Series: Rediscovering God – Unlearning Old Beliefs

Thank you for joining me on this journey of Rediscovering God: Unlearning Old Beliefs. In the next four posts, I’ll be exploring the process of releasing old ideas about a distant, demanding God and embracing a deeper, more authentic connection with Love—unconditional, ever-present, and true. Each post in this series will dive into a different layer of this unlearning and rediscovery, inviting you to pause, reflect, and perhaps even find a bit of your own story within these words. I hope these reflections offer insight, comfort, and encouragement for anyone who may be rethinking their beliefs or seeking more deeply.

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In this post, I share how letting go of strict religious routines allowed me to discover a more genuine, heart-centered relationship with Love.

A look into the fears I faced in my journey, and how releasing those fears led me to embrace Truth and find Peace.

Reflecting on the shift from judgment to compassion, and how understanding Love has deepened my connection with others.

A new understanding of purpose—not as a single calling, but as an everyday expression of who I am.

Pt. 1 Rediscovering God – Unlearning Old Beliefs

From Rituals to Relationship – Breaking Free from Religious Routines

For years, I viewed my relationship with God as a series of strict routines and rituals. Every morning at 4:30 or 5:00 a.m., I would wake up for a set hour of prayer, believing that missing this time would make me a failure in God’s eyes. I fasted frequently, and each missed practice brought a wave of guilt. I thought if I didn’t follow these exact structures, I wasn’t showing God how much I loved Him.

From Performance to Presence

Over time, I realized these routines weren’t necessarily bringing me closer to God. They had become tasks to complete rather than heart-driven expressions. But as I’ve grown on my journey, I’ve come to see that Love isn’t confined to religious rituals. Love is with me every day, in every moment, and Love desires a genuine relationship, not one rooted in performance.

Finding Love in the Everyday

Now, I pray throughout the day—in the car, while I work, and in everyday moments. It’s a beautiful conversation with no beginning, no forced language and unending. No longer do I feel I need to “prove” my love by performing. I feel closer to God than ever, experiencing Love’s presence in the ebb and flow of my daily life. This transformation from rigid practices to a heart-to-heart connection has been liberating, allowing me to connect with God, who is Love in ways that feel genuine and true.

Conclusion

If you’ve ever felt confined by routines in your faith, know that God’s love isn’t dependent on performance. He’s not waiting for you to follow rituals to prove your devotion. Instead, Love is present in every moment, inviting you to experience the simplicity of doing life together.

Reflection

• Think about any routines or practices you might be following out of a sense of obligation rather than genuine connection. Are there areas where you feel pressure to “perform” in your spiritual life?

• What would it look like to invite Love into the ordinary moments of your day? Reflect on ways to cultivate a relationship with God that feels authentic, even in small, everyday interactions.

• How might letting go of performance-based spirituality change the way you experience God?

Childlike Joy & Freedom

“Whoever continually humbles himself to become like this little child is the greatest one in heaven’s kingdom realm.” Matthew‬ ‭18:4‬ ‭TPT‬‬

But when you choose to be cheerful, every day will bring you more and more joy and fullness.” Proverbs‬ ‭15:15‬ ‭TPT‬‬

{Visual} Papa leans in close “Shhhh, your secret is safe with me. You have permission to be childlike and full of wonder. {Visual} Papa winks and giggles. “We both know the truth!”

I understand; it’s easy to get wrapped up in the world around you. One moment you’re living in childlike wonder, and the next, you feel like you should act more like a grown-up. So you find yourself “adulting” in my presence instead of living from the beauty of the childlike wonder that fills your heart. My child, you’re free to be yourself with me—full of life, joy and wonder. Continue to drink in joy, love, and peace. Enjoy this place of freedom, laughter, and unending joy that you’ve found in me. Protect it, and don’t allow anything to rob you of your birthright—freedom and joy belong to you!

Drink in joy

Laugh boldly

Dance wildly

Live Freely

Enjoy Life

originally published on 3/28/2018 at 11:37 AM revised and republished on 6/26/2022 at 11:37 AM