Have you ever been in a spiritual rut? Maybe you were tired, overwhelmed, grieving or just numb. You know God is there but you just haven’t felt close to Him. If that sounds familiar you are not alone! When I’m feeling this way, I try to take practical steps to resist the urge to spiral deeper into emptiness and guilt. If you are feeling distant too, here are some of the ways we can draw nearer to God. “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” James 4:8 ESV
Read His Word.
Imagine the supreme being, creator of all things wrote a loving letter to YOU, his child. Wouldn’t it be crazy to leave that letter in the envelope, unopened and unread? Open your Bible App, choose a plan, and start reading-even if it’s only a few minutes at the start of each day! “You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.” Psalm 119:114 NIV
Pray.
What an incredible, unbelievable privilege it is to speak to the God of the universe at any given moment. Find some quiet time to thank him, to express your feelings and your anxieties to him, to ask him for wisdom. Set alarms on your phone reminding you to pray throughout the day, even if it is a short, simple prayer. God wants a relationship with us. “Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” Ephesians 6:18 NLT
Practice Gratitude.
Pull out a journal or open a new Note on your phone. Make a habit of listing things that you are grateful for. No thing is too small! Keep a running list. How many can you count? 25? 100? 300? Add a few every day and let God know how grateful you are for his good gifts. “Whatever is good and perfect is a gift from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. James 1:17 NLT
Stop Doom-Scrolling.
This one is really for me. Put your phone down. Turn off the 24/7 media. Take a walk, visit a friend, make something. Look at the people around you and smile. Constant scrolling on your phone hurts you and it can hurt those around you. “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be enslaved by anything.” 1 Corinthians 6:12 ESVUK
Reach out to someone.
Take just a few minutes and write someone an encouraging note. Call or text a brother or sister and ask them how they are doing. Bring some cookies to a neighbor or visit a shut-in.
“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Galatians 5:13 ESV
Don’t neglect meeting together.
When I feel close to God’s people, I inevitably feel closer to God. It’s easy to stay home from worship services, classes, or church events when we’re feeling down, anxious or exhausted. But, fight that feeling and go. You never know who you might encourage or who might encourage you. “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV
