The Problem With Feelings...

I have a struggle at times when I pray. My words 'feel' as if they are bouncing off the ceiling and not really going anywhere. Sometimes, I 'feel' as if I am talking to myself and wonder if God is really listening; it's as if God is vague and not concrete. I can't see Him. I can't touch Him. I can not 'feel' Him.

The huge error in my thinking is that my 'feelings' are not reliable, and faith has nothing to do with them, whatsoever. My focus is inward--I can't see, I can't touch, I can't feel. I, I, I. Faith is believing, regardless of our feelings and regardless of any earthly outcome. Faith's focus is on God--and the truth of who and what He is.

As a conversationalist, I am not so good at chit-chat, and if you have ever spent time talking to me, you will soon realize that I feel much more comfortable asking questions--then I can get you to talk! Sometimes it can be used to deflect off of me, but most of the time, I just am truly intrigued by stories, and how God is woven through each and every one's life.

Maybe I need to use that tactic when talking to God. Spend way more time listening, asking questions, and less time rattling on and on--wondering if He is really listening. (He is--that's a fact and my feelings can never change that.)

Proof--taken straight from God's letter to us that supercedes any feelings that might be lying and deceiving-

1John 5:14,15 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.
And if we know that he hears us-whatever we ask-we know that we have what we asked of him.