We all have those moments in our life where it seems as though God isn’t as close as He used to be or that we can’t here Him as clearly as we used to. Sometimes these moments just slip up on us and we don’t realize it but other times we do notice it but make light of it. But our relationship with God is serious. We should never make light of it because when we do, it can lead us further then we ever intended to go.
Have you ever felt as though you and God weren’t as close as you used to be? When we first receive salvation we have a zeal and a fire, a passion for the Lord, His work and His people. But as the years go by, this fire can dwindle into little more than an ember if we aren’t careful. When you would have shared the Word with someone before, now you just ignore it or smile. When before you would attend every service the church had, now you sometimes think going every Sunday is a bit much. You may have even drifted from the relationships you made in the church. It’s different for every person but the fact is that if you don’t reel yourself back in when you realize you’re slipping you may one day find yourself far from God. What a terrible place to be!
The Bible says to draw nigh to God. That means to get closer to Him and to be intentional about it. The purpose of this Christian walk is to be more like Him, to have a closer relationship with Him as each day goes by. But God doesn’t force Himself on anyone. He gives us a choice and it is up to you whether you choose Him or the enemy, those are the only two choices.
Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
James 4:8
If you are reading this post it means that perhaps this has happened to you before or maybe you are experiencing this feeling right now. And as long as you can see where you need to grow, where you can improve your walk with the Father, you can make a change. Thank God for giving us chance after chance to get it right! As long as you are alive, you have a chance to get right with God. The Bible says in 2 Chronicles 15:2 that if you seek Him, you’ll find Him. Isn’t it nice to know that God keeps His Word and that we are never too far for Him to come and save us, never to far to have a lasting and meaning relationship with Him?
Here are some practical ways to get back on track once you have begun drifting.
- Bring it to God. Confess your sin and He is just to forgive. Ask Him for a closer relationship, for a renewed fervor. As long as you are serious and begin working toward it the Holy Spirit will help you accomplish your goal.
- Talk to your mentor/counselor and ask them for help and advice.
- Listen to worship music. Praise and worship is one way to encourage yourself. Furthermore, praise and worship reminds you of who God is and what He has done for you, the Lord inhabits the praises of His people. When you praise Him, He draws close to you. (Psalm 22:3)
- Reconnect with godly friends. Invite them over, have dinner, watch a movie, hang out like you used to. Having other believers around you keeps you walking the narrow path toward the straight gate.
- Set aside some time for God each and every day. Maybe start with 30 minutes a day. Whether that’s in prayer, in Bible study, in worship. These 30 minutes are for God and God alone. No phone, no t.v., no people. It’s about rededicating yourself, nurturing that ember so it becomes a flame that lights you up from the inside out.
- Attend a service or revival or conference. Allow it to make you think. Typically, such events lead to joy and confidence in the Lord but make sure that you take these emotions with you, that you don’t let them disappear the moment the event has ended.
I’m curious, are there methods you find helpful in rekindling your zeal for the Lord?
Remember, even if you begin to drift, even if you fall you can still rise. And when you rise, rise holy.
