How to Invite God’s Presence When Life Feels Messy and Hard
Can I ask you a question? Have you ever looked around at your life and wondered, "God, are you really here in this mess?" Maybe your heart is heavy, maybe the questions are louder than the answers, and maybe you're just trying to make it from one moment to the next. I know that space. I remember sitting in my own kind of "closet" praying to feel something—anything—except the ache of disappointment. And the thing I learned is that when we lean in, even awkwardly, even messily, that's where God meets us. Today, I want to talk about how to invite God’s presence when life feels especially hard. Not a checklist or a magic formula, but Gratitude practices for healing that have helped me (and women like you) find hope right in the middle of the mess.
Why We Feel Alone in the Mess (But Aren’t)
Here's the thing. Hard seasons have a way of making us believe we're alone—like God somehow slipped out the back door just when things got difficult. In our recent podcast episode, I sat with Andy as she shared about her lowest points. I heard echoes of my own story in hers. Maybe yours, too. Divorce, heartbreak, depression, moments when faith felt thin. And what stood out wasn’t the pain, but the persistent promises of God’s presence.
If you’re wondering how to invite God’s presence, you’re not alone. We want an answer when we’re hurt, but God so often gives us Himself. Psalm 34:18 (CSB) says, “The Lord is near the brokenhearted; he saves those crushed in spirit.” He’s near. Not just to the strong, but to the broken, messy, anxious, and overwhelmed Trusting God through waiting.
What Does It Mean to Invite God’s Presence?
I used to think inviting God’s presence meant I had to come to Him "all together," clean and polished, prayers worded perfectly. But that’s not the truth. God isn’t waiting on your best version—He’s coming straight into the heart of your mess. Inviting God’s presence looks a lot like honesty. Sometimes it’s just whispering, “Help.” Sometimes it’s sitting in silence with your Bible open, not sure what to say, but needing Him close anyway.
I've found that how to invite God’s presence is less about method, more about motive. It’s about wanting Him, even if you don’t know how to ask. And the beautiful thing is, God isn’t put off by your pain. He doesn’t leave the room when things get uncomfortable. In fact, He leans in. He holds space for your story—even the chapters you wish didn’t exist.
Simple Ways to Invite God When Everything Feels Hard
Start With Honest Prayer (Even the Messy Kind)
Here’s what I’ve learned: God prefers honest prayers over polished ones. You don’t need to worry about the right words. In the podcast, Andy talked about just saying Jesus’ name over and over when words failed. I’ve done that too. Sometimes, that’s how to invite God’s presence—just His name, not a sermon.
- Speak honestly, even if it’s just “Jesus, I need you.”
- Don’t censor your feelings. God can handle your questions, your anger, and your confusion.
- Sometimes prayer is weeping, not words. That’s still a prayer.
Quiet the Noise (Find Your "Closet")
Real talk: Our lives are noisy. I’m often tempted to run from my feelings into busywork, distraction, or scrolling. But God meets us in the quiet places. For Andy, it was a physical closet. For me, it’s my favorite chair in the morning. Pick a spot where you can pause. You’re not after perfection—just space to breathe.
- Carve out a few minutes each day—maybe before everyone wakes up or in your car after work.
- Bring your Bible, even if it just sits on your lap.
- Ask, “God, will you meet me here?”
Let Go of Control (It’s a Process, Not a Switch)
This one’s hard. I like to be in charge of the plan. Maybe you do, too. Here’s the truth I’m learning: Trying to will things into place is exhausting. Surrender isn’t waving a magic wand—it’s admitting, “God, I can’t fix this. Can you sit with me in it?” That’s how to invite God’s presence. Not fixing, just trusting.
- Pray against the need to control.
- Ask God for a humble spirit, even if you feel resistant.
- Remember, surrender is daily. It’s one step, then the next.
Listen for Small Ways God Responds
Sometimes the answer to “How do I invite God’s presence?” looks like tiny moments—peace to make it through the night, courage to get out of bed, wisdom for a single tough conversation. Pay attention. These aren’t small things—they’re evidence of God at work in your mess.
- Keep a journal of small mercies or answered prayers.
- Say "thank you" for what you notice, even if it feels simple.
- Remind yourself: God shows up uniquely for each of us.
What If You Feel Nothing? (You’re Still Not Alone)
Let me tell you, there have been plenty of days I asked, "God, where are you?" and it felt like silence. Maybe you’re there now. Here’s what I want you to know: God’s presence is not measured by your emotions. Sometimes you only see it looking back—like Andy said on the podcast, realizing much later that God held her up through nights she thought she wouldn’t survive.
Faith is trusting God’s nearness, even if your heart hasn’t caught up yet. Keep reaching out. That’s how you invite God’s presence, even in the quiet. He honors your willingness, not your perfection. If you stay with it, you’ll look back and see pieces only He could have put together.
Bringing God’s Presence Into Everyday Life
Ask God, “What Do You Have for Me Today?”
I keep a note on my wall that says, “God, what do you have for me today?” It’s a simple reminder that every day I get to invite God’s presence right into my real life—not just the spiritual moments, but the ordinary ones. Try asking Him that question, then pause. See what comes up—a conversation, a nudge, a small act of kindness, or maybe a challenge to surrender again.
Don’t Wait Till You Have It Together
So many women wait to invite God’s presence until things look better on the outside, but that’s just not how this works. God meets you in your mess, not your highlight reel. You don’t need to be ready. You just need to show up. Like Andy said, “Take one step toward Him every day.”
Know That God Wastes Nothing
Your story matters—every hard chapter and every moment of survival. God isn’t finished with your story. He meets you right where you are and brings meaning out of things you never thought you’d get through. Your pain isn’t wasted when God is present in it. He brings hope, healing, and sometimes even joy in places you thought were lost forever.
Steps You Can Take Right Now
- Find a quiet space, as simple as your car or closet, where you can focus for 5 minutes.
- Breathe deeply, and just say His name—“Jesus.”
- Tell God honestly how you feel. No filter needed.
- Open your Bible, even if you only read a verse. Psalm 34:18 is a great place to start.
- Ask, “God, would you be close to me in this?”
- Listen. Wait. Even in silence, trust that He’s near.
- Thank Him for any moment of comfort or peace you experience, no matter how small.
Final Encouragement and Invitation
My friend, you are not alone in the mess. If you are wondering how to invite God’s presence into a season that feels heavy, start small. Be honest, be open, and let Him meet you right where you are. I have seen again and again that He is faithful. If you want more encouragement and practical wisdom, make sure to listen to the full podcast episode “Held in the Breaking: A Faith Story of Surrender and Survival.” There’s so much more we unpacked together, and I believe it will encourage your heart. Reach out anytime, share your story if you feel led, and know this: God is close in every messy, beautiful, ordinary moment. And if you need support or a place to share, our community is here for you.
