Connecting with God Pt. 2

Have you ever put on an outfit that just didn’t feel right? Maybe it was too tight, too loose, or just not your style. It might have been perfectly fine for someone else, but for you—it just didn’t fit.
The same is true for how we connect with God. There isn’t just one way to grow spiritually. We are wired uniquely, and the way we engage with God should fit us—not someone else’s expectations.

What If You're Trying to Connect with God the Wrong Way?

Many people struggle with their faith because they’ve been trying to experience God in ways that don’t fit them. Maybe you’ve been told that the only way to connect with God is through silent meditation, but your mind races a million miles an hour. Or perhaps you’ve sat through long Bible studies that leave you more frustrated than fulfilled.

The problem might not be you—it might be that you haven’t discovered the way you were designed to connect with God.

David’s Story

The story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17 gives us a powerful image of what happens when we try to take on something that doesn’t fit us. Before David fought Goliath, King Saul gave him his own armor to wear. It was heavy, unfamiliar, and uncomfortable. David tried it on, took a few steps, and realized: This isn’t me.

So what did David do? He took off the armor and went out with what he knew—a sling and five smooth stones. He fought his way and won.

Just like David, if we want to experience the fullness of life with God, we need to stop trying to wear someone else’s armor. We need to embrace the way God has wired us to connect with Him.

Discovering Your Spiritual Pathway

God designed you with a specific way of relating to Him. Some people feel closest to God while studying Scripture deeply. Others connect through serving, music, nature, or even moments of solitude.

Author Gary Thomas identifies nine different spiritual pathways—ways people naturally experience God:

• Naturalists: Connect with God best in nature.
• Sensates: Worship through their senses—art, music, beauty.
• Traditionalists: Love structured worship, liturgy, and rituals.
• Enthusiasts: Experience God through celebration and supernatural moments.
• Contemplatives: Focus on intimacy with God through prayer and reflection.
• Intellectuals: Engage deeply with Scripture and theological study.
• Caregivers: Feel closest to God when serving others.
• Activists: Connect through justice, fighting for causes.
• Ascetics: Seek God through solitude, simplicity, and fasting.

Knowing your spiritual pathway can transform your relationship with God. Instead of struggling through spiritual practices that don’t resonate with you, you can lean into what naturally draws you closer to Him.

Take the Next Step

David rejected what didn’t fit him and stepped forward in confidence with what did. You can do the same. Take five minutes today to discover how you best connect with God by taking this Spiritual Pathways Assessment: Click here to take the test

Once you take the test, reflect on the results. What surprised you? What confirmed what you already knew? How can you intentionally spend more time connecting with God in the way He designed you?

What’s Next?

Next week, we’re diving into how to put your pathway into practice. Knowing how you connect with God is great—but actually doing it is what leads to growth. Until then, take the test, explore what fits you, and start stepping into the spiritual life God created you for.
​
Because like David, when you live out your faith in a way that fits you, you’ll find the strength to take on whatever giants come your way.

Author

Josh has been on staff at Lesmurdie Baptist Church since 2018. He is married to Marnel and they have 4 children together - Azaliah, Ezra, Zoelle, and Zion. What drives Josh is seeing people put their faith into action so Jesus can change lives in the here and now.

(This article has been written with the help of Chat-GPT for research and editing)