We’ve all been there—knowing in our heads that God loves us, but not really feeling it in our hearts. Sometimes, it feels like there’s a disconnect between what we believe and what we actually experience. But why is that? What’s standing in the way of us truly experiencing the depth of God’s love in our everyday lives.
It’s not that God’s love isn’t there; it’s that there are barriers blocking us from fully receiving and experiencing His love. These barriers can be deeply rooted in our past, our perceptions, and our wounds. Let’s explore some of the common issues that prevent us from feeling God’s love and how we can begin to overcome them.
1. Trauma: Deep-Seated Feelings of Unworthiness
Some of us have experienced trauma that leaves us feeling deeply unworthy of love. It’s not something we did; it’s something that was done to us. And it plants a lie in our hearts that says, “I’m unlovable.” If you’ve ever felt like you’re too damaged or broken to be loved by anyone—let alone a perfect God—this might be the root of that feeling. But here’s the truth: God’s love is not dependent on your worthiness. It’s a gift He freely gives because of who He is, not because of what happened to you in your past.
2. Low Self-Worth: Seeing Yourself Through a Warped Lens
Another barrier to experiencing God’s love is a distorted self-image. We don’t see ourselves accurately. It’s like looking into a mirror at the local fair that warps our reflection. Instead of seeing the person God created, we see all the flaws, failures, and imperfections. But God sees you as His beloved child. When you start to see yourself through His eyes, the barrier of low self-worth begins to crumble, allowing His love to flow into your heart.
3. Rejection: The Walls We Build to Protect Ourselves
Rejection can leave deep scars, and those scars often lead us to build walls around our hearts. We think, “If I don’t let anyone in, they can’t hurt me.” But those same walls that keep others out can also keep God’s love from penetrating our hearts. I put these walls up after being taken from my foster home and placed in a new family. I didn’t want to be hurt again, so I put up walls to protect myself. If you’ve been hurt or abandoned in the past, it’s natural to want to protect yourself. But God’s love is different—it’s safe, healing, and enduring. Letting those walls down might feel risky, but it’s the only way to let His love in.
4. Shame: Defining Ourselves by Our Mistakes
Shame is a powerful force that tells us we are defined by our worst moments. It whispers, “You’re not good enough. You’ll never measure up.” And it makes us hide—from God, from others, and even from ourselves. But here’s the thing: God doesn’t define you by your past. Through Jesus, He has taken away your shame and replaced it with His righteousness. You don’t have to hide anymore.
5. Depression: The Cloud That Blocks Out the Sun
Depression can be like a dark cloud that hangs over our lives, making it hard to see or feel anything else. It isolates us and makes us believe that joy and love are out of reach. If you’re in a season of depression, it can feel impossible to break free. But just like Paul and Silas praised God from the depths of a prison cell, you can find hope and healing in worship—even in the darkest moments. God’s love is there, even when you can’t feel it.
These barriers are real, and they’re not always easy to overcome. But the good news is that God is stronger than every barrier that stands in your way. He’s ready to meet you in the midst of your trauma, low self-worth, rejection, shame, and depression—and show you that His love is greater than anything you’re facing.
As you reflect on these barriers, I encourage you to take a step toward healing. Start by identifying which of these issues might be standing between you and God’s love. Then, invite Him into that space. Trust that He’s ready and willing to break down those walls and fill your heart with His love.
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