What is faith? How do faith and feelings relate to seeking and getting intimate with God?

Hi just some quick context, so basically I have been going to church my whole life, reading my bible etc. over the past few years as a young adult I have been trying my best to seek and grow closer to God, however haven’t made progress and have been left frustrated. I have been thinking a lot about what it means to be a follower of Jesus as I can’t force myself to believe. Thus

What is faith?

Is faith just pretending to know or believe things you don’t?

I genuinely want to know and serve the God of the bible, but what does a relationship with God look like? What does the balance of faith and your feelings look like.

If I was truly saved, following and seeking God, should I expect to feel his love and hand over my life, and should I expect to feel his presence? Or is following Jesus about faith and still following him despite the unknown and despite my feelings

How can I have faith that there is a god when I have been seeking in every way I know how yet still haven’t understood, encountered or experienced his love.

Also why do people believe? Is it based on experiences and encounters as believing on faith alone is something I am really struggling with