Do you remember what it was like when you first gave your life to Jesus? If your experience was anything like mine, you probably could not get enough of Him – eager to study your Bible, happy to memorize scripture, could not wait to get to church, or tell someone else about Jesus. We were on fire for the Lord.
As time marched on, however, life got busy. It became easier to stop getting up early to read the Bible or to spend time just listening to what the Lord had to say.
Some days, you may wonder what happened to that fire you used to have for Jesus every day.
When we find ourselves in a spiritually dry place, it is time to reflect on what is going on in our lives. God has not changed – He is the same yesterday, today and forever. You and I on the other hand, too often allow our circumstances and feelings to negatively impact our relationship with Him.
So, what are some of the things that quenches our fire for God?
Unconfessed Sin
Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:23-24)
Unconfessed envy, anger, unforgiveness, idolatry and guilt are sins that can make major problems with our relationship with God. Search your heart and if you find anything that should not be there, confess it to Jesus, accept His forgiveness and turn away from that sin. (1 John 1:9)
Problems With People
If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. (Romans 12:18)
Sometimes you will have to deal with people who behave badly, are unprofessional or unloving – in your family, at work or those you serve. Wherever you find them, do not let their toxic attitudes affect your relationship with God. When dealing with difficult people, only His grace can help you to remain loving and kind.
Difficulty Focusing on God
Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face evermore. (Psalm 105:4)
Does your mind wander as you try to pray? When going through a crisis, do you allow your circumstances to overwhelm you? Try refocusing on God by writing your prayers and petitions in a journal or by visualizing Jesus sitting across from you as you pray.
Being Preoccupied With Other Things
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (Matthew 6:33)
We are busy people living in a busy world. As women, we are tops when it comes to multi-tasking. However, doing too much, all of the time, can move our focus away from God. It is vitally important to our spiritual health to keep Him first and foremost in our lives. Sometimes the urgent things need to wait until the important things are taken care of.
Not Taking the Time to Sit Still in God’s Presence
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! (Psalm 46)
One of the best things that we can do to get fired up about our relationship with the Lord is to be still in His presence, just listening to what He has to say to us. That means not asking Him for anything or saying anything other than, “Speak Lord, your servant is listening.” Make a commitment to spend time listening to Him on a daily basis, then watch how the fire in your relationship with the Lord is re-ignited.
