How to Reignite Your Passion For Christ

We all experience moments in our spiritual walk when our relationship with God feels stagnant. As Christians, our faith is about having a relationship with Christ Himself. So, if we are feeling spiritual stagnation, we need to rebuild that relationship with Jesus.

A relationship with Jesus is no different from building a relationship with your spouse, children, parents, coworkers, or friends. Forming deeper connections and trust requires interaction, vulnerability, and intentional actions and efforts.

Here are practical ways to overcome spiritual stagnation and reignite a passion for pursuing a deeper relationship with Christ.

Emotional Honesty With God: Identify What Is Keeping You Stagnant

Be honest with God and yourself. This is the perfect time to let your feelings go and bring them to the throne of grace. God can handle what is weighing on your heart. Nothing is more freeing than just telling God everything you are thinking or struggling with, whether it is good or bad, right or wrong.

“Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.” (Psalm 62:8, ESV)

Journal your thoughts on the questions below to see what is keeping you stuck:

• Are you angry at God? If so, why?
• Do you have any unanswered prayers at the moment?
• What does your daily and weekly routine look like?
• What is stressing you out right now?
• How is your marriage? Your relationship with kids, parents, siblings?
• Do you have any unmet expectations?

The goal of this exercise is to be honest with God. Something is holding you back from pursuing a relationship with Him, and right now, the best thing you can do is discover what that is. Most of the time, it is our feelings, or it could be an unrepentant sin.

Refresh Your Bible Reading Routine

“But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” (Psalm 1:2-3, ESV)

I love the Bible app; it has many different reading plans designed to help you learn about the Bible and encourage you. If you have a Bible reading routine and feel spiritually stagnant, I suggest starting a new reading plan.

If you do not have a Bible reading routine, I would suggest getting started with reading your Bible as soon as possible. Here are three keys to remember when you first start reading your Bible:

• The Bible isn’t always fun or easy to read, but it is alive and will change your life.
• Remove all expectations and avoid establishing unrealistic rules for your quiet time.
• Find a reading plan and tools that will help you understand Scripture more. Listen to podcasts, read books about your topic, or just find a Bible study that will help you get into the Word more.

Reading your Bible doesn’t have to be difficult or complicated. The root of spiritual stagnation might be the pressure you put on yourself to have a “perfect” quiet time or daily Bible reading routine.

Join a Small Group

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17, NIV)

A flourishing spiritual life requires knowing your purpose and building a community. Jesus was all about living His life, serving, and being in community with others, and Christians need to value this in their own lives.

I know that relationships are hard, and stepping out of your comfort zone to begin building those new friendships can be difficult. But you were never meant to live your Christian life in isolation. Isolation might be the root of your spiritual stagnation, and joining a small group or getting into a community of believers might be the cure.

Worship With Intention

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” (Romans 12:1, NIV)

Worship is a powerful weapon against anything, especially if you feel apathy in your walk with Christ. A struggling spiritual life involves many emotions, so exploring how you are feeling in this season is a good idea. However, you must push through some feelings and struggles by being intentional about your worship.

It is easy to stay in bed instead of going to church on Sunday morning. You might not feel like listening to worship music or serving others. But worship is an expression of your faith. While faith is a gift from God, there will be times when you will have to battle your thoughts and the struggles in this life to stay walking in your faith.

Here are three ways you can be more intentional with your worship:

• Go to church, especially when you don’t feel like going.
• Find your favorite worship song and listen to it.
• Take a walk and talk to God.

Worship is a battle within your mind. Your focus shifts from God to your problems, wants, desires, or goals. Finding ways to reconnect to Christ means changing your mindset.

Remember God’s Faithfulness

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23, NIV)

Ultimately, reigniting your passion for Christ will require faith:

• Faith in who He is.
• Faith in what He has already done.
• Faith in the promises in His Word.
• Faith in His sovereign will for your life.

It is easier to believe in someone with a track record of showing up and fulfilling their promises. Jesus is the One who has done all this in your life and mine, and He will continue to do so. He shows up and guides you down the narrow road, even through the trials.

So, the next time you feel your faith is stagnant, remember who Christ is and remain committed to Him. This is when you will begin to grow and mature as a Christian.