This list of questions is curated for fellow believers—whether you’re new here and want to learn more, feeling uncertain, or just a bit skeptical about this whole “awakening” stuff—I’m here to provide some clarity and grow alongside one another 🙂
Curious about something not listed here? Check out the blog for more in depth articles, or submit a question through the contact form, and I will try to address it in a future post!
We can have countless spiritual experiences throughout life, all of which make up our faith journey. Since God made each of us as unique individuals, these experiences can be incredibly vast and unique to each person. Whether it’s a small God moment, like your favorite worship song playing after a bad day, or a loved one miraculously healing from illness—any experience we have related to faith can be a spiritual experience.
Spiritual Awakening is a more profound type of experience, often with recognizable signs and stages that a person goes through. Essentially, it is when someone “wakes up” to the reality of their own existence, develops a deeper awareness of their place in Creation, and their true identity in Christ. This is often triggered by a major life change, physical or emotional trauma, conflicting core beliefs, or a mystical encounter. Many people feel transformed in the way they see the world and themselves, how they relate to others and God, which can all have a dramatic impact on day to day life.
If you’re struggling with your mental health or suicidal ideation, below are some resources and hotlines eager to help…
Taking the first step toward getting help can be scary, but no matter what you’re going through, there is ALWAYS hope. God is with you, despite current circumstances or emotions. Cling to Him, and know my thoughts and prayers are with you ♡
Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. (Hebrews 5:4)
The pain you’ve been feeling can’t compare to the joy that’s coming. (Romans 8:18)
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. (Psalm 147:3)
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I trust Him. (Psalm 91:2)
The most basic explanation is when your ego separates from self and you begin see the world and your soul as they truly are. The term “Dark Night” was first used in a 16th-century poem by St. John of the Cross. You may also see it referred to as Near Death Experience, or simply a mystical encounter. Many people experience one or more of the following:
- Weightlessness or floating sensation
- Altered states of consciousness
- Overwhelming peace & love
- Sense of “coming home”
- Unknown presence &/or voice
- Sleep paralysis or night terror
- Existential fear or doom
- Sense of separation from God
- Difficulty putting it into words
The intensity of this experience often leads to further research, introspection, healing past wounds, and a shift in your values or lifestyle. You can think of it like the first stepping stone in your awakening journey, where the ego is being pushed back so you’re better able to step into the version of yourself that God made you to be.
It does! While the exact term “spiritual awakening” isn’t used, many passages describe waking up from spiritual slumber, being reborn through the Holy Spirit, made into new creations, and living as children of light in Christ.
Awake, O sleeper, arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you. Ephesians 5:14
He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. Titus 3:5
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light. Ephesians 5:8
Great question! Everyone has a slightly different perspective, based on their upbringing and life experience, even within Christianity. That being said, here’s my own understanding, and how they are used and defined on this website:
- Religion is the outward, structured organization that helps guide the body of Christ. This is made up of shared beliefs, practices, forms of worship, and sacred texts that unite a community of believers.
- Spirituality is the inward, more personal aspect of faith. Your unique and irreplaceable relationship with God, made up of private prayers, inner movements, the one-on-one moments between just you and Him.
Like most things in life, balance is key. The following Bible verses tell us the importance of sacred Scripture, regular devotion to God, and being part of a Church community.
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. (Acts 2:42)
Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. (Colossians 3:16)
Without the guidance of religion, we can fall into the habit of making our own rules or being cut off from community and accountability. Without the intimacy of spirituality, we can fall into the habit of thinking acts or outward appearances are what gain God’s love.
Christian ✞
This blog helps draw a clear line between God’s holy teaching in the Bible vs increasingly popular new age beliefs that can lead people astray. Much of the content here is a blending of ancient and modern, religious and spiritual, for Christians who feel too mystical among overly religious, yet still very much devoted to Jesus over watered-down, secular beliefs. I hope this can be a space where overlooked souls are free to meet God in the in-between, and find reassurance in being anchored to His Truth.
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At this time, I don’t offer one-on-one support, but you’re more than welcome to:
- Ask a question in the comments section of a related blog post—you may get a response there or advice from a fellow reader.
- Submit a question through the contact form—it might be covered in a future post if enough people are wondering the same thing.
That is so sweet! Unfortunately, The Beacon Road is not accepting physical mail at this time, but please know your thoughtfulness is appreciated ♡
Aww, thank YOU! I always enjoy hearing from readers and learning how this blog can better serve in their walk with God. Having the opportunity to encourage just one other person means so much, and inspires me to keep creating content. Sadly I’m not able to respond to every last message, but I do read them all and your thoughts mean a lot. Feel free to reach out through the contact form, I would love to hear from you!