Why can’t I always “feel” the Lord’s presence?

[James Gibbons]

A friend of mine lost her husband last week. When a lady we know asked if my friend would like someone to come and stay with her, “so she wouldn’t be alone,” my friend replied, “I’m not alone, the Lord is with me.”

I love that. Unfortunately, as I look back on dark times in my life, one common element is that at the darkest hours, I cannot feel the presence of the Lord. I would love to be able to climb up on the lap of Abba Father. I would love to push my face into his everlasting arms and weep. But the darkest part of the darkness, is that in that hour, I “know” He is there. But I don’t “feel” His presence.

So, my questions are:
1. Is it just me, or does everyone have this experience?
2. How does one cultivate a felt sense of the Lord’s presence?
3. Am I just whining?

[Harry]

As a Lutheran, I don't get involved with the emotional or feelings, but I know that Christ comes to us Bodily in His Sacraments, in His Word, in the pastor preaching His Word and in Absolution.

[Jack]

When My son-in-law was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of cancer, and told that he would be dead in 2 weeks, if they didn't Give him chemotherapy, so strong, that it might even kill him before the cancer did!
My daughter had 3 children, under the age of 5 years. She cried out to the Lord, and she tells us how it seemed like the Lord wrapped His arms around her, and said: "Don't worry! I will take care of you!" She's had complete peace, from then, and until it was all over, about 2 years later. But during that time, he had chemo twice, and then had surgery to remove part of his lung. The chemo destroyed many of his joints, and has had 2 artificial sholders installed, and never whines about his pain, which continues, in his feet and ankles. She has been out of a job, for about 8 months, but she says "I don't worry, I know that the lord will provide- He hasn't failed us yet!"
So, in our troubles, He can give us more peace and joy, than "when the good-times roll!"