Why do I sometimes feel God's presence only in difficulties?

This question is profoundly deep and common, rooted in the very nature of human existence and divine wisdom. Many of us share the experience that amidst difficulties and hardships, a window seems to open to a greater meaning, and we perceive the presence of God more vividly than ever before. Conversely, sometimes in times of ease and prosperity, this feeling diminishes, even to the point of being forgotten. The Holy Quran beautifully describes this phenomenon and explains its reasons. One of the primary reasons for this phenomenon is the nature of "tests" and "trials" (ibtila') in human life. Allah Almighty repeatedly emphasizes in the Quran that this world is a realm of trials, and humans are tested throughout their lives with various forms of hardship and ease. Surah Al-Ankabut, verses 2-3, states: "Do people think that they will be left alone because they say, 'We believe,' and will not be tested? But We have certainly tested those before them, and Allah will surely make evident those who are truthful and will surely make evident the liars." These verses clearly indicate that testing is an inseparable part of faith. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 155, it is also stated: "And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient." These hardships are not meant to cause suffering, but rather to gauge the depth of faith, purify the soul, and draw the servant closer to the Creator. Another reason relates to "human nature." The Holy Quran clearly describes this inherent human tendency to become heedless during times of comfort and blessings, remembering God less, but turning to Him intensely during difficulties. In Surah Fussilat, verse 51, we read: "And when We bestow favor upon man, he turns away and isolates himself; but when evil touches him, then he is full of extensive supplication." This verse effectively illustrates how easily man becomes oblivious to God in ease, but in times of intense adversity and need, returns to Him with all his being. Similarly, in Surah Yunus, verse 12, it is stated: "And when adversity touches man, he invokes Us, lying on his side or sitting or standing; but when We remove from him his adversity, he continues [his way] as if he had never invoked Us regarding an adversity which touched him. Thus is it made attractive to the transgressors that which they were doing." These verses present a realistic picture of human weakness and forgetfulness. In difficulties, humans perceive themselves as weak and powerless, finding all worldly attachments ineffective. It is at this point that they clearly sense their sole refuge, which is God. This feeling is not because God is absent during good times, but due to human heedlessness and preoccupation with worldly pleasures during those periods. Hardships act as a "wake-up call." When life goes smoothly, we might become proud of our abilities, wealth, or relationships, relying on them instead of God. However, when we face a problem for which no human solution can be found, all our dependencies crumble, and we are forced to extend our hand of need towards the absolute divine power. This experience strengthens our sense of humility and absolute dependence on the Creator, and it is here that we feel His presence with our entire being. This humility and acknowledgment of weakness itself is a prelude to a deeper understanding of the divine presence. Furthermore, "Dhikr" (remembrance of God) becomes much more prominent during hardships. In good times, our prayers might be rushed, our supplications superficial, and Quran recitation postponed. But in times of affliction, the heart is broken, we seek peace and guidance, and we turn wholeheartedly to "Dhikrullah" (remembrance of Allah). Dhikr is the gateway to perceiving His presence. When we utter God's name with our whole being, call upon Him, and seek refuge in Him, we feel that He hears us and is present. Surah Ar-Ra'd, verse 28, states: "Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured." This tranquility in the midst of hardship is a result of His presence and our remembrance. Therefore, it is not that God is only present during difficulties; rather, He is always present and observing. What changes is our "sensitivity" and "attention" to His presence. In hardships, the veils of heedlessness are lifted, and we gain a deeper capacity to perceive His existence. To feel this presence also in ease, we must: 1. Consistent Dhikr: Maintain the remembrance of God at all moments of life, whether in prayer and supplication or in daily activities. 2. Gratitude (Shukr): Be thankful for blessings so that heedlessness does not overcome us. Gratitude makes us aware of the source of blessings. 3. Contemplation (Tafakkur): Reflect on divine signs in the Quran and in creation to understand God's greatness and presence. 4. Proactive Relationship: Do not wait for difficulties to drive us towards God; rather, proactively approach Him and establish a connection. 5. Acceptance of Divine Wisdom: Understand that everything, whether hardship or ease, is from Him and contains wisdom. Ultimately, feeling God's presence in difficulties is a blessing that draws us back to Him. However, the ultimate goal is to reach a stage of faith and knowledge where, in every state and at all times, whether in ease or hardship, we feel His presence with our entire being and always consider ourselves in His presence. This itself is a sign of spiritual growth and closeness to the Divine.