Faith, like any relationship, has its ebb and flow. For many Christians, there are times when our spiritual walk feels lukewarm, the once-vibrant connection to Jesus has dimmed, and the practice of faith has become more of a routine than a relationship.
In these moments, we might wonder: What happens when I don’t feel like a Christian anymore? When dispassion sets in, and I’m simply going through the motions?
It’s important to recognize that these feelings are not uncommon in the Christian journey. Even great figures in the Bible experienced moments of doubt and spiritual dryness. King David, often described as a man after God’s own heart, wrote about feelings of abandonment and spiritual despair in many of his psalms. The prophet Elijah, even after his great victory on Mount Carmel, fell into a deep depression, feeling alone and questioning his calling. These examples remind us that periods of spiritual struggle are not indicative of a falling away but rather a symptom of being human.
Adding to this personal struggle is the disheartening reality we sometimes observe in the church around us. It’s painful to witness fellow believers who preach one thing and practice another. Even more troubling, some pulpits seem to have exchanged the true gospel for messages that appeal to pride, selfishness, and idolatry.
Seeing this, it’s no wonder that when the world seeks to discredit Jesus, it often points first to the failures of Christians. The hypocrisy within the church, whether real or perceived, becomes a stumbling block not only for believers but also for those outside the faith looking in.
Imperfect Christians, perfect Christ
However, we must remember that the Bible never claimed Christians would perfectly represent God to the world. In fact, Scripture is full of examples of flawed individuals being used by God to accomplish His purposes. A few of these examples include Abraham’s deception, Moses’ anger, David’s adultery, and Peter’s denial. The Bible doesn’t shy away from showing the imperfections of even its greatest heroes. The truth of the gospel has always shone through despite the failures of believers, not because of their perfection.
This reality serves both as a comfort and a challenge. It reminds us that our personal struggles and the failings of other believers do not negate the truth of the gospel. The power of Christianity lies not in the perfection of Christians but in the perfection of their Savior. At the same time, it calls us to continually grow and strive toward Christlikeness. We are called to be salt and light in the world, to let our good deeds shine before others, that they may see them and glorify our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16).
The promise of restoration
The good news is that God does not leave His children in this state of spiritual apathy. Throughout Scripture, we find promises of God’s faithful love and His commitment to restore His people. Isaiah 43:1-2 offers a beautiful declaration of God’s love and commitment:
But now, thus says the Lord, your Creator, O Jacob,
And He who formed you, O Israel,
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name; you are Mine!
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they will not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched,
Nor will the flame burn you.
Even when we feel distant, God remains close and deeply invested in our well-being and spiritual restoration. It speaks to God’s intimate knowledge of us – He has called us by name – and His unwavering presence in our lives, even in the midst of trials and difficulties.
Similarly, Matthew 12:19-21 paints a picture of Jesus’ gentle persistence:
“He will not quarrel, nor cry out;
Nor will anyone hear His voice in the streets.
“A battered reed He will not break off,
And a smoldering wick He will not put out,
Until He leads justice to victory.
“And in His name the Gentiles will hope.”
These verses offer hope to those feeling spiritually weak or faint. They assure us that Jesus does not harshly condemn those who are struggling but gently nurtures those whose faith feels fragile. The imagery of a bruised reed and a smoldering wick is powerful – it speaks to Jesus’ tender care for those who feel damaged or whose faith seems to be barely hanging on.
Drawing near to God
In those seasons of spiritual faintness, depression, or apathy, don’t wallow in your gloom. Press in, as much as you can, to the One who offers comfort and wholeness.
Engage in honest prayer. Express your feelings to God, even your doubts and frustrations. The Psalms provide excellent examples of raw, honest communication with God, expressing everything from joy to anger to despair.
Return to Scripture. Allow God’s Word to speak afresh to your heart. You might be surprised how a familiar verse suddenly carries new meaning.
Seek Christian fellowship. Find a church or a group that encourages and challenges you, a place where you can be honest about your struggles and find support. This might be a small group, a Bible study, or even a one-on-one mentoring relationship.
The journey of faith is not always marked by constant emotional highs or unwavering certainty. There will be times when we feel distant from God, disillusioned with the church, or disappointed in our own spiritual state. However, these experiences do not define our relationship with God.
The truth of the gospel stands firm, regardless of our feelings or the failings of other believers. God’s promise to restore, protect, and nurture His people remains unchanging. As we navigate through periods of spiritual dryness or doubt, we can hold onto the assurance that God is faithfully working, even when we cannot see or feel it.
