Being Intentional about Connecting with God

Because I am a woman who loves Jesus, my spiritual practice involves deepening my intimate relationship with Him.  I grew up in a church that provided me with a great foundation of Biblical learnings – but that is mostly what they were – mental exercises.  As I grew older, I discovered that I wanted more.

I was created to be emotional, sensitive, caring, and with a fierce longing to be relevant.  God created me this way, so it stands to reason, that this is the way I can best connect with the Creator of the universe.

Intentional Spiritual Practice

When I was in university, I began to read the Bible with a different intent.  I wanted to discover the God of my heart.  I wanted to connect with God on a level that included emotion, laughter, joy, love, and a deep, deep connection.

So I began a spiritual practice with that end in mind.

1. I participated in PERSONAL spiritual practices – prayer, reading the Bible, and talking with God throughout my day.
   1. I began to tell Him about almost everything.  I say, almost, because there were certain things I did not even THINK about bringing to God.  I was in denial about some of them, and others had not even crossed my consciousness.
      1. But as I learned more about Him, I discovered that He already knew all of these things about me and He wanted me to share them with Him.
   1. I began to journal – to put my story on paper, to write about my experiences, look at them objectively, and challenge my thoughts with what the Bible said was the truth.
      1. And I began to grow closer to God through my vulnerability.
2. I joined a COMMUNITY of believers who worshipped together and joined together in supporting each other.
3. I asked for and gave accountability to other women of faith – helping each other to stay true to the path God had laid out for us, and encouraging each other during the difficult times.

Discovering the Gift of Supportive Relationships

I continue those practices today, almost 30 years later.  I find that my relationship with God has deepened, my relationship with myself has become more authentic, and my relationships with others have become more vulnerable and real.

By choosing to follow this spiritual practice, I found that my anxiety had a voice.  I could tell God about what was going in in my life and the lives of others.  I could tell my Bible study and my Spiritual Advisor and ask for support around any issues that contributed to my anxiety.  I allowed the love of God and others to pour over me, soothe my stress, inform my path, and lighten my load. 

Intentional Spiritual Practice has DEFINITELY reduced my anxiety.  Without it, I could never have overcome anxiety.  With love, God has broken generational curses and provided light and insight within challenging circumstances.

What do you do for spiritual practice?

How is it helping to reduce your anxiety, stress, and sense of overwhelm?

If you would like to know more about how I use Spiritual Practice to overcome anxiety, book a Free Empowerment Session at https://bit.ly/3VEYIfa and we can explore how it can help you, too.