if you feel disconnected from God, watch this...

Summary

In this week's episode of the 'House of Jacob' podcast, Braxton discusses the difference between feeling disconnected from God and being separated from Him. He highlights two key reasons for disconnection: spiritual apathy and living in sin, and shares personal experiences to explain how these affect our relationship with God. Braxton offers practical advice on overcoming spiritual laziness, setting spiritual disciplines, and seeking God wholeheartedly. He emphasizes the importance of confession, repentance, and living in obedience to reconnect with God, concluding with a prayer for the listeners' spiritual growth and closeness to God.

Takeaways

• 😀 Feeling disconnected from God does not mean you are separated from Him or that He has left you; disconnection is about the state of your walk with Him.
• 😀 Disconnection differs from separation: Christians can feel distant, but nothing can truly separate them from God's love (Romans 8:38-39).
• 😀 Spiritual laziness is a primary cause of disconnection, including neglecting prayer, Scripture reading, and worship.
• 😀 Living in unconfessed or deliberate sin also causes disconnection from God, as sin hinders spiritual intimacy.
• 😀 Growth in your relationship with God requires effort, discipline, and consistency, just like any other meaningful relationship.
• 😀 Scripture promises that those who seek God wholeheartedly will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13, James 4:8, Matthew 7:7).
• 😀 Abiding in Christ is essential: apart from Him, we can do nothing (John 15:5).
• 😀 Confession of sin to God and trusted individuals is crucial for restoring connection and walking in freedom (1 John 1:9).
• 😀 Practical steps to reconnect include setting spiritual disciplines, praying for hunger and dependence on God, and maintaining consistency.
• 😀 God responds to sincere effort; disconnection is an opportunity to evaluate your spiritual life and intentionally seek deeper intimacy with Him.

Q & A

What is the difference between disconnection and separation from God?

Disconnection refers to feeling distant from God, like not feeling as close to Him as usual, but it does not mean that you are not saved or that God has left you. Separation, on the other hand, is not something that happens to Christians because, according to Romans 8:38-39, nothing can separate us from God's love.

Can a person still be saved if they feel disconnected from God?

Yes, feeling disconnected from God does not mean you are not saved. It simply means your relationship with Him might be struggling due to a lack of closeness, spiritual apathy, or sin. God's love and salvation remain intact, as nothing can separate us from His love.

Why does disconnection from God occur?

Disconnection from God can be caused by two main factors: spiritual apathy or laziness, where individuals are not putting in the effort to cultivate their relationship with God, and living in deliberate sin, where ongoing sin prevents spiritual closeness.

How can spiritual laziness contribute to disconnection from God?

Spiritual laziness occurs when individuals do not make an effort to read scripture, pray, or nurture their relationship with God. Without effort, spiritual growth stagnates, and disconnection from God is the result. Like any relationship, a lack of attention and discipline leads to distance.

What can someone do if they feel spiritually lazy and disconnected from God?

To combat spiritual laziness, one should set spiritual disciplines such as reading scripture daily, spending time in prayer, and establishing consistent habits of seeking God. Praying for greater hunger and dependency on God, along with being consistent in these practices, will help restore closeness with God.

What does Jeremiah 29:13 say about seeking God wholeheartedly?

Jeremiah 29:13 states that when we seek God with our whole heart, we will find Him. It emphasizes that wholehearted devotion and seeking God with genuine effort is essential to experiencing His presence and growing in our relationship with Him.

How does living in sin affect a person's walk with the Lord?

Living in sin, especially ongoing or deliberate sin, creates distance between a person and God. Unrepentant sin, such as unforgiveness, bitterness, or lust, feeds the flesh and prevents spiritual growth, leading to disconnection from God.

What example from the Bible illustrates the consequences of sin and disconnection from God?

The story of David and Bathsheba demonstrates how sin causes disconnection from God. David's sin, which included adultery and murder, caused a temporary separation from God. However, through confession, repentance, and restoration, David was able to reconnect with God, as seen in Psalm 51.

What is the role of confession in restoring a relationship with God?

Confession plays a key role in restoring a relationship with God. When we confess our sins to God and others, it opens the door for forgiveness and healing. 1 John 1:9 assures us that God is faithful and just to forgive and cleanse us from unrighteousness when we confess our sins.

What practical steps can someone take to overcome spiritual laziness or sin-related disconnection?

To overcome spiritual laziness, individuals can set specific spiritual disciplines such as daily Bible reading, prayer, and consistency in seeking God. If sin is the cause, they should confess their sins to God, seek accountability, and strive to walk in the freedom that Christ offers, as taught in Romans 6 and John 8.