It is important to recognize that the Christian life can be a series of ups and downs, confidence and doubts. However, the faith that God gives us in Jesus Christ is (praise God!) not based on our feelings or even on our faithfulness. Neither is God’s love toward us. This is important to remember, because discouragement is one of the most effective tools in Satan’s bag of tricks.
In times, however, when I find myself (or at least feel to be) spiritually cold, it helps when I get back to the basics Lombardi-style (“Gentleman, this is a football”). When you find yourself wavering in your faith, it is always good to remember the children’s song, simple but profound: “Read your Bible; pray every day; and grow, grow, grow!”
There is nothing more heartening, more soul-refreshing, or more stabilizing than regular communion with God. We speak to God in prayer and we hear from God in his Word. This is not a “quick fix”; it may not make you feel better immediately. But rest assured that God is in the business of strengthening his people through His Word, the Bible (1 Peter 2:2).
We speak to God in prayer and we hear from God in his Word.
If you have not been feeling close to God lately, maybe start off in the Psalms (try Psalms 8, 23, 25, 100, 117) or in the Gospels (nothing inspires more than the person of Jesus himself). Take a verse a day, if you need to. Or, if you have more time, a chapter a day. Read it over, and pray as you read that God will bless you through it.
Also, recognize that God has provided other means of grace in your life, such as the fellowship and encouragement and accountability of the body of Christ. Lean into, not away from, other Christians when you feel cold yourself.
Lean into, not away from, other Christians when you feel cold yourself.
Most importantly, remember the One whom you are seeking, after whom you are knocking, and from whom you are asking for closer communion. He is your Father, through faith in Jesus Christ, and he is eager to be found by you, to open himself up to you, and to fulfill your deepest needs with Himself.