What Do I Do When My Faith Feels Stale?

The rational part of a teen's brain isn't fully developed and won't be until age 25 or so. I'm not a doctor, nor do I play one on tv, but I blame my daughters' lack of attention to detail on their immature frontal cortex. That's the only logical reason to explain why they often forget to close up the bag of Lay's, screw the Diet Coke lid on tight, or put the clip back on their bread after making a sandwich. 

 

Thanks to their carelessness, the only thing taking more of a hit than my grocery budget is my belly.

 

We've all sunk our teeth into what we thought would be a satisfying, delicious treat that turns out to be tasteless, wet mush - well past its expiration date. We spit it out or attempt to choke it down. We turn our nose up at it. Then, more often than not, we simply throw it away. 

 

No one enjoys flat soda, curdled milk, musty potato chips, or moldy bread. And very few of us know what to do with ourselves when our faith feels just as stale, or when our walk with God loses its flavor. Sometimes this experience stretches on for days; other times, it lasts for weeks, and on occasion, it turns into an extended spiritual season of uninspired mush. 

 

We take a bite out of Scripture or nibble on prayer, and it just feels bland. Being around others doesn't seem appetizing either. We want something more, but we don't know where to begin or how to turn things around. The awkwardness of it all overwhelms us, but we yearn for the days when our faith felt full.  

 

So, how do we add a little bit of flavor and zest to our faith during those times pursuing God feels stale? It starts by looking inward, examining our hearts, and asking some hard questions. We extend the same invitation to God that King David uttered in Psalm 139:23:24 "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

 

Here are ten reflection questions to ponder if you find yourself in a stale spiritual season. Please, do not consider this an end-all-be-all list or that you need to hit every question. Instead, pick a few from the list as a starting point for introspection and save some for later. So, carve out some time, find a quiet place, grab a pen and journal, and be honest and transparent. As awkward as it might feel, invite the Holy Spirit to meet you there and open your eyes to not only the reality of your heart's condition but also the caring and compassionate heart of God. 

 

  1. When did you first notice you felt stuck in your faith? What warning signs did you notice? Who or what are you blaming for the predicament you find yourself in?

  2. What lies or messages do you keep believing about yourself?

  3. How would you describe the current rhythm of your life? Where is it out of balance? 

  4. In this trying season, what promise of God do you need to cling to and trust? Why did this promise come to mind?

  5. Is there some unconfessed sin in your life that needs your attention?

  6. Where are you overwhelmed by the size of your problems? How have you lost sight of the size of your God?

  7. Are there relationships that remain strained due to an unwillingness to ask forgiveness or accept it? 

  8. What things are you looking to for security, contentment, and value? How have they become idols in your life?

  9. How would you describe your next step of faith? What does it look like for you to take it? Why have you avoided putting your faith into action in this area?

  10. Where are you isolating yourself from being known?

 

Getting unstuck is a process that takes time, intention, and vulnerability. Asking these questions and allowing God to speak His truth into them has the potential to bring a freshness to your faith.