“Stand with me and sing!” invites the enthusiastic worship leader on the church platform, while guitars begin an upbeat tune and drums rap out a foot-tapping rhythm.
Around me people sway a bit to the music, some raise their hands, others worship with eyes closed.
And though I, too, sway and raise my hands, I have to admit my heart’s not in it. For some reason, lyrics that have brought me to joyful tears on other occasions are not penetrating today.
My spirit seems paralyzed—no feeling whatsoever. Efforts to engage—focusing on the words and imagining my Heavenly Father on his throne, listening with parental pleasure—don’t seem to help.
What’s wrong with me? I wonder.
Perhaps you’ve experienced the same numbness in corporate worship, maybe during personal quiet time or at prayer. And like me, you’ve felt certain that something must be wrong.
Granted, we worship God to honor him. Our end goal is not to rustle up feel-good endorphins for us.
But, according to the Westminster Shorter Catechism, we were created to glorify God and enjoy him forever. How is that even possible when we come down with a case of the spiritual blahs?
Actually, days and even seasons of spiritual dryness are a normal part of our faith-walk, experienced by almost every Christian at one time or another. And there is comfort in that, knowing we’re not alone.
Theologian Sam Storms offers us further encouragement:
“God is glorified by your longing for the joy to be found in him,
even if you are not yet experiencing it” (1).
But are there strategies we can implement to jump-start our hearts into exuberant responsiveness?
As a matter of fact, yes.
We can:
1. Be honest with God.
King David certainly was. “I spread out my hands to you;” he cried. “My soul thirsts for you like a parched land” (143:6).
Yet in spite of his emotional tailspin, David writes, “I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul (v. 8).
David provides a worthy example to follow: acknowledge the truth; affirm our trust, and seek God’s guidance.
2. Rehearse what we know about God’s character, his promises.
Our minds are renewable resources (Romans 12:2). We can turn our thoughts away from the numbness we’re experiencing at the moment, and focus on what is lovely and true, excellent and praiseworthy about our God.
Sometimes such thought processes are all that’s necessary to bring us out of the doldrums (Psalm 92:4).
3. Persevere in spite of our emotions.
Keep showing up in God’s presence whether we feel like it or not.
Our emotions must not be allowed to control actions. In fact, God especially appreciates a sacrifice of praise (Hebrews 13:15), which surely includes offering him our worship when the fervency just isn’t there.
4. Anticipate.
Worship with an outlook on the future (Psalm 42:1-2). We can look forward to the day when our hearts will overflow again with ecstatic praise—even to the point of joyful tears.
5. Pray.
Perhaps something like this:
“Father in heaven, flood the dry places of my soul with your presence; lift the gray clouds that conceal you. Within my spirit I want to feel the warmth of your radiant Light, be wrapped in your unfailing love, and fly with you on the wings of the dawn!
In trusting expectancy I wait for you, O Lord. I know you will answer.”
(Isaiah 44:3; Psalm 4:6, 32:10, 139:9, 38:15)
What helps you beat the spiritual blahs? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below!
Note:
(1) https://www.crosswalk.com/church/worship/how-can-i-worship-when-i-feel-nothing.html
Photo credits: http://www.wikimedia.com; http://www.pixabay.com; http://www.pxhere.com; http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.canva.com (2).
From the Inside Out 
I so appreciate your post, Nancy! You are showing us that we have permission to give God our authentic selves. While God’s goodness doesn’t change, nor His worthiness, our hearts sometimes have to grapple with our circumstances. The way we tell Him He is worthy, is sometimes in quiet acceptance and prayer. I know that for me the sadness soon turns to joy, knowing my God will provide all I need … even my longing to worship Him. (as you know I love to walk… I worship Him often in silence there)
Amen, Heidi! You’re right about getting outdoors. Time spent gazing at God’s handiwork does much to revive the spirit!
For me it’s getting out in nature. I feel so close to God when I can sit, walk & relax in His creativity. It is soothing to my soul to hear a bird singing, rolling waves, the flowing brook or the rush of a waterfall. The wonder of nature always gives me new reasons for praise as joy returns to my heart. Abiding in Gid’s grace, Anita Spaulding
Wise words, Anita! Intentional focus on finding “new reasons for praise” IS a powerful antidote for the blahs. The process of seeking and discovering God’s gifts reawakens our enthusiasm and joy. Thank you for adding your suggestion!
Oh, yeah, I know that feeling. You have described it well and offered helpful clues as to how to navigate back to center. Thank you, Nancy.
Thank you, Diana. I like your visual of navigating back to center (as opposed to climbing out of a hole)! 🙂
Nancy – sometimes you just read my mind and put it out there. I guess the best part is knowing we’re never alone. God gives us each other to get through the blah times. I praise HIM for knowing YOU…
And I count it a privilege to know YOU! (How delightful the feeling is mutual!) You’ve raised a good point about leaning on each other to get us through the blah times. The enthusiastic faith, worship, and prayers of others can be reassuring–and catching!
I totally agree with you, Debbie D. The Lord uses Nancy’s blog to minister to my spirit at the perfect times that I am in need.
Thank you Nancy. Just what I needed today. God bless you.
Praise God for his timing, Laura! Warms my heart to know this post spoke to your spirit.
So much I could say about a dry thirsty land ( heart) … when those days come I put on instrumental music and go to my waiting place. ( will explain later) and sit and be still.
Thanks for your honest open heart .. love you sister❤️
You’re right, Zoey. Sometimes a time of simply waiting in God’s presence can recharge our spiritual batteries–especially with the addition of soul-touching music. I’ll look forward to hearing about your waiting place!
Reblogged this on Jim & Judy's Wycliffe Journey and commented:
A thoughtful post by a friend.
Thank you Jim and Judy!
The most profound, powerful worship I experience is in worship intercession over the lost with a group of about 25 women from a dozen different churches in Rancho Vistoso, just north of Tucson,Arizona, for three hours every Monday morning. Yes, I gladly drive the 85 miles to be part of this, where God’s Presence is so very real each week,and yes,we’ve had angels in the room with us!Through closed eyelids I saw them fluttering, moving back and forth, but others have seen them stoop to get through the front door! Our passion is from hearts,many with lost loved ones, who long to see true revelation of Jesus come to those who don’t yet know Him as Savior, Lord, and the Lover of their souls!
Wow! What pleasure God must take in your commitment and passion to travel 85 miles for worship and intercessory prayer. He will surely honor your faithfulness and that of the others with GREAT fruit from your efforts. Thank you so much for sharing, Rambling Rose.
Thank you!
ThanksNnancy.It’s pure joy to be part of that anointed group of women who are “ordinary” modern-day Esthers,Annas and Deborahs, hearts on fire with passion for the Lord and for the lost!
Blessings –
Rose
And I know Jim and Judy!
How about that!!
Jim and Judy are friends from Casas Chruch in Tucson, in Wycliffe like my older son and his wife and several of my dear friends.
This post has encouraged me so much. Knowing that God acknowledges and addresses this issue of having the spiritual blahs is so comforting (as well as realizing that I am not alone in this challenging feeling)! I try to take my mind off of myself by playing the piano, exercising, and focusing on my great-nieces and nephews and the joy they bring to my spirit.
All great strategies, Cheri, for fostering responsiveness of spirit. Nothing like the tender hugs and happy squeals of little ones to foster gratitude for God’s gift of children and family. And “an amazing thing happens when we offer praise and thanksgiving to God. When we give God enjoyment, our own hearts are filled with joy” (William Law). Joy instead of malaise? I’ll take it!
Nancy, I feel my numbness is due to Leon’s terminal illness. Numbness of food, music, reading, exercise and all things that pleased me before. I think my brain fog is due to stress. I know my Jesus is with me on this road but I feel so empty inside. I do know, however, that this, too, will eventually pass with time. Hope things are serene with you and Steve.
Grace, I am so sorry for what you are going through and will be praying for you.
Oh, Grace, it breaks my heart that you–a woman of love, faith, and joy–must travel this road of heartache. YES, your Jesus is with you! YES, he is your strength and comfort! YES, he has ordained that time tempers pain. (God bless you for focusing on the positives.) But we still look to our miracle-working God, the One for whom nothing is impossible! And we pray that you and Leon experience his healing power–the kind that leaves doctors speechless sometimes! / Thank you for your hopes for us, Grace, even as you are going through a dark valley yourself. Yes, we are well. Steve has another chemo treatment and tumor ablation at the end of the month, to treat a stubborn lesion inside his liver. So far so good toward transplant.
Hi Nancy,
In it right now. Yes, getting the focus off my well-being and what the Lord wants. The reminder that these seasons happen tell me to pass through it and grow.
Thanks,
Gary
Indeed, Gary, God uses the difficult seasons as catalysts for growth. Recognizing that fact can positively impact our attitude, as we look for the lessons he would have us to learn. Praying that the satisfaction you experience in doing so outweighs the discomfort of a challenging time.