Rooted in Reality: Finding God When Your Feelings Fall Short

April 27, 2026

Fr. Jon Aamodt

The Altar Church is a Spirit-filled, Missional, and Sacramental worship community in Anderson, SC, rooted in the Anglican tradition but designed for a restless generation. Have you ever felt like God just... disappeared? You’re doing the work—reading the Bible, showing up on Sundays, saying the prayers—but the "spiritual high" is gone. In this episode, Father Jon dives deep into the unsettling experience of spiritual "desolation" and the common trap of equating our fickle feelings with God’s presence. Drawing from the powerful Emmaus narrative in the Gospel of Luke, we explore why the disciples failed to recognize Jesus right in front of them and how our own "blind spots" often keep us searching for a "vibe" while missing the Reality.

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Episode Notes

Notes

Introduction Father Jon introduces the Easter season series and the day's specific focus on finding God during times of spiritual "desolation".
The Emmaus Narrative A reading and reflection on Luke 24, where two disciples fail to recognize Jesus on the road because they are focused on their feelings of disappointment rather than the reality of His resurrection.
The Trap of Feelings Father Jon critiques a common "blind spot" in American Christianity: the assumption that God’s presence always manifests as an inner "vibe" or sense of peace.
Consolation vs. Desolation An explanation of these formal theological terms, suggesting that periods of "desolation" (the absence of feeling God) are often a divine test to see if a believer loves the Giver or just the "gifts" of good feelings.
The Sacramental Dimension Father Jon argues that God's presence is "real and tangible" in the liturgy, independent of human emotion.
Finding God in the Word The first "means of grace" is the proclamation of Holy Scripture, described as a "live broadcast of the spirit of God".
Finding God in the Pastor/Priest A discussion on how the office of the pastor, symbolized by liturgical vestments, serves to hide the individual so the congregation can see the ministry of Christ.
Finding God in the Congregation Father Jon explains that the church is not a social hour but the "body of Christ," joined by angels and saints in a sacred, objective gathering.
Finding God in the Eucharist The final "means of grace" is Holy Communion. Father Jon cites Ignatius of Antioch to describe the Eucharist as the "medicine of immortality," which works regardless of whether the recipient "feels" it.
Closing Call to Action A compassionate invitation for those feeling disconnected or apathetic to "bring all of yourself back to the church" and encounter the open arms of Jesus at the altar.