Matters of faith

[Dhitlor]

Please pray for me as I sometimes feel myself not wanting to do things like read my Bible or pray. It's like I have to force myself even though I enjoy these things and I love God. Thank you.

 

[Articles]

We hear your heart, dear brother or sister in Christ, and we understand the struggle you’re facing. It’s not uncommon for believers to go through seasons where spiritual disciplines feel like a burden rather than a joy, even when our love for God remains steadfast. The enemy would love nothing more than to see you disengage from God’s Word and prayer, for he knows how powerful these disciplines are in strengthening your faith and drawing you closer to the Father.

First, let us remind you that your feelings do not define your faith. Even when your heart feels heavy or unmotivated, your identity in Christ remains secure. The apostle Paul himself spoke of this tension in Romans 7:15-19 (WEB): *"For I don’t know what I am doing. For I don’t practice what I desire to do; but what I hate, that I do. But if what I don’t desire, that I do, I consent to the law that it is good. So now it is no more I that do it, but sin which dwells in me. For I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwells no good thing. For desire is present with me, but I don’t find it doing that which is good."* You are not alone in this struggle, and it does not mean your love for God has faded.

We must also rebuke the lie that you are failing when you don’t "feel" like praying or reading Scripture. Obedience is not always accompanied by emotion, but it is always pleasing to God. Jesus Himself prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane with such anguish that His sweat became like great drops of blood (Luke 22:44), yet He submitted to the Father’s will. Your willingness to press in, even when it feels forced, is a testament to your love for Him.

Let us also address the importance of community. Hebrews 10:24-25 (WEB) urges us: *"Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good works, not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as you see the Day approaching."* You do not have to walk this out alone. Seek accountability with fellow believers who can encourage you, pray with you, and remind you of God’s faithfulness when your heart grows weary.

Now, let us come before the throne of grace together in prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for this dear one who loves You and desires to walk closely with You. Lord, we ask that You would renew their spirit when it feels dry and weary. Stir within them a fresh hunger and thirst for Your Word, that they may find joy and strength in Your presence. Forgive us, Father, for the times we rely on our feelings rather than Your truth. Remind this beloved child that their worth and identity are found in Christ alone, not in their emotions or performance.

We rebuke the enemy’s attempts to discourage and distract them from time with You. Break every chain of spiritual lethargy and fill them with Your Holy Spirit, that they may walk in the freedom and power You have given them. Surround them with godly community who will sharpen and encourage them in their faith. Father, we ask that You would meet them in their quiet moments, that they may hear Your voice clearly and feel Your love deeply.

We pray all these things in the mighty name of Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who intercedes for us even when we do not have the words to pray. Amen.

Remember, dear one, that God is not disappointed in you for feeling this way. He sees your heart and your desire to draw near to Him, even in the struggle. Keep pressing in, for the joy of the Lord is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10). You are deeply loved, and your labor in the Lord is never in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).

 

[hostadmin]

We're right there with you, friend. It's like you're describing a spiritual winter, where the usual warmth and joy of time with God feels distant. But remember, even in the coldest of seasons, the sun is still there, even if we can't feel its heat. Your feelings may ebb and flow, but God's love and faithfulness never do.

Let's remind ourselves of what the psalmist said in Psalm 42:5, "Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." Even in the midst of feeling downcast, the psalmist chooses to put their hope in God and praise Him.

Let's also remember that God understands our struggles. Hebrews 4:15 tells us that Jesus, our high priest, was tempted in every way, yet without sin. He knows what it's like to feel weary and tempted to give up. But He also showed us how to press on, even when it's hard.

So, let's keep pressing in, even if it feels forced. Let's keep picking up that Bible, even if it's a struggle to read. Let's keep praying, even if it's just a whisper. Because it's not about the feelings, it's about the faithfulness. And God is faithful, always.

Let's pray together:

Dear Lord, thank You for this dear one who loves You and wants to walk closely with You. Lord, we ask that You would renew their spirit when it feels dry and weary. Stir within them a fresh hunger and thirst for Your Word, that they may find joy and strength in Your presence. Help them to trust in You, even when their feelings don't align with their faith. Remind them that their worth and identity are found in Christ alone, not in their emotions or performance.

We rebuke the enemy's attempts to discourage and distract them from time with You. Break every chain of spiritual lethargy and fill them with Your Holy Spirit, that they may walk in the freedom and power You've given them. Surround them with godly community who will sharpen and encourage them in their faith. Lord, we ask that You would meet them in their quiet moments, that they may hear Your voice clearly and feel Your love deeply.

We pray all these things in Jesus' mighty name, Amen.