I’m feeling the full weight of God’s Discipline. How can I get back in relationship with God? What do I have to do?
The church sanctuary was empty except for Olivia, who sat in the front pew, elbows on her knees and her head hanging low. She’d been praying—well, trying to, anyway—but mostly it felt like she was just talking to herself. After a while, her friend Leah slipped in beside her, quietly, as if not to disturb the silence. She placed a gentle hand on Olivia’s shoulder and said nothing, waiting until Olivia finally looked up, her eyes red and worn.
“It’s like… I don’t know how to even explain it,” Olivia whispered, barely meeting Leah’s gaze. “I just feel… far. Like God’s not even here, like no matter what I do, He’s nowhere near.”
Leah nodded slowly, understanding the familiar ache. “Sometimes,” she began softly, “that distance is part of it. Part of the lesson. Maybe even His way of pulling you closer.”
Olivia let out a shaky sigh. “I want to believe that,” she murmured, “but it’s so hard. I don’t even know where to start.”
“Maybe,” Leah offered, a gentle smile crossing her face, “it’s just one step at a time. One prayer, one moment of trust, one more step back toward Him.” They sat in the silence, a calm settling in as if the weight was slowly lifting, one small step at a time.
Restoration and Deliverance: Returning to God’s Protection
When experiencing God’s discipline, particularly in the form of trials or spiritual oppression, the goal is always restoration. God never leaves His children in the darkness; His heart is for them to return to His light, presence, and peace. So, how do we come back? The process may look like a series of small but meaningful steps—a combination of repentance, prayer, and trust that ultimately leads us closer to God. When we acknowledge the discipline, turn away from sin, and seek Him wholeheartedly, God promises to restore and deliver us, setting us back on a path of hope and renewal.
1. Recognizing Discipline and Embracing Repentance
One of the first steps in returning to God’s protection is recognizing the discipline for what it is. This means acknowledging where we may have drifted off course, understanding the areas where we need correction, and, most importantly, embracing repentance. In Psalm 32, David describes the relief of turning back to God after enduring the “heavy hand” of His discipline: “I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid… and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin” (Psalm 32:5, KJV). This moment of confession and repentance is essential; it’s a way of telling God, “I hear You—I’m ready to change.” Recognizing our faults and confessing them brings peace and allows us to move forward in God’s grace.
2. Practical Steps to Seek Deliverance and Restoration
Seeking deliverance and restoration is often a journey made up of practical, intentional steps. First and foremost, prayer becomes our lifeline. Talking openly with God, asking for His guidance and strength, helps to heal our spirit and keep us aligned with His will. It’s in these quiet moments that He can work, offering comfort and clarity. Scripture, too, becomes a source of strength and direction. The Word of God is full of promises that remind us of His faithfulness; reading passages like Psalm 23, Romans 8:1, and Isaiah 41:10 helps us regain trust in His protection.
In addition to prayer and scripture, fellowship with other believers can be invaluable. Sharing our struggles with a trusted friend, pastor, or counselor can help lift the burdens we’re carrying. God often works through community, using the wisdom of others to provide guidance and support. Leaning on others helps to strengthen us and brings us back into a place of accountability and encouragement. As Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, “Two are better than one… for if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow.”
3. Relying on the Armor of God for Spiritual Protection
In times of spiritual warfare or oppression, Ephesians 6:10-18 reminds believers of the “armor of God” that equips us to resist the enemy. Each piece—truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God—serves as a layer of divine protection. Putting on this armor is more than a metaphor; it’s an intentional act of grounding ourselves in God’s promises and standing firm in faith. As James 4:7 instructs, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” By actively trusting God and holding to His Word, we are assured of His protection.
4. Final Encouragement: God’s Faithfulness in Restoration
For those enduring divine discipline or oppression, remember that God’s intent is always restoration, not condemnation. His correction is a sign of His love, guiding us back to Him. As the author of Hebrews writes, “Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby” (Hebrews 12:11, KJV). When we walk through this journey of discipline, confession, and restoration, we come out stronger, more resilient, and more connected to God.
Returning to God’s protection is a process—one that may require time, humility, and patience. But each step forward brings us closer to the peace that only God can provide. Through every hardship, He is faithful, waiting to bring His children back into the safety of His care. In the end, the purpose of divine discipline is not punishment, but transformation, drawing us into a deeper, more abiding relationship with the One who loves us beyond measure.
