I've lost my passion

[Illshowyoutheway]

Hello family.

I love Jesus. I'll say that first.

I have been moving around a lot for the past 3 years or so. I went to bible college for a while. Lived in a different place than I grew up for a while. Now I am back to the place where I grew up. This problem has followed me ever since I graduated from college a year ago-

I am just totally void of passion for anything (or anyone). I don't care to go to church anymore. I don't care to call my friends. I don't want to play music, even though that's what I've loved forever. I have lost all my passion! I am not depressed, because I enjoy being alone and can have fun without those things. But I feel like I'm not living up to my potential. I feel like I can be doing so much more for myself, for others, and for God. I know the things I "care" about, but I don't seem to care enough to actually do something about it. I don't know what's happening.

CAN ANYONE HELP ME OUT?? OFFER ANY ADVICE?? HAS ANYONE EVER BEEN AT THIS SAME POINT IN THEIR JOURNEY???

come on people, anything could help. don't hold back.

 

[DreamsAreFree]

Maybe you've had a full on few years and just need some space before embarking on something fresh?

I'm kind of there now ... have been working at the highest level at church and now just can't be bothered. For me it's part of the aftermath of working under the person I was working under and I'm recovering from that. Haven't lost passion for anything else.

I wouldn't worry about it as long as you are happy.

 

[X=?]

Hello family.

I love Jesus. I'll say that first.

I have been moving around a lot for the past 3 years or so. I went to bible college for a while. Lived in a different place than I grew up for a while. Now I am back to the place where I grew up. This problem has followed me ever since I graduated from college a year ago-

I am just totally void of passion for anything (or anyone). I don't care to go to church anymore. I don't care to call my friends. I don't want to play music, even though that's what I've loved forever. I have lost all my passion! I am not depressed, because I enjoy being alone and can have fun without those things. But I feel like I'm not living up to my potential. I feel like I can be doing so much more for myself, for others, and for God. I know the things I "care" about, but I don't seem to care enough to actually do something about it. I don't know what's happening.

CAN ANYONE HELP ME OUT?? OFFER ANY ADVICE?? HAS ANYONE EVER BEEN AT THIS SAME POINT IN THEIR JOURNEY???

come on people, anything could help. don't hold back.

Sounds to me like you've burn't out that is been doing so much and not getting fed so you've hit the wall where its all a struggle.

Just take time out and focus on your relationship with God a little read the Bible but don't do it out of 'have to' do it because 'you want to', we all need a rest sometimes God did it on the 7th day.

 

[jazzypooh]

Hello family.

I love Jesus. I'll say that first.

I have been moving around a lot for the past 3 years or so. I went to bible college for a while. Lived in a different place than I grew up for a while. Now I am back to the place where I grew up. This problem has followed me ever since I graduated from college a year ago-

I am just totally void of passion for anything (or anyone). I don't care to go to church anymore. I don't care to call my friends. I don't want to play music, even though that's what I've loved forever. I have lost all my passion! I am not depressed, because I enjoy being alone and can have fun without those things. But I feel like I'm not living up to my potential. I feel like I can be doing so much more for myself, for others, and for God. I know the things I "care" about, but I don't seem to care enough to actually do something about it. I don't know what's happening.

CAN ANYONE HELP ME OUT?? OFFER ANY ADVICE?? HAS ANYONE EVER BEEN AT THIS SAME POINT IN THEIR JOURNEY???

come on people, anything could help. don't hold back.

we all go through these dry seasons in our lives. but just as your username suggests, i believe God IS gonna show you the way. the only thing that refreshes me during these times is the Word of God. in the Psalms, David went through a dry season as well, and he asked God to quicken him according to His Word (Ps.119:25). so it is the Word of God that revives and refreshes us when it seems like our passion has left us. the Holy Spirit will minister life to us once again through the Word....

Father I ask that You touch my brother Lord. Strengthen him during this season and rekindle his flame for you. Give him grace to continue to abide in you. Help him to trust You and to know that You know the way that he takes because You are his way. You are leading him even in this season of his life. Father restore the joy of his salvation and help him to know what is the hope of his calling in You. Ignite his passion for You once again. I thank You that You do have a purpose for his life and you are leading and showing him the right way. Therefore, he is not discouraged because his hope is in You. You have ordered his footsteps according to Your Word, so that he is not without direction in this season. Thank You for giving him a discerning spirit and refreshing him in his spirit even right now. Thank You for being his closest friend and companion and the supplier of his every need, in Jesus' name. Amen.

 

[Katryna]

Are you thinking bible college wasn't the thing for you? What are you doing occupationally?

 

[Sketcher]

I can relate to that. I'm trying to thaw myself out of it. I think one step out of many needed was taken during a long worship session. Still in the hole, though.

 

[drich0150]

To me is sounds as if the dynamic of your relationship with God is changing. (Maybe maturing) By gauging your spiritual relationship with God with a fleeing emotion such as passion rather than the biblical example of "Love" shows that perhaps even if your changing for the better, or growing in the faith (Past the point of passion) your unsure of how to properly develop or incorporate your new needs into a proper relationship... If this is the case you may need to take a good look at where or how you obtain your connection with God. If this connection centers around a church or a specific denomination, and if they focus on "feeling" your way to Jesus, or focus on measuring your relationship with God by how excited, religious activities makes you then, I'd say it's time to possible look for a different type of church. One who's more scripturally driven as apposed to one that is event or wonder related.

For me loosing What I knew as "passion" was the best thing that could happen to me. Because my efforts stopped being about religion and getting fed by my peers, and it helped me focus more on God and what it is to truly Love. Passion has it's place in the life of the believer, but is not or ever will be a true substitute for love.

What is love exactly?
1Co. 13:
4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 12Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.




In verse 8 Where "spiritual gifts" begin to fail, I believe if "passion" was ever a spiritual gift that it would be included in this list. Which brings us to verse 11.. When we grow up spiritually we leave some of the things behind that used to sustain us. My belief is you are growing spiritually past what your current church or system of belief is prepared to deal with. If the problem is with your church, you have a decision to make, or if your church is not the problem and you haven't applied yourself to grow with your changing spiritual needs, then again... You have a decision to make.

Not all of us are called to move past "passion," but for those of us entrusted with this "extra talent" we are expected to multiply (Or use) what has been left under our stewardship. I'd pray and ask God to reveal (if you don't already know) what's keeping you from growing spiritually, and to give you the strength to change what you need to.

 

[wayseer]

Hi

I am not depressed, because I enjoy being alone and can have fun without those things. But I feel like I'm not living up to my potential. I feel like I can be doing so much more for myself, for others, and for God.

Sounds to me like you are inwardly comparing yourself to others - gauging yourself by what others are doing. Maybe this not for you - all this 'passion' thing.

You have just completed extensive training and your mind and emotions are probably needing some TLC - give yourself the freedom to relax a bit. At your age there is heaps of time. Have a rest - God is probably saying something but you're expecting the thunder and lightening. Perhaps it the still small voice that beckons.

 

[FG21]

Perhaps that being alone is God time? I am so new to this but I just need alone time. I live in a house full of people that I love but...LOL.

I know I need to get better with God. I have just got to get that relationship! Unfortunately, I'm better at reading, understanding than true spirituality. Maybe that is the issue? I've started walking, that is my personal time with Him. OH! If I could tell you about my walk today. I started out not really knowing what to say. I decided on thanking Him for everything good in my life. WHOA. Two horses. Bucking, snorting, farting, trotting, blowing. The power and beauty! I thanked Him for showing me this world we live in and inspiring me to praise Him more. I got clear headed and was able to talk better to God.

I am still getting meandering thoughts but I try and shut them out. This is me and God time! Focusing on my relationship, meaning talking with him and trying to know him is so awesome.

I don't know if this helps. I hope it does. Remembering the days before I found Christ, that emptiness. Please don't feel that way. God is there. Right there with you.

 

[DArceri]

Hello family.

I love Jesus. I'll say that first.

I have been moving around a lot for the past 3 years or so. I went to bible college for a while. Lived in a different place than I grew up for a while. Now I am back to the place where I grew up. This problem has followed me ever since I graduated from college a year ago-

I am just totally void of passion for anything (or anyone). I don't care to go to church anymore. I don't care to call my friends. I don't want to play music, even though that's what I've loved forever. I have lost all my passion! I am not depressed, because I enjoy being alone and can have fun without those things. But I feel like I'm not living up to my potential. I feel like I can be doing so much more for myself, for others, and for God. I know the things I "care" about, but I don't seem to care enough to actually do something about it. I don't know what's happening.

CAN ANYONE HELP ME OUT?? OFFER ANY ADVICE?? HAS ANYONE EVER BEEN AT THIS SAME POINT IN THEIR JOURNEY???

come on people, anything could help. don't hold back.

Sorry to hear your lack of passion for things you enjoy. Especially joy in Christ Jesus. It's kind of perplexing to hear that someone can love Jesus yet not have passion for Him. For the bible states that the more you come to know Christ, the more you come to enjoy and savor His sweetness. But this joy for Christ can only be found in His Word and the work of the Holy Spirit. We are told to be spirit-filled. WHY? Well, the reason is that we as Christians still have two natures, the old and the new. We are told to put off the old and put on the new for a reason. If we quench the Holy Spirit, we are actually quenching the joy only found in Christ. My suggestion is to renew your faith in Christ by diving back into the scriptures for that is where the Holy Spirit reveals the person of Christ. Another thought is that you could be allowing some unconfessed sin in your life to clog your joy for Christ. One of the reasons that some people suffer from extended periods of 'darkness' is the unwillingness to renounce some cherished sin in their life. It could be something as simple as being mad at someone and not reconciling with that person. If you are not at peace with a former relationship in your life, whether family, friend, or former friend, this could cause a quenching of the Holy Spirit and thus a quenching of joy in Christ. Another thought is that some selfish wants and needs can get in the way of the glory of God. One has to ask himself at times, how does this thing I am doing glorify God in anyway. Is sitting at home and being a 'sluggard' glorifying God or just satisfying a selfish want? How about your prayer life? You say you love Jesus, but do you have a personal relationship with Him? We are told to pray unceasingly for it is through prayer that we align our thoughts with God's thoughts. By reading the bible and praying, we not only develope a personal relationship with Him via the Holy Spirit, we find hope, joy, peace and the will of God for our life. I hope you take no offense in the things stated here. All are just thoughts on my part of why we go through a spiritually darkness at times.

Peace.

 

[Illshowyoutheway]

Are you thinking bible college wasn't the thing for you? What are you doing occupationally?

I believe bible college was EXACTLY where God wanted me. a thought I have had is that I may have left too soon. There are multiple options for length of stay, and I chose two years as opposed to three. But I still think that I made the right decision. I FEEL like this is a necessary season for me, but just wanted to get some input as to a possible WHY it's necessary.


and drich0150--

I'll definitely take that as a word.


and i'm listening to everyone else. thank you so much for the advice. it was really nice to see replies to my thread! i think that you all have written something that applies to me. thank you so much!

 

[Illshowyoutheway]

It's kind of perplexing to hear that someone can love Jesus yet not have passion for Him.

I was more referring to my state of being. I am in love with Jesus. I care about Him and I care about what He wants for me (& from me). It may not always manifest in "passion" (and I don't think it always needs to), but it is a constant in my life. Perhaps for you, I could merely say "I am a Christian", and that would get my point across. I think you and I are on completely different pages, my good man. And that is okay.

 

[Johnnz]

Don't define passion by intensity of feeling. My passion for knowing God has led to study, involvement with others,working through problems, spending time with hurt, troubled people, feeling drained, being under attack, having to trust god in situations where that was the only option, application in my family life and so on. I have been elated, overwhelmed with both joy and pain, astounded, perplexed, criticised, rejected, exhausted, energised, renewed, depleted. In other words passion has resulted in persistence through all that life and God has thrown at me.

And that has not dimmed over the years.

John
NZ

 

[heymikey80]

Hello family.

I love Jesus. I'll say that first.

I have been moving around a lot for the past 3 years or so. I went to bible college for a while. Lived in a different place than I grew up for a while. Now I am back to the place where I grew up. This problem has followed me ever since I graduated from college a year ago-

I am just totally void of passion for anything (or anyone). I don't care to go to church anymore. I don't care to call my friends. I don't want to play music, even though that's what I've loved forever. I have lost all my passion! I am not depressed, because I enjoy being alone and can have fun without those things. But I feel like I'm not living up to my potential. I feel like I can be doing so much more for myself, for others, and for God. I know the things I "care" about, but I don't seem to care enough to actually do something about it. I don't know what's happening.

CAN ANYONE HELP ME OUT?? OFFER ANY ADVICE?? HAS ANYONE EVER BEEN AT THIS SAME POINT IN THEIR JOURNEY???

come on people, anything could help. don't hold back.

Yes. I ran into that on leaving college. I lost friends, people with common interests, ministry, and support network. Everything seemed "old".

I finally decided to retrench. I began relearning things I'd learned before, and they cut deeper than they ever had before. When I first heard some things in theology, they felt good: "I know the answer now!" But as I relearned them and tried to step out in applying them, I learned more. "There's a difference between knowing the path and walking the path." There's often no positive feedback once you're mature. There just the driving thought that "This is the answer," and that the others are excluded.

On occasion I've also found some things to just be wrong when I applied them. I misunderstood. I misapplied. Or on vanishingly rare occasions, I was mistaught. Those were illuminating.

But the path is still hard.

Because it's real.

And also because I have the strength to "go it alone". That hinders my ability to connect with others the way Jesus shows how in the Gospels. His way of dealing with people personally, even on first meeting with them, is a strange, caring method that I've never really found comfortable.

I've only found it real.

 

[ub4me]

It's all about dicipline...most of us don't want to do those things all the time...yet we are called to put on the mind of Christ.
you need to renew your faith...by meditating on God's word.
Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
By not doing any of those things, you are choosing to be complacent
and you obviously are not happy with that choice, since you are seeking advice.
you speak of the things that you don't do anymore so you know these are the things you should be doing. Just do it, child of God. worship God with your music...the pasion will return.
Passion dosen't define nor create you, it is you who defines and create passion.

one question...
Have you been spiritually wounded?
If so forgive, as God has forgiven us,and be made whole in Jesus name

 

[iamjcs]

Could it simply be,
"You want something but don't get it. ...You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives" James 4: 2a,2e-3b (NIV)

 

[drich0150]

I FEEL like this is a necessary season for me, but just wanted to get some input as to a possible WHY it's necessary.

Apart of "growing up" is learning to remain faithful to your relationship with God despite your lot in life.. Even if all of the reward or warm and fuzzy feelings have disappeared.

This "season" is one of many in a progression of escalating trials that all who want to be used by God go through, in one form or another.. I believe that what your being asked through this experience is: Can you be faithful with what you have been given, even if what you use as spiritual fuel has been taken away? And, Can you find The alternative source that will provide you sufficient power for you to "press on to the goal?"

The why for all of this... Is because you asked for it one way or another. We and our original sinful nature (even cloaked in all of our religious righteousness) are not acceptable tools to be used by the God. So the solution is to "Die to self." I'm sure you have your own definition as to what this biblical phrase means, but now given your apparent desire to serve God you will learn what it means to him. Or you will die to God.