Spiritual Lulls
Ever hit spiritual lulls? I feel like I am stuck in a rut right now. I know God wants me to be in quiet time and prayer more – it was part of why I wanted to be off work – was to have more time for that and grow spiritually. But why is it so hard lately; why am I being so stubborn in it? I want to do it, I want to be closer to God, to hear more again, to have a stronger relationship, etc. but why do I feel so unmotivated about it. Where is the spark of interest? I know its about the relationship rather than the works that you do. I guess at times I try to perfect myself too much by trying to strive for better that I get down on myself for not being able to make it perfect or be perfect for God. In a way I feel burned out by my own efforts. And I know it is only by Christ that we are saved, only through Him, not what we can do. Although we are to try to be more like the example Christ has set forth, our main focus first must be growing in our relationship with God. Through that will all things fall in place. Now if I know all that, why do i find it so difficult at times? Do you ever feel like “why can’t I just get it,” or “why doesn’t it just sink in.” It’s like taking my dog for a walk – he’s been trained, he knows how he should walk, so why does it take so many times telling him to heal or slow down, and then the times he’s not really paying attention or distracted by the sites around him. Why can’t it just sink in, why don’t we get it?
Only through God will we ever find the true strength to make it through. Blessed be to Him all the glory, forever and ever.
Over the last few month I found myself in that lull as well. I now can feel myself coming out of it, as I feel refreshed and excited about the Word. First, I found several books to read each day, even if it’s just a couple of pages, and read the Bible along with them. I alternate the books depending on my mood, and journal with my thoughts and prayers. I’m reestablishing the habit of reading Scripture, meditating upon it, and praying…even when I don’t feel like it, I know it feeds my spirit. Also, now that I’m back to a place where I can speak the Language(!), I’m pouring myself into ministry and fellowship, where I can talk about the Christian walk..it’s refreshing and sparks the desire back into my heart.
Hang in there, cari, you’ll come out of the lull.
Lindsey said this on September 19, 2008 at 9:18 am
Thank you! Always love your insight!
I do try to read the bible everyday, along with something from one of the several books started, and devotional and prayer. But its sometimes like there needs to be more, more connection, more prayer, and some days not dreading it. Its not like any steps back spiritually per say, so i can’t figure out if it is just the pregnancy and all the changes and such or what it is. I just don’t want that to be the excuse. Its almost like I know i can only do it with God, but i keep trying to do it on my own.
letlightshine said this on September 19, 2008 at 1:32 pm
God showed me the right word for the above – reluctance. That was what I was portraying, reluctance in doing what I know He wants me to be doing. I am rewarded and thankful that God still honors reluctant obedience. Don’t we often gripe about it at times saying “I’ll do this Lord, but…” See, God is so great and loving beyond what we can see or do that He knows this will be the right thing in our lives too. He chooses to bless us still. How loving and faithful is that! Sometimes it seems hard to do what God is asking of us at that time. It usually means setting aside our agendas and trusting God to provide the strength. We don’t initially “enjoy” obeying God, but afterwards, because of His mercy, we are always blessed (last line is from Becoming a Woman of Purpose).
letlightshine said this on September 24, 2008 at 8:21 am