7 Ways out of a Spiritual Slump

There’s no doubt about it, being an ambassador for Christ and minister of reconciliation is a weighty role. The stakes are high as souls hang in the balance. Sometimes that pressure can send us into a spiritual slump.  If you find yourself in a slump right now, here are 7 ways out of it.

7 WAYS OUT OF A SPIRITUAL SLUMP

1. Run to the Lord in prayer.
2. Repent and purify your heart.
3. Rework your priorities.
4. Renew your perspective.
5. Release the pressure.
6. Remember the point.
7. Return to praise.

1. Run to the Lord in prayer

Colossians 4:2~ Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; 

Prayer is a given in every situation in life, but oftentimes we overlook this most basic component of our faith.  We must look to the Lord for help out of the spiritual slump because we are powerless without prayer!

If you feel like your faith is declining, your hope is depleting, and your love is dried up, then it’s time to cry out to the Lord for help out of the pit!

2. Repent and purify your heart.

Maybe you are praying, but it seems like your prayers are just words bouncing off the ceiling?  This might be an indication of sin in your life. Confess it, forsake it, and be reconciled to Jesus.

Proverbs 28:13~ He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. 

1John 1:9~ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  

When we hold onto unconfessed sin we are pushing away God’s forgiveness, cleansing, and mercy. Sin weighs us down and draws us into spiritual depression.  Repentance washes us clean and gives us a fresh start.

3. Rework your priorities.

God, spouse, children, church, lost world… that is the biblical priority list for every Christian woman.  If you’re single with no kids, you are free to “attend upon the Lord without distraction”.(1Cor.7:32-35)

Maybe ministry to other women has subtly but steadily slid your ministry to your spouse and children down the line.  Or maybe you are so busy with work that you just don’t have the time or energy to invest in your own spiritual growth, or anyone else’s.  When our priorities get out of order we can get out of balance and begin neglecting vital spiritual disciplines.  That leads us down the slippery slope into a spiritual slump.

Stop and examine where you spend the most time. What has your attention? Make the changes necessary to get your priorities aligned with the word and will of God.

4. Renew your perspective.

Sometimes we get in a slump because like athletes, we can get too focused on the numbers and results. We can get consumed by our following on social media.  When we take our eyes off of our purpose to glorify God we are going to stumble.

It’s easy to fall into a pit when we get discouraged by a lack of fruit or reward for our labor.  I know it’s frustrating to spend time and effort into ministering to someone else just to watch them turn their back on the Lord.  It feels like such a waste.  But God wants us to invest in others as an act of worship, in obedience to His word, because we love Him, not for fruit to our account.

For a refresher on the proper perspective that believers should have, read this.

5. Release the pressure.

After using a pressure cooker to process jars of food, you take the weight off the lid and release the steam to unlock it and get to the goods. When it feels like the weight of your ministry has you locked down, it’s time to let off some steam!

Start by lifting the weight you have placed on yourself of unrealistic expectations and the pressure to perform perfectly. As long as God is pleased with your ministry, that’s all that matters!

Go at His pace and don’t try to compete with anyone else. Give yourself permission to take a break. Go for a walk or to the gym, take a hot bath, or visit with a friend. Take your Bible and journal and find a cozy new place to get away with Jesus.

Matthew 11:28-29~ Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

6. Remember the point.

Don’t ever forget that your ministry came from God, is through Him, and for Him. He gifted and called you, and equips and enables you to do what you do for his glory and not your own.

Ultimately it’s not about you at all. It’s all about Jesus. 

Hold all things loosely, knowing that he can take it just as surely as he gave it. (Job 1:21)

Romans 11:36~ For of him, and through him, and to him are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

7. Return to praise.

Nothing gets me out of a slump quicker than cranking up the praise music! Praise God for His goodness and grace, provision and power, and forgiveness and faithfulness. Let Him restore unto you the joy of your salvation as you rejoice in His glorious name.

I hope these 7 ways out of a spiritual slump are a blessing to you, and that God lifts you out of it as you delight in him today.

Hebrews 12:1-2~ Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

For more on spiritual growth:

My Top 10 Resources for Spiritual Growth

3 Reasons Why Prayer is Essential to Your Spiritual Growth

8 Keys to Spiritual Growth

New Resource Library

I have created a resource library with tools for spiritual growth here at Daily His Disciple.  There are scripture lists for topical study and memorization (including 14 Scriptures for a Sober Mind).  Simply enter your email address and hit subscribe to get the link to the resource library and the password.

In addition to the resources, you will get my blog posts in your email. I only post weekly or bi-weekly so I won’t flood your inbox.

If you are already subscribed to Daily His Disciple, just email me and I will send you the link and password!

Pray With Confidence

If you would like to grow in your prayer life, then check out Pray with Confidence.  It’s a website for helping women overcome prayer obstacles, and I am one of the 30 monthly contributors. Here are a few links I think will be a blessing to you:

3 Short Prayers for Spiritual Stability

2 Things to Remember to Find Peace in Chaos

19 Bible Verses that Reveal the Will of God

15 Bible Verses About Rest When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed

You also want to check out the prayer resources, Bible verses, and tough questions tabs.  There are many great options to boost your spiritual growth!

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