What’s really going on when you feel numb, irritable, or disconnected on the field—even when you’re doing what God has called you to do? 

Why do high-functioning workers sometimes shut down emotionally, pull away from others, or lose the ability to feel God’s presence? How does long-term pressure affect your brain—and what can you do to move toward restoration? 

If connection feels hard, there’s a reason—and a way through it. Psychiatrist Dr. Karl Lehman breaks down the neuroscience behind relational and spiritual disconnection.

You’ll learn why your brain sometimes shuts down connection as a survival mechanism, what “relational circuits” are, and how understanding them can help you re-engage with God, your community, and even your own emotions. Dr. Lehman shares tools you can use when you're feeling burned out, distant, or just stuck — and how Jesus meets us right in the middle of it.

Whether you're feeling fried or just wanting to learn how to connect more deeply with God and those around you, this episode offers insight and hope for reconnecting in the midst of pressure.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn

• What happens in your brain during stress—and why it impacts your ability to connect
• Why even high-capacity missionaries can feel numb, withdrawn, or disconnected
• How “relational circuits” work—and simple ways to help them come back online
• Practical tools to help you re-engage with God, people, and your own emotions
• How Jesus meets us with gentleness and presence, even when we feel shut down

Hey missionaries—how are your finances on the field? At Modern Day Missions, we make it simple for missionaries to receive donations and for donors to give. Serving 1,100+ missionaries worldwide, we free you to focus on your calling. We also offer resources like our weekly podcast, fundraising coaching, and a resource-packed newsletter. Connect with us at modernday.org

Thanks for listening! Email us your questions at care@modernday.org

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