The Illusion of “Feeling” God’s Presence: A Critical Examination

In churches today, the notion of feeling the presence of God is highly prioritized. But can we truly ascertain the presence of God through our emotions? This week, we delve into the misconceptions surrounding the purported feeling of God’s presence, largely perpetuated by charismatic pastors, and examine the risks associated with relying on emotions rather than scriptural truth.

1. The Influence of Emotional Gospel Music:

The sensation Christians associate with God’s presence is nothing more than the emotional aftermath of engaging with slow, stirring Gospel music. The powerful emotions evoked by soulful hymns and worship songs are usually mistaken for a divine encounter. The melodic strains and heartfelt lyrics of Gospel music have a strong impact on the human psyche, producing feelings of joy, peace, and spiritual elevation. In the midst of such musical experiences, Christians attribute their heightened emotional state to the presence of God, identifying the intensity of their feelings with a tangible manifestation of God. Consequently, the line between genuine spiritual communion and mere emotional resonance becomes blurred, leading many to equate the sensation of euphoria induced by music with a direct encounter with God.

2. Benny Hinn

Benny Hinn, a prominent televangelist, has significantly propagated this false notion through his books, “Good Morning, Holy Spirit” and “The Anointing.” In “Good Morning, Holy Spirit,” Hinn writes, “Suddenly, I began to feel a strange warmth. It started in my hands and began to move up my arms.” This is a common description of the emotional response associated with heightened spiritual experiences, leading individuals to attribute such sensations to God’s presence. Similarly, in “The Anointing,” Hinn emphasizes the experiential aspect, stating, “The anointing is what makes us feel the presence of God.” Here, Hinn suggests that God’s presence is contingent upon an external force and is discerned through human feelings rather than on faith in God’s written Word.

3. The Dangers of Emotional Dependency:

Relying on feelings to discern God’s presence poses several dangers. Firstly, emotions are inherently subjective and prone to fluctuation, making them an unreliable indicator of spiritual truth. Secondly, this dependency on feelings leads individuals astray, creating a superficial faith that prioritizes experiential highs over a deep-rooted understanding of God’s Word. Moreover, it opens the door to manipulation, as charismatic leaders capitalize on emotional vulnerability to exert control over their followers.

4. Biblical Reassurances of God’s Presence:

Contrary to the on-and-off experience of God’s presence that charismatic circles offer, the Bible offers reassurances of God’s constant presence with true believers. Psalm 46:1 declares, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble,” reaffirming the unwavering nature of God’s presence irrespective of our emotional state. Similarly, Hebrews 13:5 assures believers, “I will never leave you nor forsake you,” revealing the enduring faithfulness of God beyond fleeting emotions. These verses serve as anchors, grounding believers in the reality of God’s presence regardless of their emotional fluctuations.

The idea that God’s presence is something that can be ushered in or out by worship leaders is a misleading misconception. God’s presence is not dependent on human agency, such as the actions of worship leaders. God is always present with believers, regardless of the specific worship environment or the individuals leading it. Worship is not a means of summoning God’s presence but an acknowledgment and celebration of His continual presence in our lives.

5. Theologian Perspectives:

Dr. Timothy Keller, a renowned theologian and author, cautions against equating emotional experiences with God’s presence, stating, “We must be careful not to mistake emotional highs for genuine encounters with God.” Similarly, Dr. John Piper, a prominent pastor and author, emphasizes the primacy of Scripture in discerning God’s presence, asserting, “Our feelings must always be tested against the unchanging truth of God’s Word.” It is important to maintain a balanced perspective, wherein emotions are secondary to the foundational truths of Scripture.

Conclusion:

The sensation of feeling God’s presence, often attributed to emotional experiences, warrants critical examination. Figures like Benny Hinn have perpetuated the misconception that such feelings are indicative of God’s presence while disregarding the inherent risks of emotional dependency. By anchoring ourselves in the unwavering truths of Scripture, we can embrace a faith that transcends fleeting emotions and rests securely in the unchanging presence of God.