Finding Faith When You Don’t Feel God

When Jesus saw the man paralyzed for thirty-eight years lying by the pool of Bethesda, He asked a question that at first glance seems odd: “Do you want to get well?” (John 5:6). It’s easy to assume the answer would be a resounding yes. After all, who wouldn’t want healing?

But beneath Jesus’ question lies a profound spiritual truth one that’s relevant every time we feel spiritually numb, disconnected, or unable to sense God’s presence. Sometimes, even when we say we want healing, part of us is afraid to receive it. And that hidden hesitation can be the very thing keeping us from experiencing God more deeply.

The Hidden Power of Core Beliefs

Many Christians long to feel God’s presence more tangibly, to walk in His peace, and to overcome patterns that hold them back. And yet, despite their prayers and efforts, they continue to struggle. One reason could be a hidden internal conflict a clash between conscious desires and subconscious beliefs.

You may truly want to let go of fear, shame, or bitterness, but another part of you might believe that letting go would leave you vulnerable, unprepared, or undeserving. That’s what counselors often call a core belief. It’s not just a passing thought it’s a deeply rooted conviction about how life works, who God is, and who you are.

Take the anxious person who’s convinced that worry keeps them safe. They hate the anxiety. They pray for peace. But deep down, a part of them believes that if they stop worrying, they’ll be caught off guard. Or the person who wants to forgive themselves but keeps replaying past mistakes, subconsciously believing they must be punished before they can have peace.

The truth is, God won’t force healing into a place we’re still guarding with fear. But He lovingly invites us to examine those hidden beliefs and trade them for His truth.

How to Identify the Belief That’s Blocking You

A simple but powerful exercise can help you begin this process. Fill in the blank:

• “The problem with letting this go is ______.”

• “If I let this go, then ______.”

Let the answers surface without judgment. Don't analyze or filter them. The goal is honesty, not perfection.

For example, you might find yourself thinking:

• “If I let go of my anxiety, I’ll be unprepared.”

• “If I stop feeling guilty, I’ll forget how serious my sin was.”

• “If I forgive them, they won’t face justice.”

These beliefs may sound logical at first, but when held up to the light of Scripture, they don’t hold. That’s when healing can begin not by condemning yourself for believing them, but by bringing them into the light with compassion.

Healing Through God’s Truth

Once you’ve identified a false core belief, bring it before God in prayer. Ask Him to show you where it originated perhaps in a painful memory, a past relationship, or even a misunderstanding of Scripture. Then, invite the Holy Spirit to speak truth into that place.

Psalm 51:6 says, “You desire truth in the innermost being.” God wants to meet you in those quiet, hidden places and replace every lie with His love. Find a verse that speaks directly to the false belief, and begin meditating on it daily. For anxiety, it might be Philippians 4:6–7. For guilt, Romans 8:1. For fear of vulnerability, Psalm 91.

You don’t have to do this alone. Invite a trusted friend or counselor to walk with you. Sometimes, just having someone reflect truth back to you in love can be the breakthrough your heart needs.

God Is Still With You Even When You Can’t Feel Him

If you don’t feel God right now, it doesn’t mean He’s far away. In fact, the very longing you feel is often evidence of His pursuit. And remember, Scripture never tells us to feel God it tells us to believe Him.

The process of renewing your mind is not only spiritual but also physical. Neuroscience backs what the Bible has long said: that our minds can be transformed. Research from Dr. Caroline Leaf shows that toxic thoughts appear as dark, twisted branches in the brain, while healthy, life-giving thoughts show up as bright and vibrant structures. When we identify and replace false beliefs, even our brains begin to heal.

As Romans 12:2 promises, “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This is not instant, but it is possible. And it starts with one surrendered thought, one honest prayer, one quiet moment in God’s presence where you say, “Yes, Lord. I do want to get well.”

What to Do When You Feel Spiritually Numb

Here are a few steps you can take when God feels distant:

1. Identify and challenge core beliefs: Ask what hidden belief might be resisting healing or freedom.

2. Speak truth to that belief: Find Scripture that addresses it directly and meditate on it.

3. Invite God into your past: Ask Him to speak into the memory or message that birthed the false belief.

4. Practice compassion, not condemnation: You won’t heal by beating yourself up. You’ll heal through love.

5. Celebrate progress: Even small insights are victories. Each step is sacred ground.

6. Seek support: Find a trusted counselor, mentor, or friend who can walk with you.

God’s presence is not measured by your feelings. It is promised by His Word. As Isaiah 41:10 assures us, “Do not fear, for I am with you.” That means even in silence, even in confusion, even when your heart feels heavy — He is there.

If you found hope in this reminder, consider sharing it with someone who may be walking through a silent season or subscribe to our newsletter for more encouragement like this each week.