Since I became a Christian, it’s been a struggle to consistently connect with God. Like me, you may also have the tendency to think that most other Christians are experiencing God more deeply than you are.
Is there something wrong with me that I’m not experiencing Him like others? Am I missing something?
I’m not alone in this.
The Bible is full of examples of those who envy or resent other people’s relationships. Cain envied Abel’s relationship with God. Jacob and Esau fought over their father Isaac’s blessing. Jesus’s disciples argued about who would be the greatest in the Kingdom of God. There’s a desire for intimacy and relationship that is present in each of these stories.
Is it possible that we don’t experience God like everyone else because God didn’t intend us to? Could it be that we’re missing something about what worship is?
We all know that worship isn’t just listening to songs in church or reading your Bible. Worship isn’t an experience we have once a week; it has the potential to be a part of everyday life. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
Worship is an inward attitude of the heart. It’s not supposed to feel functional; it’s intimate. It’s recognizing who God is, who He’s created us to be, and our relationship to Him.
Because of that, we don’t need a one-size-fits-all relationship with God.
God uniquely formed each of us. I like folk music, you may like rap. I like being around small groups of people; you’re energized by large gatherings. If we each experience life differently, won’t our personalities influence how we worship God?
In Gary Thomas’s book Sacred Pathways, he describes 9 ways we can interact with God. It’s possible that you may see yourself relating to more than one. Which one(s) do you most identify with?
Hover over the photos to read about different pathways, and see practical ways you can connect with God.
Worship and celebration are words that appeal to you. You desire inspiration and feel close to God when inspired.
You experience God best out in nature, in His world. You feel closest to God on a hike, sitting beside a brook or river, or simply being outside.
You appreciate beauty, art and music. You feel closest to God when listening to music, working with your hands, or viewing art or photography.
You want to be part of a social or evangelistic cause. You feel close to God taking faith-risks and seek growing dependence on him while striving for justice and against evil.
You are drawn to God through ritual, symbol and sacrifice. You need something tangible to do to draw close to God.
You love God best by loving people. You feel close to God when serving the poor, hosting people in your home, helping with a church event.
You experience God best with your mind. You love to study and have a need to learn new things about God.
You worship God best through adoration. You love digging into a good book, or engaging in a thoughtful discussion.
You need quiet, solitude and simplicity to feel close to God. A silent retreat away from your phone or external distractions helps you be close to God.
a Pittsburgh native, serves as editor-in-chief of digital and print communications for Cru. A 2012 graduate of Ohio University, she received a journalism degree, which so far has taken her around the U.S., to Morocco, Russia, Spain and Moldova. Contact Rachel at Rachel.Ferchak@cru.org.
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