Tag: doubt

Experiencing God’s Presence Beyond Worship

I don’t usually speak like this — not because I don’t believe, but because I believe deeply. My struggle isn’t with faith itself, but with how it’s sometimes portrayed; how the church, in its passion to express God’s love, can sometimes end up commercializing what should be sacred and simple.

Lately, that’s been weighing on my heart…

There’s something I haven’t done in a while — just speaking straight from the heart.
Usually, I’d write it all down, but lately, I haven’t had the strength for that. Still, this question has been sitting heavy on my mind, and I don’t want to hold it in any longer. I don’t want to grow cynical about my faith.

So here I am, just putting it out there — hoping that maybe someone will understand what I’m trying to say.

Recently, I was listening to a live worship session. I noticed something that’s always been there. This time, it really struck me. The worship leader said something like, “We’re going to feel the presence of the Lord tonight!”

And I realized how often I hear that phrase — Come and feel the power of God. Come and feel His presence. Experience His love tonight.

It’s everywhere in how gatherings, events, and worship nights are advertised. And it made me pause.

Because sometimes… it feels commercialized.
Almost like we’re trying to sell people an experience — like we’re offering them air, when air is already all around us.

Why do we make it seem like the love or presence of God is something confined to a church building, or a particular atmosphere?
Why can’t we remind people that God’s love can be felt right where they are — in the quiet of a new morning, in good health, in the warmth of family and friends?

Yes, it’s beautiful to gather with others in worship — there’s power and encouragement in community. But we shouldn’t give the impression that that is the only place God’s love resides.

His presence isn’t an event.
It’s existence itself.
Every breath, every sunrise, every moment of peace is proof that His love is still here.

I think we sometimes sensationalize His presence — we turn it into something to be felt rather than lived. But maybe to truly feel the love of God, we also have to love Him in return.

If you don’t carry love for God in your heart, how can you recognize His love when it’s already around you? It’s not that His love arrives only when the music swells or the preacher calls for it — it’s that our hearts finally open to notice it.

Maybe I’m overthinking this. Maybe not.
But it’s something I needed to say — and maybe, someone out there feels the same.

—
(Thank you for reading. If you’ve ever thought about this too, I’d love to hear your perspective.)

…In expectation of the next "Joie de vivre"….

Hello,

In fullness of mind I write….

Its all about the emptiness of this life you see… my fears, pains, and (unashamed to say it)…  my Complex. YES! “MY” Complex…
They say “a problem is half solved when you own up to the point of the matter”, so I always like to establish my flaws each time I swing into this mood (it helps!). However, I am yet to grasp what is required to fully solve the other half of MY “problem”.
The thought that everyone else is better than me or running their lives better than me has always been a major dismal… I often battle with this cross along the way of my adult life.
When I think of all the things I could have been, that I am not; what I wasted away (Talent wise) and the time I have lost! Its enough to make me want to take my own life, but I’m still here…. thankful to The “God-Head”, and yet in dark times (which we ALL have), I have often wondered, “Why?“…This burden of FEELING and PONDERING has brought on such mental and physical pain, I find  myself battling them each day. I feel like Saul in the Bible who was tormented by a spirit until David came along and played some of that good music on a string. My David has always been my “Tears”  and “Prayer” and the music, “my God”. I have hoped for more days when I don’t have to approach His mercy seat with such a burdensome heart but with one of Thanks giving, and yet He is AWESOMELY faithful to sooth my aching heart at all times.
Dear reader, you really don’t need to be reading this I know, and although this was written on a wet, cold and boring Sunday, these words are to encourage you. You are not alone in this world of doubt; Everyone has their issues. Some of us are just stronger than others in concealing them; Others, handling them and moving on, while some others are strong enough to speak out and not ashamed to let people see them for who they really are in their weakness.
P.S- In reading this blog kindly do not misunderstand my person… I am not a sad woman or one with an unfortunate childhood. No, I have leaved 29+ GOOD and naturally CHALLENGED years; experienced joy and depression; Love and Hate…. Have lied and been lied to; Won and Lost out (BIG TIME on both accounts)…. In totality, I have been there and done that, and am still looking forward to more of Life’s many  experiences.
…And like every man or woman who has breath in their lungs I have had days when I shed uncontrollable tears and screamed out “WHY ME?!”, but in some common sense there is REASON to be thankful. Remember that we all exist for a “PURPOSE”and so, until our purpose is realised the best we can do is to dust ourselves off  in times of disappointment, and be expectant of the next “joie de vivre”.
I’m glad if you can relate to this… I can!

HAVE A BLESSED WEEK! 🙂