Curing lethargic relationship with God
2 Peter 3:18 King James Version (KJV)
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.Growth, in the walk of life, is expected to be an organic and natural process.
We mature and grow from innocent children to fully aware adults, we develop and grow from inexperienced beginners to knowledgeable authority, and we grow from being unsure starters to matured achievers.
However, in our spiritual walk, we can often find our growth suddenly stopped dead in its tracks.
Occasionally, we may find ourselves in the same relentless grind, working through exactly the same challenges, and we start to realize and wonder why it is that our faith no longer seems to be as alive and as dynamic as it was at any given point in time.
What we refer to as spiritual stagnation, to put it simply, is a stage or period of our life when it appears as if we have reached such a point of spiritual plateau where the progress seems hardly worth mentioning.
You simply have no time to study the word of God, to pray, or anything that could build you up in your faith. Spiritual growth, as people refer to it, is actually growth in faith.
I want to assure you, though, that this isn't your journey's end but the beginning of a big break in your spiritual journey ahead!
Identifying the Signs of Spiritual Stagnation
Appropriate understanding and comparison should be clear: think of a river that once flowed free and has now become reduced to a trampled pond of stagnation.
Lifeless.
Dead.
Just about how spiritual stagnation would be there if you don't grow in faith. One may feel disconnected from God, uninterested in spiritual practices, and even apathetic about one's relationship with Him.
In the book of Hebrews, there is a very strong reminder, especially in chapter 5, verses 12 through 14 of the God's Word translation:
"By now you should be teachers. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the first things you need to know from God's word. You still need milk instead of solid food. All those who live on milk lack the experience to talk about what is right. They are still babies."
Well, this passage is certainly provocative of challenge to rise and grow up from the very awkward situation in the infancy stage, and seriously begin to move on to maturity in our spiritual journey.
It is basically for the maturing of grace in our lives that we require increasing in our understanding and being "practiced users" of the mature word so that we may become able to teach other people, rather than needing to be taught forever.
Freeing Your Spirit from Spiritual Stagnation
Overcoming spiritual stagnation requires deliberateness, something done with specific intent and purpose.
It is about that moment to rekindle that very passion that was in, finding those places of connection again with the Source from whence all life comes through-that is, God.
Here are a few ways you might initiate such a transformative journey:
Reconnect to God through Prayer and Worship
Prayer should not be considered as only a chore or a responsibility; instead, it is actually a lifeline that links you to the divine.
It is a channel of your personal partnership with your Maker, who not only created the heavens and the earth but also really desires to listen to you personally.
Oftentimes, when you are feeling spiritually dry or emotionally burnt out, it becomes necessary to press past the feelings of lethargy that threaten to overcome you.
Instead, dive deep into genuine and heartrending prayers as well as inspiring worship.
Spend time expressing all of your fears, doubts, and frustrations to God openly and honestly.
In that way, you avail yourself to Him so that He may fill your heart and mind with His stirring peace and wisdom and guide you safely through your troubles.
Immerse Yourself into the Word of God
This is not an ordinary book; it is the living word of God. It holds the keys to work through the hindrances along your spiritual walk.
Spend time daily in the Word. Get to know His character, what He promises, and His expectations for your life. Let the Word of God transform your mind and renew your spirit.
Now, like Romans 12:2 (GW) says,
"Don't become like the people of this world. Instead, change the way you think. Then you will always be be able to determine what God really wants—what is good, pleasing, and perfect."
Surround Yourself with a Supportive Faith Community
Isolation is at the root—the seedbed of stagnation in any area of life, including spiritual development.
God never did mean for anyone to walk this life of faith alone, to be isolated from all others.
You need to be around likeminded believers who can encourage you but also challenge you in the ways you will be in need of support.
Engage in conversation about your faith and what you believe, join in with Bible study environments that provide further insight and connection, and finally, find a mentor who can be your guide, leading and sharpening you on your own pathway of spiritual growth.
In the very wise words,
"Just as iron sharpens iron, friends sharpen the minds of each other" (Proverbs 27:17, GNT).
Accept Change and Step Out in Faith
One thing about growth is that it calls for change, and more often than not, the change calls for one to move beyond the comfort zone.
Do not allow fear to stop you from trying new spiritual disciplines that could bless your walk with God, volunteering for ministry that might have much impact, or even accepting a leadership role within your church community if that is where your gifts and talents are to be used.
For it is when you step in that courage of faith that God meets you head-on with direction and support. Always remember what the Word says:
"For we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7, GW), and that keeps you with faith in the unseen path forward.
Moving Forward with a Renewed Sense of Purpose
Loosening oneself from spiritual stagnation is not a one-time thing that can happen once and for all but an unending process that asks for continuous striving and dedication to one's growth and development.
As you commit yourself to doing these important steps, you will realize that your faith would take on much more vibrancy and liveliness, that your relationship with God deepens considerably, and that life itself would break into an overflow of His unbounded love and profound sense of direction.
Remember that God really wants you to grow, to flourish in every area of life, to the glory of His wonderful and excellent majesty.
Take this beautiful journey with an open arm and a willing spirit, and you shall, by all means, be surprised at how God shall lead you to new heights and levels in your faith and open doors you never thought were possible.
You are not called to stagnate in stagnation or deadness but to grow, flourish, and be a light to everything around. Live life to the fullest by leaving your comfort zone, breaking all barriers, and enjoying the abundance that God has in store for you!
Scripture References:
Hebrews 5:12-14 (God's Word Translation)
Romans 12:2 (God's Word Translation)
Proverbs 27:17 God's Word Translation
2 Corinthians 5:7 GOD'S WORD Translation
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