Sometimes there are seasons where the words in the Bible feel exactly how Hebrews 4:12 describes it, alive and active. Verses jumping off of the page. Deep revelation from the Holy Spirit. Joy and excitement while reading and learning and looking forward to coming back each day for more.
Then in other seasons, that excitement may not be there. The words may not be jumping off of the page. You may not feel connected and sometimes have to re-read the scripture multiple times to try to understand what it’s even saying.
I have been through waves of these different seasons. I loved the close connection to God and His word and the amazing things I would learn. Then, when it felt like that feeling wasn’t there, I would freak out wondering what I did wrong to not be in that place anymore and I would push to try to get back to it.
I’ve learned over time that it’s not always about having done something wrong to feel distant or disconnected from God. Sometimes it could just be God wanting to take us deeper. For me, it taught me that a relationship is not just about a feeling. If I don’t feel connected, would I still show up or walk away? If I didn’t feel God helping me, would I still make the effort or give up?
Even when I didn’t feel God, or didn’t understand what I was reading, or have the energy, I made an attempt to give what I could. Even if it was two minutes and I didn’t think I got anything out of it. That’s okay. I can say that to God. And I can try again the next day.
I learned that He is my source. The one who makes me better. And His word gives me wisdom and strength and peace to navigate each day. And some days I may not feel those things, but I love God and want to be in His presence and even if it may not happen every day, I trust there will be another season of that felt closeness and so I make a choice to show up with what I can give. And I trust that pleases God – being honest with where we are and still bringing that or whatever we have to Him.
In the seasons of disconnect, I tried out different resources that could pour into me and help carry more of the weight when I didn’t have the energy or the brain capacity to dissect and research on what I was studying.
Below are some tools I tried out that helped change things up when things felt stale and disconnected in my quiet time with God.
1. Use a Guided Bible Study
- These are structured studies of the Bible that include a guide, workbook, or instructor to lead you through scripture, answer questions, and provide explanations.
- Jen Wilkin’s Bible Studies and Megan Fate Marshman’s books and teachings helped me during my tougher seasons of disconnection to God.
- I did these with a Bible study group but you can do them on your own as well. Their studies had daily questions based on whatever verses you were studying to help you ponder on the scripture a bit more deeply. At the end of each week, there was a corresponding video where they tie everything you learned together. And then we were able to share our thoughts and discuss it as a group which I found really helpful.
2. The BibleProject App
- The Bible Project has great videos on YouTube, but they also have an amazing app with videos, articles, classes and podcasts (and it’s all free).
- I loved the classes they provided. They are self paced and the teacher Tim Mackie has amazing insight on the Bible and he provides so much context on what you’re studying. They provide teacher notes that are broken down and easy to understand, as well as space to type up and save your own notes in the app. And the classes are broken into multiple sessions so it’s digestible and you can pause and return at any time. There is even a reflection section at the end of each session to help you tie things together and pull out the main point from each lesson.
- This has been a favorite of mine.
3. The S.O.A.P Method
- This method is where you find a verse you want to dive into and you go through each letter of the acronym. All you need is a notebook and a pen. It’s helpful when you may not have a lot of time or energy to dive too deeply into the Bible.
- S is for Scripture. Write the scripture down.
- O is for Observations. What do you observe about the verse or what stands out to you?
- A is for Application. How does this apply to you or the world or to God?
- P is for Prayer. Write out a prayer to God.
4. YouVersion Bible Plans
- There are hundreds of plans on the YouVersion Bible App. You can pick a topic such as fear, peace, healing, or type in whatever you want to know more about and a ton of different options will pop up. These plans can range from a few days to a few weeks. There are summaries to help you sift through what would be most helpful for you. Once you pick a plan, there will be a devotional, key verses and a reflection section. They will only take you between 5-10 minutes to complete and you can set a daily reminder to prompt you to complete your daily devotional.
- You can do these on your own or with friends to help you stay accountable and to share your thoughts with each other.
5. Change Locations
- I often did my morning quiet time with God in the same spot every day. When things were stale or felt disconnected, I would try to find a different setting like sitting outside or sitting in the living room. This changed the scenery and brought new life to things.
I hope you find some of these helpful, especially if you’re in a season where you feel a bit disconnected from God. If you try any of these out or have additional recommendations, feel free to share in the comments below!
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