Why Do I Feel Disconnected From God? 10 Ways to Find Your Way Back!
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Feeling far from God is a common experience among Christians at one time or another, and it can be a source of deep concern and confusion. You may have moments where you wonder, “Why do I feel disconnected from God?” or “Why do other people seem to have a close relationship with God and I don’t feel it.” These feelings can arise from various causes, including life circumstances, personal struggles, or even spiritual dryness.
The good news is that this experience, though challenging, can be an opportunity for growth and deeper intimacy with God. In this blog post, we’ll explore the reasons behind this feeling of disconnection and provide practical tips to help you foster a closer relationship with God.
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Why Do I Feel Disconnected From God? – Understanding that Feeling
Whether it’s due to life’s challenges, unconfessed sin, spiritual dryness, or misunderstandings about God’s nature, recognizing and understanding the source of these feelings can help you find your way back to a closer relationship with Him.
1. Life’s Challenges:
Life’s difficulties, such as health issues, financial struggles, or relationship problems, can make us feel distant from God. During these times, it’s easy to focus on our problems and lose sight of God’s presence. However, these challenges can also be opportunities for us to deepen our faith. As we navigate these difficulties, we can learn to rely more fully on God’s strength and grace.
2. Unconfessed Sin:
Sin can create a barrier between us and God, leading to feelings of guilt and separation. The Bible teaches that our sins can hide God’s face from us (Isaiah 59:2). When we harbor unconfessed sin, it can be difficult to feel connected to God. The good news is that God is always ready to forgive us when we repent and turn back to Him.
3. Spiritual Dryness:
Spiritual dryness is a common experience, where we may feel spiritually drained or distant from God. This can happen when we neglect our spiritual disciplines or become overwhelmed by the busyness of life. Sometimes, God uses these seasons to draw us deeper into our faith and reliance on Him. I have experienced these times and it is NOT enjoyable but God never leaves us. We just have to make our way back.
4. Misunderstanding God’s Nature:
At times, our feelings of disconnection can stem from misunderstandings about who God is and what our relationship should look like. If we see God as distant or uncaring, it’s hard to feel close to Him. It’s crucial to remind ourselves of God’s loving and faithful nature, as revealed in Scripture.
Also, it is important that you do not rely on a “feeling” or play the comparison game with people we see online. It may appear that they have this deep filling of the Spirit in their lives but remember that people tend to make things look good for social media. It does not mean that is their day to day life.
It’s like watching a movie; if we see this great romantic film it could make us feel dissatisfied in our own relationship because we think that is how relationships ALL look. But it’s a movie…and social media is often a scripted snippet in time.
And feelings are fickle! They can change from day to day and a deep relationship with God isn’t about the feels. It is a decision, like love, to walk daily with Him even when we don’t see Him moving in our lives. Believe me, He is!
But as I said, sometimes that distance is due to things within our control. So how do we get back on track when we are in that place?
Practical Tips for Reconnecting with God
Seek Understanding through the Word
One powerful way to reconnect with God is by studying His Word. Digging into the Bible’s historical and cultural context can bring deeper understanding and relevance to its message. As a Messianic Jew, I emphasize the importance of understanding the Jewishness of Jesus and the Bible’s original audience. Knowing the context in which Jesus lived and taught can transform your reading of the Scriptures, making them more alive and resonant.
For instance, understanding Jewish customs and festivals can provide richer insights into Jesus’ parables and teachings. This knowledge helps us appreciate the depth and richness of the Bible, fostering a closer connection with God. Our Bible studies and devotionals often explore these aspects, helping you connect more personally with the stories and lessons of the Bible.
Engage in Prayer
Prayer is an essential part of any relationship with God. It allows us to communicate with Him, express our thoughts and feelings, and listen for His guidance. Here are some tips to help deepen your prayer life:
- Start Small: If you struggle with lengthy prayers, start with short, sincere prayers. Even simple prayers like, “Lord, help me,” can be profound.
- Be Honest: God already knows what’s in your heart, so be honest in your prayers. Share your doubts, frustrations, and fears with Him.
- Use Scripture: Praying through the Psalms or other parts of Scripture can provide a structure for your prayers and help articulate your feelings.
- Establish a Routine: Set specific times each day for prayer. This can help make prayer a natural and integral part of your daily life.
Develop Spiritual Disciplines
Spiritual disciplines are practices that help us grow in our relationship with God. These include prayer, fasting, Bible study, worship, and service. Engaging regularly in these disciplines can foster a deeper connection with God.
At Worth Beyond Rubies, we offer a free Mussar program, a Jewish tradition that I have studied with my own Rabbi for several years, focused on ethical and spiritual practice. Mussar emphasizes character development and growth in virtues such as humility, patience, and gratitude. Working on these virtues can help align our character more closely with God’s will, allowing us to experience His presence more fully.
Participate in Community
Feeling disconnected from God can sometimes be alleviated by connecting with other believers. Join a small group, Bible study, or church community where you can share your experiences, learn from others, and pray together. Community provides support, accountability, and encouragement, helping you feel more connected to God and others. Hebrews 10:25 encourages us not to give up meeting together, but to encourage one another.
Reflect and Journal
Journaling can be a powerful tool for spiritual growth. Take time to reflect on your spiritual journey, jotting down your thoughts, prayers, and insights from Bible study. This practice helps you track your growth, recognize patterns, and see how God has been at work in your life. It can also serve as a reminder of God’s faithfulness during times when you feel disconnected.
Practice Gratitude
Focusing on gratitude can shift your perspective and help you see God’s hand in your life. Each day, take a moment to thank God for specific blessings, big or small. This practice can open your eyes to God’s presence and goodness, even in challenging times.
Serve Others
Serving others is a profound way to experience God’s presence. When we serve, we reflect God’s love and compassion. Whether it’s volunteering at church, helping a neighbor, or supporting a charitable cause, serving others can draw us closer to God and remind us of the broader community of faith.
Seek Guidance and Counseling
If you’re deeply struggling with feelings of disconnection, consider seeking guidance from a pastor, spiritual mentor, or Christian counselor. Sometimes, we need a fresh perspective or professional help to work through deeper issues affecting our spiritual life.
Embrace Silence and Solitude
In our busy world, it’s easy to get caught up in noise and activity. Taking time for silence and solitude can help you tune out distractions and focus on God. This practice can be as simple as taking a quiet walk, sitting in a peaceful spot, or spending time in silent prayer. Silence allows you to listen for God’s voice and be present with Him.
Be Patient and Persevere
Finally, remember that feeling connected to God is not always about feeling a certain way. It’s about faith and perseverance, even when you don’t feel anything. Trust that God is with you, even in the silence, and continue to seek Him.
As James 4:8 says:
“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”
TLV
Keep pursuing your relationship with God, and in time, those feelings of disconnection may give way to a deeper, more abiding sense of His presence.
A Prayer for Reconnection
Heavenly Father,
I come before You feeling distant and disconnected. I confess that there are times when I struggle to feel Your presence and wonder if You are there. But I trust in Your promise that You will never leave me nor forsake me.
Lord, I ask for Your forgiveness for any sin that has created a barrier between us. Help me to turn away from anything that separates me from You. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, guiding me back into a close and intimate relationship with You.
Teach me, Lord, to seek You with all my heart. Help me to dive deeper into Your Word, understanding its historical and cultural context, and embracing the fullness of Messiah. May this knowledge bring me closer to You and deepen my faith.
Strengthen my prayer life, Lord. Give me the words to speak and the patience to listen. Help me establish spiritual disciplines that draw me closer to You daily. Let my life be a reflection of Your love and grace.
Surround me with a community of believers who can encourage and support me. May I also be a source of encouragement to others. Guide me in serving those around me, showing Your love in tangible ways.
Thank You, Lord, for Your unending grace and mercy. Even when I feel far from You, I know that You are near. Help me to hold onto Your promises and to trust in Your faithfulness. May I experience Your peace and presence in a profound way. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Feeling disconnected from God can be challenging, but it also offers an opportunity for growth and deeper intimacy with Him. By engaging in practical steps like studying the Bible in its historical and cultural context, praying, developing spiritual disciplines, and seeking community, you can begin to feel that connection again.
Remember, it’s a journey, and God is always ready to meet you where you are. At Worth Beyond Rubies, we’re here to support you with resources, Bible studies, and devotionals to help you grow in your faith and draw closer to God.
Keep seeking, keep praying, and trust that He is near.
Get Your Surrender 30 Day Devotional PLUS 30 Surrender Prayer Cards FREE for a limited time!
Tree of Life (TLV) – Scripture taken from the Holy Scriptures, Tree of Life Version*. Copyright © 2014,2016 by the Tree of Life Bible Society. Used by permission of the Tree of Life Bible Society.