Two Ways to Stay Connected to God
“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.” (Ps. 139: 7-8 NIV)
I’ve been feeling separated from God lately. Prayers are slamming into a closed door. Scripture seems dry and inapplicable. In the absence of connection, I’ve kept myself busy with projects and distractions, hoping they’ll fill the hole I feel in my spirit.
Spoiler alert: it hasn’t been working.
Recently, I hiked a new trail at the arboretum in search of some adventure and novelty in my life. It felt good to do something unplanned, and I was only minimally concerned I’d be out in the woods much longer than anticipated. I came upon a split in the trail and took the path to the right, finding a pond and a small shelter that was under construction. I backtracked to the split and proceeded along the second option, which took me to the top of the hill and a four-way intersection. I didn’t have a map or cell service, so I sat down on a nearby bench to figure out what to do. Not long after, a woman came from one of the trail options and turned onto the path I’d come from. I recognized her from the beginning of my hike. When I’d chosen the new trail, she’d gone along the old one.
I guessed that if I traveled in the direction from which she’d come, I’d loop back around to the trail I usually took, which would return me to my car. I set off again, mildly confident that I was headed in the right direction. After a while, I saw a familiar trail far below and prayed that my path would eventually connect with it. The path began sloping downhill, and I came upon another intersection. I chose to turn left in the belief that heading toward the trail I’d seen earlier would eventually get me there.
When I emerged onto the path I’d seen from high up on the mountain, I sighed with relief while simultaneously feeling exhilarated from the adventure of exploring new terrain. I stopped at my favorite spot on the trail, a short path leading down to a bench by the river. I sat and listened to the burbling water, the sounds of nature enveloping me. I wasn’t able to stay long, but my soul felt more refreshed and at peace from my period of stillness. I decided to return soon for an extended time of stillness.
The short time in nature reminded me of the things I used to do to draw closer to God but have neglected due to changes in our routine during the pandemic. There are things I need to return to in order to feel God’s presence. I know he’s never left me, but my ability to stay in tune with him has been hindered.
There are two things I need to be intentional about in order to feel connected to God. First, I need to spend regular time in worship. We’ve been going to church online, but it’s not the same as attending in person and lifting my voice along with others in praise. I have to set aside time regularly to sing songs that remind me of God’s love and goodness and presence. I need to do so in a posture of openness and surrender. This means standing, opening my arms, unclenching my hands, and lifting my face.
Second, I need to spend intentional time in nature, practicing stillness before God. I try to snatch moments of meditation at home, but there’s constant noise with kids, washing machines, and cars driving by. There’s something about hearing only animals, the wind, and water that yields a refreshed spirit. I’m able to let down my guard and fully relax, which opens me up to true communion with God.
I know that returning to these two practices will require effort and ingenuity, but I’ve gone too long without them. You may have different practices that usher you into God’s presence. If you’ve neglected them, start again. Reintroduce them back into your life so that you, too, may feel the reassurance and peace of God’s presence.
Father, forgive me for neglecting the practices that draw me closer to you. I’m sorry for trying to fill my emptiness with things that are not you. Thank you for the reminder that you are always with me and for helping me to remember those things that most connect me to you. You are so loving and gracious. I love you. Amen.
Scripture for Reflection
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” (Jas. 4:7-8 ESV)
“He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.” (Ps. 23:2-3 NIV)
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed to you – even Jesus.” (Acts 3:19-20 NIV)
Reach for More
If you are struggling to feel God’s presence, think about past experiences when you felt in tune with him. What were you doing? Is it something you can do now to draw closer to him?
enjoys reading, writing, traveling, and introverting. She loves nothing better than discovering a wanted book in a thrift store or hiking alongside a river with her family or a good friend somewhere around her home of Asheville, NC. She’s the author of Between Us Girls and can be found chronicling her reading and writing journey @megan.e.byrd on Instagram or writing about life at www.meganbyrd.net.
Photograph © Fortronic, used with permission
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