I remember a Christian mate at the university who had just joined a faith group on campus. He invited me to join this group after telling me about so many benefits and their activities. Still, I was not excited about joining because everything he said about the group portrayed them as some kind of cult. So, I was skeptical and kept my distance.
After a few weeks, I noticed some changes in his lifestyle. Then suddenly, he left the group; he confirmed my suspicion about the group and that he had to break free from them in time.
Then, gradually, everything about him changed. We could see the spiritual intensity flowing in him. He began evangelism on campus, organizing prayer meetings and doing anything he could to propagate Christ’s work. He became closer to God than ever before.
He started attending every Bible study at our church, praying constantly, and feeling unwavering peace. But then, slowly, subtly, the intensity lessened. The vibrant colors of his spiritual experience began to fade into a muted gray.
Then again, the question gnawed at me: What now? Where Did It All Go? How can I make my friend regain or rekindle this divine flame and spiritual connection?
Photo Credit iStock/Getty Images Plus/palidachan
I remember a Christian mate at the university who had just joined a faith group on campus. He invited me to join this group after telling me about so many benefits and their activities. Still, I was not excited about joining because everything he said about the group portrayed them as some kind of cult. So, I was skeptical and kept my distance.
After a few weeks, I noticed some changes in his lifestyle. Then suddenly, he left the group; he confirmed my suspicion about the group and that he had to break free from them in time.
Then, gradually, everything about him changed. We could see the spiritual intensity flowing in him. He began evangelism on campus, organizing prayer meetings and doing anything he could to propagate Christ’s work. He became closer to God than ever before.
He started attending every Bible study at our church, praying constantly, and feeling unwavering peace. But then, slowly, subtly, the intensity lessened. The vibrant colors of his spiritual experience began to fade into a muted gray.
Then again, the question gnawed at me: What now? Where did it all go? How can I make my friend regain or rekindle this divine flame and spiritual connection?
Navigating the Post-Spiritual-High: A Common Christian Experience
We've all experienced it. That first spiritual uplift, that powerful feeling of God's closeness—it's thrilling, right? It's a glimpse of paradise, a preview of the afterlife. We feel unbeatable, full of the Holy Spirit, prepared to conquer obstacles.
But the truth is, these intense spiritual experiences aren't always permanent states. They're often powerful moments that propel us into a deeper, more mature relationship with God, not a destination in themselves.
Think of it like falling in love: the initial passion is intense, but a lasting relationship requires consistent effort, commitment, and a deeper understanding. The same applies to our relationship with our Heavenly Father.
When your spiritual peak subsides, it doesn't signify God's desertion; it just signals a fresh stage in your spiritual path, which needs a distinct dedication.
The question isn't how to regain that old feeling. Instead, how can you foster a steady, lasting bond with God? This is key to maintaining your spiritual life. It's a journey of progress, not merely feeling.
Understanding the Nature of Spiritual Experiences
It's crucial to understand that spiritual highs, while excellent, aren't the primary indicator of a healthy relationship with God. They are gifts, blessings, and moments of intense grace, but they shouldn't become the measure of our faith.
Spiritual disciplines, consistent prayer, Bible study, and fellowship are the foundational elements that nurture our spiritual lives. This is likened to a plant: a burst of sunshine and rain represents the spiritual high, which might encourage rapid growth, but consistent watering and sunlight represent the spiritual disciplines, which are what ensure long-term health and flourishing.
Without consistent work and focused care, even the most substantial spiritual feelings will slowly disappear. God wants a close, lasting connection with us, not just brief emotional highs and lows.
He wants a heart dedicated to Him, no matter our emotions. This knowledge helps us handle our spiritual journeys’ natural ups and downs with more calm and serenity. We learn to believe in His existence even when we don't sense it.
Practical Steps to Stay Connected When Your Spiritual High Fades
So, what do we do when the initial thrill fades? How do we remain connected to God when the emotional intensity lessens? Here are some practical steps that can help:
1. Prioritize Prayer: The Foundation of Connection
The first thing we must do is check our prayer life. We must ensure we awaken or rekindle our flame and passion for prayer.
Make prayer a daily routine. Begin slowly if needed—five minutes of peace with God is superior to none. Don't fret over fancy words; speak to God honestly.
Share your happiness, sadness, anger, and dreams. Listen for His gentle guidance. Remember, prayer is the vital link to our bond with God, particularly during periods of spiritual drought. Like any other relationship, it flourishes with consistent interaction.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 reminds us to pray continually. This doesn't mean we must constantly offer verbal prayers, but we should keep our hearts focused on fellowship with God all day.
This is where you'll find the enduring power to manage your spiritual path. It becomes an intense way to handle times when you feel emotionally detached.
2. Engage in Consistent Bible Study: Nourishing Your Soul
As people of faith, we understand the Bible is God's message, a vibrant, energizing food for our spirits. Therefore, schedule daily Bible reading, even a brief section.
Develop a routine of reflecting on your readings, letting God's message shape your thinking and behavior. Use resources like explanations or study guides to improve your comprehension.
Join a small group or participate in online Bible studies with other believers. The shared experience and companionship will boost your learning and strengthen your bond. As Psalm 119:105 states, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light on my path." This message consistently offers direction and guidance. It illuminates God's nature and plans, aiding us in preserving our beliefs even during spiritual drought. This regular spiritual nourishment from God's word is crucial for staying close to God.
3. Cultivate Fellowship: The Power of Community
They say iron sharpens iron, and so one person sharpens another. This can even be found in Proverbs 27:17. Therefore, surround yourself with other believers who will encourage and support you in your faith journey.
Attend church services regularly, participate in small groups, and connect with fellow Christians. Fellowship with the right believer offers accountability, encouragement, and a sense of belonging, which are vital for maintaining our spiritual momentum.
Share your struggles and triumphs with other Christians who genuinely listen and understand you and can offer prayer and support. Remember, we are not meant to walk alone in our Christian journey. This strengthens your connection to God and allows you to see his love and grace in the community.
4. Practice Spiritual Disciplines: Intentional Growth
Spiritual disciplines are the intentional practices we adopt as Christians that help us to grow in our relationship with God.
These might include fasting, journaling, meditation, service to others, or giving. Engaging in these disciplines helps us to cultivate spiritual habits that sustain us even when our emotions fluctuate. Spiritual disciplines create a framework for consistent connection with God beyond the highs and lows of feelings. This intentional effort to grow spiritually shows our commitment, regardless of emotional experiences.
5. Embrace Silence and Solitude: Listening to God's Voice
In our hectic modern life, it's easy to feel overloaded and distant from God's direction, precisely as the devil plans. Thus, scheduling time for seclusion and quiet is smart, making room for hearing and contemplation.
This could mean a nature stroll, peaceful prayer, or switching off all interruptions and concentrating on God's existence. Meanwhile, learn to hear clear words and God's soft hints, urges, and feelings within your soul.
Discovering that calm lets us get God’s advice during our faith's changes and find fresh energy. As you keep seeking him, he'll keep leading and molding you.
6. Serve Others: Extending God's Love
This aspect is often neglected. I have discovered this aspect of Christianity lately, and I have realized how much it matters in our lives as believers. The act of service is what Jesus practiced the most during His lifetime. Christ always found ways to teach his disciples about service to their neighbors and those they overlooked.
Helping others is an intense way to stay close to God. When we concentrate on others' needs, we show God's love and kindness to the world. The great thing is that this shifts our focus from our feelings and lets us feel the happiness of giving and the fulfillment of improving someone's life.
When we serve others, we ultimately make them feel God's love through our actions, which is a powerful way to stay connected to him. This outward expression of faith strengthens our inner connection.
When the Spiritual Desert Comes
Even with the best efforts, there will be times when our spiritual experience feels dry and barren. These are the spiritual deserts.
These periods can be difficult, yet they offer chances for development and a closer bond with God. In these moments, believe in God's dependability, even if you don't sense it.
Know that He is always present, even when you feel far from Him. Rely on your faith community for backing and support. Keep up your spiritual routines, understanding that even small acts of faith are strong in keeping your connection.
Believe God is working within you, even when you feel spiritually empty. As James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
Let persistence complete its task so you'll be fully grown and developed, wanting nothing. Just bear in mind that God allows these periods to build our belief and increase our confidence in Him.
Maintaining Your Connection with God: A Lifelong Journey
A faith journey isn't a dash; it's an endurance race. There will be ups and downs, crests and troughs, times of strong spiritual feeling, and periods of calm thought.
The key is to stay devoted to God, no matter your feelings. Develop regular prayer practices, scripture reading, community, and helping others. Adopt spiritual routines, understanding they feed and boost your bond with God.
Believe in His steady love and dependability, even when your spiritual peak lessens. Keeping a strong relationship with God is a lifelong quest, needing dedication, persistence, and a readiness to develop in His kindness. The trip itself draws us nearer to Him.
Remember, the strength of our bond with God isn't judged by the power of our emotions but by the steadiness of our dedication. So, when your spiritual peak subsides, don't lose your heart.
Welcome this new phase of your faith, knowing that God is always present, guiding and supporting you on your path. He wants a relationship with you, not just brief moments of joy.
