stronger than my feelings.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Scriptures to Pray and Hold On To:

Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart…”
James 4:8 – “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.”
Isaiah 43:2 – “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee…”

Worship in the Waiting

Let worship carry you when words fail. These songs have lifted me through spiritual drought:

🎵 Listen to my “Usher in the Presence” Playlist on Apple Music

Allow these songs to minister to your spirit and usher you back into His presence.

8. You Are Never Alone: Biblical Proof

God doesn’t just promise His presence; He proves it repeatedly in Scripture:

He Walked Into Their Storm

Matthew 14 – Jesus walked on water to meet the disciples during a storm.

“Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.” – Matthew 14:27 (KJV)

He Calmed the Chaos From Within

Mark 4 – Jesus rebuked the storm from inside the boat.

“Peace, be still.” – Mark 4:39 (KJV)

He Stood in the Fire

Daniel 3 – A fourth man appeared with the three Hebrew boys in the furnace.

They weren’t alone. Neither are you.

He Walked the Road of Doubt

Luke 24 – Jesus walked with grieving disciples on the road to Emmaus.

He was there, even before they recognized Him.

He Stood by Paul in Prison

Acts 23 – Jesus appeared to Paul in a lonely prison cell.

“Be of good cheer.” – Act 23:11 (KJV) He still shows up in dark places.

The Pattern Is Clear: He Shows Up

Even when you don’t feel Him, He is near.
He remains faithful, even when your emotions fade.
Even when the silence lingers, He is still speaking.

When you don’t feel God, you are never alone. And because of that, you can keep going.