Feeling Spiritually Sluggish?
- Laurie Williams
- Sep 19
- 3 min read
"So that you will not be [spiritually] sluggish, but [will instead be] imitators of those who through faith [lean on God with absolute trust and confidence in Him and in His power] and by patient endurance [even when suffering] are [now] inheriting the promises" (Heb. 6:12, Amp).
How are you feeling? Are you feeling a little spiritually sluggish, apathetic, indifferent, or even have a lack of enthusiasm in your faith, or maybe even in your relationship with God? Believe it or not this is not completely abnormal at times. We have all experienced times of spiritual fatigue or SFS (spiritual fatigue syndrome). In the scriptures we can see it happened to best of God's people: Elijah, Moses, and David. We even see that Jesus went to be alone with the Father to pray, rest, and to refresh Himself (Matt. 14:23; Mark 1:35, 6:4b; Luke 5:16).
Oh, how God wants better things for you. When we are weak, He is strong and His glory is revealed (2 Cor. 12:9-10). His grace is sufficient for us all.
Could some of your symptoms be a result of spiritual immaturity? This could actually be the underlying problem. Possibly an x-ray into your heart will reveal the real problem. The following symptoms can manifest into deeper spiritual health concerns:
Reduced time one spends in prayer and scripture reading.
Worldly distractions begin to increase and take up your time and attention, thus reducing clear focus and a sense of priority.
Selfishness - focusing on self rather than God.
Avoidance of personal responsibility for one's spiritual growth.
Increased vulnerability to temptation and sin.
Weakened intimacy and relationship with God.
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation]. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me [following Me as My disciple], for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest (renewal, blessed quiet) for your souls" (Matt.11:28-29, Amp).
Three suggestions to take to heart: It's never about you, God is always the only power supply; God works in spite of what we see, feel, or experience (never trust your own feelings - trust that you're in His presence; Don't allow your faith to be small or lose intimacy with God.
But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] Will gain new strength and renew their power; They will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun]; They will run and not become weary, They will walk and not grow tired (Is 40:31, Amp).
It can be quite normal to feel spiritual fatigue from time to time, to feel exhausted on your spiritual journey. But it is not ok to allow it to manifest into spiritual laziness and total distraction, for this can ultimately lead to unbelief.
"For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish” (Jer. 31:25, ESV).
You may just need a really BIG dose of Vitamin "C" - Christ, the most natural, organic, and pure supplement that will save your life! Here is a prescription to help you get back on track and be spiritually refreshed and disciplined:
Spend time in prayer. Talk to God, the Great Physician, on a daily and frequent basis.
Read and study your Bible.
Spend adequate time with the Lord daily in His presence.
Meditate on God's truths.
Confess any unresolved sin or unforgiveness that may be lingering in your life.
Seek rest and refreshment in God only.
Express your gratitude to God throughout your day.
Engage in praise and worship (both formally and informally).
Allow God to provide the strength and refreshment you need in order to overcome any spiritual weariness or fatigue you may be experiencing. Remember to always lean on Him and not yourself.
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake" (Ps.23:1-3, ESV)
Father, God. We praise You with utmost gratitude in our hearts. Please help us when we become weak or spiritually fatigued. May we indulge in a huge dose of "Vitamin C", Christ our Savior. Thank You, Father for loving us and for refreshing our weary souls. We honor and adore You, in Jesus' Name, Amen.
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