How do I get on fire for God again?

[Infinite777]

I've been struggling with this a lot lately. I had become complacent in my religion up until a couple months ago when I went to an amazing Christian retreat. After that I was on a "spiritual high" for about a week and then it faded, just like always. I then became complacent again until just a few days ago when I realized the direction my life was taking wasn't the one that would let me live the life God wanted. I always pray every night, and usually listen to worship music though, so I don't know what to do during those "droughts". I also know that you can't base how you act upon feelings, since those are subject to change, and I've been doing a lot better with that. But now, while I am doing better at obeying, I still feel the same. For some reason, I'm not excited or don't have that feeling of awe or wonderment that I've had before. Someone told me that "God sometimes feels close, and sometimes far away. He's like a pendulum" I do agree that it sometimes feels like that, but why? He is always right by your side, no matter what. So why is it that I can't get on fire for him again? It motivates me so much more to help the world. I've even been reading my Bible more, praying more enthusiastically, witnessing, etc. over the past few days... but I still feel just as dry. That isn't to say that I feel empty, because that is not true. But I don't feel "close" to God. It feels as if I'm doing all of this, but I'm still not getting to know Him (even though this can't be the case, as I'm reading my Bible to study Him, worshipping Him, praying fervently to Him, etc.) I'm not just going through the motions, my heart is in it.

Anyway, I don't know what's going on, but if any one has any advice that would be terrific.

 

[Sharky]

Hey mate. I went through the same thing a while back. It's kinda weird I know and I hated it.

I don't know where you're at, but at the time I was dry, it was because things were going good for me. I know it's strange, but when persecution came, I found that I was praying more, depending on Him more and such. In fact, when things got bad, I always went to Him for shelter.

Of course I'm not telling you to go out and find trouble.

Also when I began witnessing again, I found I was closer to God. I think it's because in John i think, Jesus said to His disciples that His food and nourishment is to do the will of God. When I went witnessing more, I felt more nourished spiritually.

So I suggest you start witnessing again and maybe take it a step further somehow. It may help.

 

[tturt]

What does worship mean to you? This is a sincere question because for a long time I thought I was worshiping but praising God instead.

 

[Infinite777]

What does worship mean to you? This is a sincere question because for a long time I thought I was worshiping but praising God instead.

Er, I though worship was praising. Well, I mean as far as music goes (and that's what I was referring to when I said I was worshipping). I know there's that bit about worshipping God through how you live by obeying Him, in which case I've been doing much better with that too. Is that what you were asking?

 

[wonderwaleye]

I've been struggling with this a lot lately. I had become complacent in my religion up until a couple months ago when I went to an amazing Christian retreat. After that I was on a "spiritual high" for about a week and then it faded, just like always. I then became complacent again until just a few days ago when I realized the direction my life was taking wasn't the one that would let me live the life God wanted. I always pray every night, and usually listen to worship music though, so I don't know what to do during those "droughts". I also know that you can't base how you act upon feelings, since those are subject to change, and I've been doing a lot better with that. But now, while I am doing better at obeying, I still feel the same. For some reason, I'm not excited or don't have that feeling of awe or wonderment that I've had before. Someone told me that "God sometimes feels close, and sometimes far away. He's like a pendulum" I do agree that it sometimes feels like that, but why? He is always right by your side, no matter what. So why is it that I can't get on fire for him again? It motivates me so much more to help the world. I've even been reading my Bible more, praying more enthusiastically, witnessing, etc. over the past few days... but I still feel just as dry. That isn't to say that I feel empty, because that is not true. But I don't feel "close" to God. It feels as if I'm doing all of this, but I'm still not getting to know Him (even though this can't be the case, as I'm reading my Bible to study Him, worshipping Him, praying fervently to Him, etc.) I'm not just going through the motions, my heart is in it.

Anyway, I don't know what's going on, but if any one has any advice that would be terrific.

Dear Infinite777

Start serving GOD by helping those in need and life and feelings will change. Plus Thank and Praise the LORD just as many times as it is possible each day and things will happen!!!

ALWAYS REMEMBER:

“ Believe “ in Greek is a verb and has three components which are: hearing, accepting, and then " ACTING " upon that which you have accepted. X Even though you can't see him, GOD is there!!! O ( click on the x and drag to the O ) ( then see who is with you ) steven

 

[tturt]

There are several verses such as "Draw near to Him and He'll draw near to you." So just keep on being faithful and purue Him.

 

[LogosPryme]

In Ecc. 3 Solomon (the wisest man to ever live) wrote of the seasons of life. It doesn't say this specifically, but what you describe is a season as well, a season we all experience as CHRISTians.

One day things will be different, as it says in Revelation. We will no longer need the sun, because God will be our light. But as things are now, the sun rises and the sun sets, there is night and day, summer and winter.

Like a farmer in the season of planting, do not be discouraged when all is seen is dirt. Continue to work the ground and it will give life in it's season and in it's time.

Be blessed and at peace.

 

[MrFreshdew]

ask Jesus & ask Jesus 2 place the desire that burns and aches 4 Him

 

[Johnnz]

Actually, you won't find that phrase in the NT. There you will see virtues such as endurance, faithfulness and building godly character are most emphasised, with love being paramount.

John
NZ

 

[Godslilgurlalways]

I have been in that place before. I think I am coming out of it now. I am loving God and all. It was just that I want to be on fire for him like never before, my fire I don't think has gone out at all I think it had dimmed down some but it was mostly b/c I was alittle stressed and alot was on my mind and all.I want my fire for God to grow until it can't grow anymore, but than again I don't want to ever get to that point where it stops, I want it to grow every day and every night.It's a great desire to have and an even more important one to have fulfilled


There was something someone I knew told me. At the time I don't think they knew how much I needed to hear it.

They said always keep your prayer life up.It's very important. Your relationship with God and just you life in general is important one thing that you don't want to start slacking on is prayer.They said it is one of the hardest things to keep up and continue once you slacked off or stopped. I started writing out prayers along time ago.But it's important to say them out aloud too.

 

[aldar]

well...

think about it like this, ill try to use my life as a decent example.

When i first met the lady who has become the very love of my life i felt a very excited, exhilerated, just this crazy anticipation and desire for her, she was so new, so fresh, i was so ATTRACTED to her...i had something new and fantastic in my life!
New being one of the reasons i was so excited...
but...over time, things began to change, not go down hill...but change.
The attraction...has changed to affection.
The extreme emotions have mellowed out, but they are more stable now. i dont get jittery and jumpy around her anymore...but i am more commited and loyal than i ever was before. i don't get as excited as i use to...but now i cry tears of love and affection for her instead.

emotions change and mature over time.
just like you mature as a person, your not the energetic crasy hyper little kid you were as a child, you just dont have it anymore...but your stronger, more capable, more competent, grown.

You may not be as EXCITED or as JITTERY for God as you were once more...but your probly more wise, more knowledgeable, more devoted, more commited, than you were. you have grown, and what you lost were a few human emotions, not your love and affection and care for God. The fact that this issue bothers you, is proof you do still love God.
Just like the old man in the pew at church... he probly isnt the craziest most exuberant most expressive person in church or as the youth...but dont dare criticise.
Because hes probly walked places with God you havent even imagined, hes saved souls, hes walked the mission, hes paid the price and he can hear God in a heartbeat and know the wisdom of God that it might take you all night in prayer to find. and if you the time the lay down lives for the cross came, he would do it unemotionally, becuase he has a commitment and devotion that isnt shallow or superficial and that runs deeper than any new babe in Christ.

Theres nothing wrong with you. As you grow in Christ its like growing up as a person, people dont treat you the same anymore and they expect more from you without having to give you as much in return, your expected to do more becuase its the right thing to do without being cuddled and coaxed. You have to find where your devotion lies...with emotions and feelings he can give you, or to the cause.

Theres nothing wrong with you... your just growing up. God will begin to take off the kid gloves, it wont be the same. You will have your times of intamicy and love.
But eventually even the things you desire will change, youll begin to find the feelings less important or beneficial and will begin to want real commitment, understanding, closeness to him, understanding.
You might have began being the child in his lap, but eventually you need the be like Jesus who can carry his cross and die when you dont feel God at all...becuase you still believe and your commitment is unshakable.
ya know?

like my girlfriend i dont get as kiddy excited but...i want her to stay with me for the rest of my life. one thing has become less important to me and my commitment and devotion have grown beyond measure, and i know her now, and i can say things i was once scared to, were so much closer and commited than we once were.
Does that make sense?

 

[aldar]

like....
I'm in the military and when i was a Private, a brand new soldier, my Sergeant spent alot of personal time with me, helping me along, easing the load for me, but i'm not new anymore, im not a Private anymore...

When its time to rockandroll its time to rockandroll and cus im not a new soldier anymore my Sergeants ain't gonna say "Lets go...time to get to work...get up" no, i have responsibilities and the time for me to need all this extra attention is over with, time to step up and go to the next level, I dont need all the help anymore and i did it would be a shame, it means I can't grow up.

 

[Infinite777]

Wow aldar, thanks for that. That really does make a lot of sense. I definately can see that this very well could be a maturing process, which is obviously a good thing though.

One thing that is kind of bothering me though, is that even though I've been doing everything on my part to get closer to God (reading the Bible a lot more, praying more fervently and more often, worshipping and praising more, etc.) it doesn't seem like He's closer to me if that makes any sense. Often times when I pray, it still just feels like I'm running thoughts through my mind to nothing, as opposed to communicating with the Creator of the universe. I know in my head what I'm doing, but it's kind of hard when it doesn't seem like God has any sort of feedback or communication on His end. Obviously He knows best though, so if He is being silent in my life for a period, it's for a good reason.

Another thing that has kind of bothered me too was the fact that I don't seem to know how to get extremely close to God. I read "God Chasers for teens" yesterday (I usually read the 'adult' versions, but I borrowed it from the friend... it was surprisingly not as watered down as most other teen Christian literature is). In this book though, the author talks about people who are so overflowing with God's glory that people around them automatically start feeling convicted and guilty. In the book he tells of this scenario where his wife was in line at a grocery store, and the woman in front of her started talking to her (they had never met before). She was weeping saying she felt so guilty, and asked if she prayed with her. The wife turned to the person behind her in line and asked if she would mind waiting a few minutes while they prayed, but lo and behold, she was in tears to and asked to pray with them. In that whole book it just talked about how God's presence can be so palpable in your life and how you can feel Him all around. I guess that's part of what I'm craving, and I don't know how to get there.

 

[HeSaveDave]

Revelation 3:16 "So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth."

I have to say that I agree with the first response about struggle bringing me closer to God. It is imperative that we not be lukewarm for God. It sickens Him. So I commend you for recognizing it and making effort to correct it.

I thought maybe one thing you could do is volunteer at a shelter or something. Doing good for others can put things in perspective abit. Whatever you do I hope and pray that you find your fire brother. You're on the right track and the fact that you recognize it as a problem is a good sign.

Check out this video. Its really good.

Love in Christ, Dave

 

[Infinite777]

Revelation 3:16 "So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth."

I have to say that I agree with the first response about struggle bringing me closer to God. It is imperative that we not be lukewarm for God. It sickens Him. So I commend you for recognizing it and making effort to correct it.

I thought maybe one thing you could do is volunteer at a shelter or something. Doing good for others can put things in perspective abit. Whatever you do I hope and pray that you find your fire brother. You're on the right track and the fact that you recognize it as a problem is a good sign.

Check out this video. Its really good.

Love in Christ, Dave

Wow, that video really really frightened me. I had never thought about all of the implications that being luke warm had, and now I know how imperitive it is that I strive to truly burn for God. I'm not sure what I'm going to do, but I'll trust that God will lead me and show me His glory so I can know what an easy choice it really should be. Thank you, very much, for that video.

 

[aldar]

If those kind of experiences are something you want, that book is only there to wet your appetite and maybe point you in the right direction. It can't give you a 5 step formula "this is how you make people cry in the grocery line" if so, it would be happening to everyone becuase i believe most christians do want such things.If thats what you want, try to take whatever keys you can learn from the book and use them and seek God for it... i do know that kind of power wont come from memorised verses or study time, but it will only come from time spent in prayer, worship and meditation in the word of God....these....ideals or even dreams people preach about but most people never reach. But they are also things only people who returned from great time or experience with God had. You'll have to find Gods secret hiding place... and wrestle with him alone like isreal.Don't feel alone, there are so very many christians in the world who love God whole heartedly and do serve him...but i bet you could count the number of people alive today who have experienced the things you've described on a few sets of hands.So either the masses are wrong and few are right...or, sometimes it happens, sometimes it doesnt, and i know it hurts but you have to reconsider what and who you believe. Don't bind yourself to Tommy Tenny...bind yourself to God. I have had several of my christian heros fall away over the years.... and i dont mean do things i questioned, i mean returned to drugs or homosexual relationships....and they were people i looked up to so much.There might be a few things that could help you out. 1. Worship.When you pray or seek God...don't just start asking God for things, take the first moments to worship God, and this isnt a set song, but it is your heart felt feelings for him, whatever they are, glorify him, worship him, give to him. before you try to recieve for yourself. and this is done calmly, smoothly...from your deep love for him, not from your desperation to recieve.In the beginning the Spirit of God brooded over the water...and this happened before God spoke let there be light. God did not speak, God did not work before his spirit has settled down. To brood means to nest, to settle...to get comfortable.This is key. Take time to worship God and invite his holyspirit in, welcome him, receive him, praise God, worship him, create an atmosphere where the holyspirit can come and be comfortable and brood, and then, begin to seek God concerning your relationship or whatever it is you need.But without worship, theres no rain, without worship there is no place for God to come and dwell. The bible says God lives in the praises of his people.2. Prayer.Get use to waiting, get used to sitting down, turning off the lights, getting comfortable, and seeking God...and waiting for an answer, just waiting... and he will come. Sometimes he just wants to here you worship him a little longer. But you have to to lose the pressure of the moment, and get comfortable in his presence and wait for him, and he will come.3. Meditation.Like i mentioned before, God did not ever speak a word of life untill after the holyspirit had brooded and kind of prepared the way. You need to enter into prayer and worship and have a Godly atmosphere before you open up the word if possible, this way the spirit can speak to you easier, youll feel more led by him, touched by him, sparked by him in what you read and find.Remember, a handle of scriptures that the holyspirit opened up to you and revealed great meaning in...are more powerful and changing than all the books the scholars have memorised.One scripture set aflame with the inspiritation of God on it, can change your life. Take the holyspirit and meditate on the scriptures...don't just study the bible man.

 

[Infinite777]

@ aldar

I know those types of experiences are rare and it is usually the byproduct of a long and difficult journey with Christ. I just want to be the type of person who can do that, because it would mean I would truly be living in the abundant life He wants for me.

And those are some great tips. I usually just reach for the Bible and start reading without ever setting up the atmosphere or actually inviting God in. I also am impatient at times, but I know waiting on Him is what I need to do in those moments, and I want to get to the point where I delight in waiting on Him, and get very troubled if I miss a day without spending abundant time with God. I know it's the only nourishment for my soul, but at this point I don't think I depend on it. I'm trying, but if I get honest here, I don't depend on God for everything, and I know I need to. I need to have the spirit of humility where I realize that I am unclean and dirty and that I cannot do anything on my own without God who sustains me. I guess getting to that place is the journey, but I know it will change me and make me into a warrior for God along the way.

 

[Johnnz]

Where do you get this idea that God is somewhere "over there" so you need to try and get closer? God is within. You are surrounded by God and His love. Your own body is held together by His Word.

Instead of seeing your self as 'outside' begin to live out of His all enveloping relationship with you as it always is - constant, unchanging, fathomless, and totally established through God's acceptance of the sacrifice of Jesus.

John
NZ

 

[HeSaveDave]

Glad ya liked the vid. It really opened my eyes too.

Ask the Holy Spirit to move. The Spirit of the Lord is within you. If you keep trying, you will get where you want to be. What is impossible with men is possible with God. Walk in the Spirit, talk in the Spirit, sing in the Spirit, live in the Spirit.

Love ya brother. Blessings on your journey.

 

[Infinite777]

Wow, I love it when God speaks to me. I had just spent a couple hours tonight alone in my room in prayer and worship and studying and learning, and all the while I still couldn't feel his presence. I asked why I couldn't sense He was near, why my soul wasn't delighting in Him as it had before (delighting in the sense of feelings actual awe and wonderment) etc.

Well, I'm reading The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis for the first time, and I came across this part:

"Our cause is never more in danger than when a human, no longer desiering, but still intending, to do our Enemy's will, looks round upon a universe from which every trace of Him seems to have vanished, and asks why he has been forsaken, and still obeys."

It now seems very real to me, that even though I can't feel Him, He's closer than ever. Praise God!