Navigating the Spiritual Journey: Finding Your Connection with God

Many Christians find themselves feeling disconnected from God, especially in moments of emotional and intellectual distress. This article explores the challenges of maintaining a strong connection with God and offers guidance on how to persevere through periods of spiritual aridity.

Understanding the Human Experience

The feeling of distancing from God is not uncommon, and it's often described by Christians as spiritual aridity. This term refers to a period when one feels a lack of spiritual warmth or experience. Just as emotions and intellect ebb and flow, so too can our sense of connection with the divine.

When we struggle with doubt, it can feel as though we are failing or misunderstanding our relationship with God. The Bible provides encouragement in challenging times: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4)

Securing Your Connection with God

How do we maintain our connection with God when our emotions and thoughts are opposing each other? The key, as suggested by renowned philosopher S?ren Kierkegaard, is wilful adherence during times of depression and doubt. This means persevering in habitual good behavior and worship, knowing that love and belief will eventually return.

The heavenly father, as understood in Christianity, is a serene and calming presence. Unlike the external noise and distractions of daily life, he resides within us. However, our inner world often struggles to quiet the mind and balance our emotions. It can be beneficial to view our internal world as needing a balance between the heart and the mind, as suggested by my dear friend Alura. 'People need to make the heart more like the mind and the mind more like the heart so that they become one.' This means finding a harmony where our thoughts and emotions are in sync, allowing us to remain closer to God.

Understanding the Divine Presence

The divine presence described in Christianity is a silent yet ever-present figure. Unlike the voices that some people might hear, true divine presence is more about feeling the warmth of unconditional love and nurturing. It is a place where we feel as if we are being wrapped in God's ‘wings’, a safe and calming embrace.

However, many humans are distracted by the noise of everyday life, making it difficult to truly appreciate and connect with this divine presence. The challenge lies in unlearning the lies we believe and embracing the truths with the innocence and purity of a child. It requires a journey of inner exploration, a journey made easier with the guidance of trusted individuals.

Guidance and Renewal

Renewed connection with the divine often requires guidance. My friend Alura helped me navigate through periods of intense guilt, deep sense of failure, and nihilism. By delving into my past life, she helped me realize the importance of forgiveness and the unconditional love of God. The revelation that 'He never abandoned me but I placed myself into a self-imposed purgatory' was a crucial turning point in my spiritual journey.

Understanding that the Heavenly Father's love is not conditional and seeing his forgiveness opened my eyes to the possibility of reconnecting. The insight that 'He very much just wants to bring everyone back into his loving embrace' has been transformative. It's a constant reminder that God's love is available to all, regardless of past mistakes or the tribulations of life.

In conclusion, navigating the spiritual journey is a timeless challenge. By persevering in faith, seeking guidance, and re-evaluating our relationship with the divine, we can find renewed connection and peace in our lives.