Can I ask you something hard? Have you ever tried to live out faith when emotions waver, and you just don’t feel much of anything? I have. Let me tell you, those seasons are some of the hardest for me to talk about—and probably for you, too. It feels easier to celebrate when our hearts are full. But what happens when we show up, do the things, say the prayers, and our hearts feel quiet or even numb, spiritual self care tips? Where does faith fit when the feelings don’t deepening relationship with God?
In our recent podcast episode of Perspectives Into Practice, we opened up about those seasons where your head knows all the right answers about God’s love and presence, but your feelings just aren’t lining up. My friend Ashley shared her story of spiritual dryness and loss, and I couldn’t help but nod my head as she spoke. I know I’m not alone in this, and you aren’t either. So, let’s talk honestly about how to hold faith when emotions waver.
Why Is Faith So Hard When Emotions Waver and You Feel Nothing?
Here’s the thing. We talk so much in church and among friends about living by faith, but most of us assume there will be some sense of connection along the way. What happens when even that goes missing?
I remember sitting in my own quiet time and thinking, Why does reading Scripture suddenly feel dry? Why do my prayers sound flat, like they aren’t reaching past the ceiling, gratitude practices for healing? In these moments, having faith when emotions waver feels less like joy and more like obedience, Christian approach to mental health can help. Maybe you know this feeling, too.
Sometimes it hits after a big disappointment or loss, Finding Faith After Loss. Sometimes, it sneaks up in a busy season, or with grief so heavy you can’t even process it, trusting God through waiting. For some of us, the silence is about waiting—waiting for God to show up in a tangible way, trusting God through waiting. For others, it’s about grief that becomes so numbing you don’t even know how to name it.
What If Faith Is Still Active Even When You Feel Numb? When God feels silent?
Let me tell you what I’m learning Finding God in Hard Times. Just because your feelings are missing doesn’t mean God’s presence is. Faith when emotions waver is still faith—it’s just quieter and sometimes more honest. The Bible tells us, “The Lord is near the brokenhearted; he saves those crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18 CSB) That verse matters so much more when your spirit actually feels crushed, doesn’t it, Finding hope after loss?
Friend, your faith is not measured by an emotional high. It’s measured by your willingness to stick close to God, even in the questions, even when the feelings seem far away.
Is It Normal to Have Faith When Emotions Waver and Still Feel Uncertain?
Absolutely. In fact, I’m convinced it’s not just normal, it’s part of the Christian life. We walk by faith, not by sight—and that includes not depending on our emotional temperature.
You might wonder, Does feeling empty mean my faith isn’t working? I hear that a lot. Or maybe you wonder, Is God even listening if nothing changes inside me?
I promise you, those are honest questions, and you’re not the only one asking. Many people in the Bible wrestled this same way. Think about David’s psalms. Some of the most beautiful prayers came out when he was at his lowest. Sometimes, he cried out because he didn’t feel God at all. But still, he kept on calling out. That’s faith when emotions waver.
Common Reasons Why Our Feelings Don’t Match Our Faith
- Grief or recent loss
- Overwhelm or exhaustion
- Spiritual dryness or burnout
- Unconfessed sin or guilt
- Just normal life with ups and downs
Any of these sound familiar? For Ashley in the podcast, it was the grief after miscarriage that knocked her sideways and left her faith feeling flat. For me, it’s looked like long stretches of showing up for quiet time, but not feeling a spark in my heart. Our stories are different, but the emotional flatness can feel the same.
How Can You Keep Faith When Emotions Waver and God Feels Silent?
Let me get practical with you. Here are a few things I’ve seen help when faith when emotions waver becomes your reality.
Show Up Anyway
The most faithful thing I’ve learned to do is just keep showing up. Even if the words aren’t coming. Even if it feels like nothing’s happening. Faith when emotions waver is about choosing to keep opening your Bible, sitting in silence, or whispering the smallest prayer. God honors your willingness to show up, no matter how you feel.
Lean on Community for Faith When Emotions Waver
This is where we get to do life together. Sometimes you need a friend to sit beside you. Ashley shared about friends who physically showed up and brought small reminders of hope when she didn’t have words to pray. I’ve been sent Scripture, songs, and even a cup of coffee just when I needed it. Community matters—especially when you’re struggling with faith when emotions waver.
Remember, God Is Not Changed by Our Emotions
One of the biggest lies is that God backs away when we’re numb, confused, or hurting. But he remains steady. He’s not reactive to our mood swings or rough days. His presence stays secure, steady, and full of love for us. Even in the dry places, faith when emotions waver still matters deeply to him.
Cling to the Truth of God’s Word
I want to encourage you—hold on to what the Word says, even when it doesn’t “feel true” inside.
- Read a verse daily (even just one)
- Bring your questions and doubts right to God
- Write down reminders of his promises
Romans 8:26 is one that has held me (and Ashley) through dry places: "In the same way the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings" (CSB). Faith when emotions waver is sometimes just letting the Holy Spirit carry you when the words run out.
What Should You Do When Faith and Feelings Don’t Match Up?
This is where so many of us get stuck. We want faith to feel alive, but there are days it just doesn’t. What then?
I’ve learned that your emotions are not the boss of your faith. Feelings are information—they’re not the whole story. If your heart feels dry or numb, it’s okay to tell God the truth about it. He can handle it.
Steps for Living Out Faith When Emotions Waver
- Keep your routines steady. Don’t give up on worship, Scripture, or prayer, even if you don’t sense anything.
- Let others carry hope for you. Ask a friend to pray, or remind you of truth.
- Take breaks when you need them. Rest and self-care are part of spiritual health, too.
- Wait with expectation. Know that the dryness is not forever. God’s presence is not measured by your feelings.
I know it can feel like nothing’s happening in the silence. But your choice to stay close is faith in action, even if it’s just getting out of bed or reading one verse.
God’s Nearness in the Silence
There’s a quiet beauty in knowing that God sits with us in the dark places. Sometimes we won’t even recognize his closeness until much later, as we look back. Ashley talked about how a hummingbird became a reminder of hope for her, arriving on her porch in the very middle of grief. God knows exactly what speaks to your heart, even when your feelings flicker or fade. Faith when emotions waver is still holding on, even if by a thread.
Hope for You: Faith When Emotions Waver Isn’t the End of Your Story
Maybe you find yourself in that space right now. You’re reading and hoping the spark will come back. Let me say this clearly—faith when emotions waver is not alarming to God. He sees your steady heart. He counts your hidden tears.
I want you to know that the silence doesn’t last forever. Your emotions will shift again. Your heart will soften to his presence once more. Until then, your faithfulness is not wasted. Every small step, every small prayer counts in God’s eyes.
Let’s be the kind of people who show up for ourselves and one another, even in the tough spots. Let’s remind each other that faith is a living thing, not based on our shifting emotions.
Practical Encouragement When Faith When Emotions Waver
- Reach out to someone you trust for prayer or listening ear
- Write down a verse that brings hope and put it where you’ll see it
- Trust the Holy Spirit to pray on your behalf when words fail
If you want more encouragement or you’re walking through a tough season, listen to the full podcast episode "Navigating Spiritual Dry Seasons." You’ll hear real stories that remind you none of us have to go through it alone. We are here, in this together.
Friend, keep showing up. Even a tiny step is still a step of faith. Faith when emotions waver can be quiet—but it is still strong. And you are never alone.
If you’re ready for more real stories and practical wisdom, I invite you to listen to this week’s episode and keep walking with us. We’re better together—faith, feelings, and everything in between.
