Feeling Disconnected from God?
5 Practical Steps to Stay Connected
In a conversation with Family Life Radio, Tasha Layton shared her personal experiences about the power of staying connected to God amidst life’s highs and lows.
From finding solace in music to embracing God’s presence in daily life, Tasha’s story invites us to see some practical solutions in action as we all journey to deepen our faith.
Identify Your Testimony Song
One of the first things Tasha shared in her interview was the significance of her song “Look What You’ve Done.” She describes it as her “testimony in a song.”
For many of us, a song or a piece of Scripture can serve as a powerful reminder of God’s work in our lives. Identifying your testimony song can help you stay grounded in your faith and remind you of God’s continual presence and grace.
Reflect on your journey with God and find that one song or Scripture that encapsulates your testimony. This personal anthem can become a source of encouragement and strength, especially during challenging times. It’s like having a spiritual anchor that keeps you focused on God’s faithfulness.
Embrace Moments of Disconnection
Tasha’s vulnerability shines through when she talks about a time she felt far from God. She recounts, “I can remember I was backpacking in India, and I went into a temple. And I just felt like I had lost all parts of me. Like every part that I could recognize felt far away. We’re created in the image of God, He says. We are the crown of his creation, and our identity is solely rooted in him. So, when you lose yourself, you’re really losing who God is for you. You know yourself, when you know God. And I had lost myself, so I knew that I had lost who I believed God to be for me.”
Acknowledging these feelings of disconnection is crucial. Such moments can serve as catalysts for seeking deeper connection and healing.
If you feel lost, consider taking steps like Tasha did. She decided to make significant changes in her life, including seeking long-term counseling. She recalls, “I remember walking out of that temple, and just kind of being disgusted with myself, like, who am I? I don’t recognize anything about me. And I think that was one of the defining moments in my life, because shortly thereafter is when I decided to quit everything. I sold everything and put what I did have in storage. And I went to counseling. I found somewhere that would take me for as long as I needed to stay.”
Sometimes, stepping away from the noise and seeking professional help can be the breakthrough you need to rediscover your identity in Christ.
Experience God’s Love Through Relationships
Tasha beautifully illustrates how experiencing God’s love through our relationships can deepen our understanding of His love for us. She described feeling deeply connected to God when she held her first newborn: “Everyone says you understand the love of God once you have kids. … He was a NICU baby, so I didn’t get to hold him for a while, and it was really heartbreaking. … But, when I got to hold him, I just knew the love of God in a different way. …I felt so close to God because I felt like, ‘Oh my gosh, this is how You feel about me.’”
Experiences like this can help us understand the depth of God’s love through our relationships. As you cherish these moments, let them remind you of God’s unconditional love. Reflect on and appreciate God’s love in your daily interactions with loved ones.
It’s often in these intimate, personal experiences that we catch a glimpse of God’s immense love for us.
Practice the Presence of God
A significant part of Tasha’s faith journey involves practicing the presence of God. She was deeply influenced by Brother Lawrence’s book, “Practicing His Presence.” Tasha shared, “Whether you’re at the grocery store, in a parking lot, at home, in the shower, in bed, or whatever you’re doing [you can] always feel this connection point to Father God. And I can honestly say, I feel that open channel all the time; it doesn’t matter what I’m doing.”
Practicing His presence can help you stay connected to God. It’s about inviting God into every moment of your day, making every task, no matter how mundane, an act of worship.
Feelings of Frustration and Disconnection
Tasha shared her method of addressing feelings of frustration: “If I start to feel all itchy, I go read my Bible. I go figure out [by asking] What is it that I’m needing? I’m feeling frustrated today. I feel unsettled, like what’s going on. And usually I’ll say, ‘Lord, what’s going on?’ And he’ll bring something to mind, or I just go sit by myself, read my Bible or devotion or something, and feel that channel open. And [I ask], ‘God, what do you want to say about this?’”
When you feel unsettled, set aside time for prayer, meditation, and seeking God’s guidance through Scripture.
Time in God’s presence can help you regain a sense of peace and connection with Him.
When life gets overwhelming and you feel disconnected, it’s essential to turn to God’s Word. Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (NIV). Turning to God in these moments of anxiety can bring you His peace.
Remember, God’s presence is always with you, and finding joy in His presence is a lifelong journey worth pursuing.
Romans 8:38-39 encourages us with these words: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (NIV).
No matter where you find yourself, God’s love remains constant and unchanging.
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