Complacent

[Destroyer2000]

It has occured to me that I have become complacent as of late. I don't read my Bible as I should, nor do I pray as much as I should. And at those times I do pray, I don't feel close to the Lord at all. I want my prayers to feel like they are coming from the heart again. And I want to grow closer to Him. I ask that you pray I be given the motivation and the desire to do so, and to live a life that glorifies the Lord, and for my faith to be strengthened, as well. Thank you.

[RedMage]

I think I know what you're talking about, Destroyer. I lived years of my life in utter complacency, and since I've started growing closer to God again I've been haunted by fears of backsliding into that again. I had to struggle through a tough time for a few days a couple weeks ago, actually, but by God's grace it ended rather quickly.

The sad fact is, that since we are still imperfect creatures, we're inevitably going to experience periods of dryness and dullness and complacency in our walk with God. We simply aren't capable of being "on" and feeling His presence and direction in our lives 100% of the time. The key is to not become accustomed to them, to not become numb to the numbness. God is not just a feeling, and these times are when we have to rely on the more rational aspects of our faith rather than the emotional ones. I believe the times when you least feel like praying or reading your Bible and when you feel like you're getting the least "return" out of reading and praying are when it's the most necessary to read and pray anyway.

Take it a day at a time. Don't be unduly alarmed. Confess and explain how you're feeling to God. Maintain an active prayer and Bible-meditation regimen, as I said. Seek out good Christian fellowship even if you feel like you'd rather retreat by yourself.

If you'd like to talk about anything, don't hesitate to PM me, brother.

Edit: There's a song by Kutless I always think of in discussions like these. The lyrics follow:

Do you remember
That day of your life
It seemed like yesterday
That joy it filled my heart

It doesn’t feel the same
And I’m feeling dry
Amidst my pain

Now something’s different
The times oh they have changed
The love’s the same
Yet emotion’s running dry

The feeling’s gone
But I know you’re still there
I guess it’s just part of life
That I must bare

It doesn’t feel the same
And I’m feeling down
Amidst my pain

I see all my shame
And I’m feeling dry
But who am I to complain
Who am I to complain

I’m still free
You’ve set me free

It doesn’t feel the same
And I’m feeling down
Amidst my pain

I see all my shame
And I’m feeling dry
But who am I to complain

It doesn’t feel the same
And I’m feeling down
Amidst my pain

I see all my shame
And I’m feeling dry
But who am I to complain

[K. Ayato]

I'll be praying. I've felt that way more than once. I think we all go through "dry" times in our Christian life.

[Tenshi no Ai]

The sad fact is, that since we are still imperfect creatures, we're inevitably going to experience periods of dryness and dullness and complacency in our walk with God. We simply aren't capable of being "on" and feeling His presence and direction in our lives 100% of the time. The key is to not become accustomed to them, to not become numb to the numbness. God is not just a feeling, and these times are when we have to rely on the more rational aspects of our faith rather than the emotional ones. I believe the times when you least feel like praying or reading your Bible and when you feel like you're getting the least "return" out of reading and praying are when it's the most necessary to read and pray anyway.

*nods* It happens to all (even the best) of us. Sometimes I'll hear about some speaker etc. who has down times, but when they talk are just so full of the Spirit. So it's like, somethign to know that even those that you look up to, that appear to have amazing faith, can have their down times too...

Lately, it's moreso finding time for myself to sit down and read some Bible/have a good prayer session, and once I get around to it, it's almost like a chore to do^^ But, I push myself because I know I need to urge on to try to get something out of reading (even if it is a dullish chapter) and prayer because well, I know I can't stop, since it involves those I care about the most...

No, God's not just a feeling, although sometimes it's as if you can "feel" his presence more at times when you fill overfilled with the Spirit and all. Still, at one time I thought I could only have an amazing spiritual experience in prayer and so forth in church, but recently when I get to those times where I know I must urge on, even if I'm... not too up to it, even at home now I can feel like he's right there beside me... But maybe not something everyone can relate to, though and have the experience anywhere/everywhere almost. *shrugs*

Also, I noticed that in all the times of me being "too busy" etc, is when God seems the most... quiet about things. *shrugs* Could be only relevant to my personal situation/life, maybe. Still, I'll try my best^^

Looks like I had quite a bit to say there^^ But of course, I'll be praying. Just, keep on going...

[freerock1]

Lifting you up, my brother.