8 things to do when feeling spiritually disconnected (but you want to get that feeling again)
We aren’t always going to feel like God is right there with is. There will be times when it seems God is far away. But the Bible reminds us how God is constantly wanting to reach out to us. He also promises that even when we are poor in spirit, we still have a part in His kingdom (Matt 5:3).
1/ Go to church – Although it may feel counter-intuitive, it is where your faith family is. It’s where people are worshipping God and allowing God to speak through them. It’s a place that is tuned in to hear God. God could have a message waiting for you in this week’s sermon!
- Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. Psalm 133:1
- Not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near. Heb 10:25
2/ Read the Bible – If you like poetry, try a Psalm. If you need some invigorating instructions, try James. Or if the Bible itself is not speaking to you easily, try something short and focussed like a devotional. My go-to daily spiritual snack is the Our Daily Bread devotional app. There is a Bible passage, a spiritual thought and a reflection. It will even read it out for you so you can hear the message in the car!
- “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Heb 4:12
- “His delight is in the law of the Lord and in his law he meditates day and night… and in whatever he does he prospers.” Ps 1:2-3
3/ Pray with a trusted friend – Praying is one of the hardest things to do when you are feeling spiritually disinterested. But that is why we don’t have to do it alone but with a good friend. Of course when you catch up with a friend it will be chat and prayer but that is an absolutely integral part of it. Be open and honest about where you are spiritually. Be committed to really praying honestly for help even though you feel distant. Tell God exactly what you feel. Ask your friend to pray for you right there and regularly afterwards as well.
- “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in their midst.” Matt 18:20
- “Therefore confess your sins to one another and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much” James 5:16
4/ Listen to spiritual songs – This is not just limited to listening but also playing, singing, dancing, meditating… Make a playlist of inspirational songs that uplift your mind to God now. It can help you get out of that spiritual funk at a later time.
- “…but be filled with the spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord.” Eph 5:18-19
5/ Switch off to recharge – Switch off all your devices for an hour or two so you can recharge with God. Get out into the wilderness and away from worldly distractions. Go camping or hiking. Really take the time to be quiet, focus inwardly and listen to what God is putting in your heart. It takes time to calibrate and tune in to God’s wavelength when we have been swept up on social media and wired into the daily rat race.
- ‘Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. The eye is the lamp of the body… Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness…’ Matt 6:21,22,33
6/ Read inspirational spiritual books – Sometimes gaining the insights of other Christians can help our situation and alter our perceptions. Biographies are also a great read. These days you don’t even have to go to the shop to buy a book. You can find readings online. For some good reads, I like Ty Gibson and lightbearers.org. I also like some books by Chuck Swindoll, Philip Yancey, Elisabeth Elliot and Max Lucado. Post some other suggestions below!
- “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee because he trusteth in thee.’ Is 26:3
7/ Mind, body, spirit health – Look after your physical and mental health as well as your spirit. These parts of you are all connected and can affect each other. Getting physically active can improve your mental health. This can improve the receptiveness of your mind which God is trying to reach.
- “Love the Lord your God with all your soul, with all your strength and spirit.” Mark 12:30
8/ Do something nice for someone – Extend mercy to others. Give without expecting something back. By being God’s hands and feet we can experience God’s character for ourselves. We have God’s blessings and when we pass a bit on, it comes back in more ways more than we can imagine.
- “Blessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy.” Matthew 5:7
