Okay, so lately I've been feeling spiritually numb. Like I go to church now and I worship Him. . .well I try to worship but I just get this feeling of numbness (It's really hard to describe) and I just don't feel spiritually moved to show Him how much I love Him. It's like the feelings are there, I'm just too numb to express them. I'm just striving for a real relationship with Jesus because I don't feel I've ever really had a solid one. I've been an off and on again Christian. I've recently been born- again but I am not feeling the fire that I've experienced somewhat in the past. I want to be totally on fire for God, but something's holding me back. . .Does anyone understand or have any ideas, etc. for me?

2/18/2008 12:06:21 AM by JesusRocks, Member of Delve into Jesus since 1/8/2008

Put on some good worship music and listen. Next thing you know, you'll be singing along. If you're not driving, you'll dance before God. We tend to forget that "Worship" is a commandment. It's not based on how we feel. But music will move you into the feeling. Just do it and the feeling will come. Think about your next breath and give thanks that you breathe all day and never have to think about it. There are too many reasons to worship God despite our feelings. Worship Him because of who He is, not how you feel. The feeling of gratitude should always be in your heart. Just worship the Lord.

If you don't have music, open your Bible to Psalms and pick one to read aloud. Read a line then give thanks. Read another line and give thanks. After a while you'll stop reading and only thanks will come from your mouth. "Worship me with the fruit of your lips," says the Lord.

I have indeed been there and these are the things I have done to overcome the numbness. Once I understood that I am to worship regardless of my feelings, I got a breakthrough. I hope it helps you because God is so good and so worthy of worship.

2/18/2008 5:22:34 PM by mrspiggy, Member of Delve into Jesus since 1/18/2008

I love Mrs Piggy's advice. Music is such a wonderful way to reconnect. I also think some alone time is important. If you can do it, a nice walk outside would help (but not if it's cold where you live, as it is here!). Change up your environment and break out of your routine.

We all go through it, to some extent (some more than others) so it's nothing to worry about. There is sometimes an element of spiritual warfare to it, so if you can remember that, you can see it for what it really is.

2/18/2008 5:44:16 PM by tom, Member of Delve into Jesus since 4/26/2007

Sorry to hear you are having this difficulty. At least you are amongst good company here, with friends who understand your dilemma. The numbness phenomenon seems to be much more common than I had imagined a short while ago. Sometimes we wish life could be all peaks and no valleys but, the valleys provide prospective to appreciate the peaks. I like the advice given above; this website seems to offer much insight on taking practical steps which facilitate a closer relationship with God. I would like to suggest another strategy you may wish to employ, if you haven't already done so, or don't feel too numb to attempt in a meaningful manner.

Perhaps you could endeavor counterbalancing your current lack of feeling with thoughts of giving joy to God. I understand you are having trouble expressing your feelings, so it may not be easy to talk with God about what you wish your relationship could be if you did not feel numb or if you had sufficient motivation. For some people, writing is more fact based than an emotional expression of feelings. Could you try preparing a written list of what you would like your walk with God to include, and then use your list in prayer? Consider how far you desire to go in understanding Him, how much you want to know and obey His will, how willing you are to repent if shown hidden sins, and the extent you desire to serve Him and others in whatever His plan may be for your life. Make efforts to elaborate on these points as much as you are able. I believe God would be glad to hear what you wish you could feel toward Him instead of the numbness.

If you are not able to express your feelings toward God due to an overpowering numbness, perhaps you could consider giving joy to God by praying for His people in need. You could refer to the prayer section of this site and go through the entire list of prayer requests while spending a couple of minutes focusing on each. You may not feel like praying for other people, when you have a serious issue of your own. But, when you read these requests you may be surprised to see how many people are asking for help with a version of your same problem, or you may be moved by the other types of difficulties people are experiencing. It may take much effort and not seem comfortable, but if you continually make honest attempts to do this work, it may eventually feel more natural.

I realize both that these are the basics and they are more easily said then done. However, putting forth some effort is better than feeling numb - ultimately, God will restore your feeling.

2/20/2008 8:00:01 AM by Ryan, Member of Delve into Jesus since 12/30/2007

This is basically a praise report- thanks everyone for your input! Soon after I wrote this, I was brought to the realization that I was really struggling in being joyful. I don't think I had ever experienced true joy. God has really been working on me since then and for the first time in my life I have joy. God is revealing new things to me and it's great.
I guess I'll stop rambling now- but thanks- and everyone should be expecting more questions, etc from me, because as I delve deeper into Jesus, I am faced by a lot of questions :)

3/9/2008 9:48:04 PM by JesusRocks, Member of Delve into Jesus since 1/8/2008

I can't begin to express how happy this makes me! Praise God! Thank you so much for coming back to let us know. Sharing this kind of joy is contagious - now I'm feeling it too!

3/9/2008 9:54:32 PM by tom, Member of Delve into Jesus since 4/26/2007

It's contagious! Thanks for the update - it is wonderful to hear this good news! Don't worry about rambling - some joyful rambling would be good to read.

3/9/2008 10:25:22 PM by Ryan, Member of Delve into Jesus since 12/30/2007

Amen. I am in agreement with Tom and Ryan!!

3/10/2008 10:12:43 AM by mrspiggy, Member of Delve into Jesus since 1/18/2008

PTL!/YEAH! ....,"Jesus Rocks" because you were willing to "be real",
I too have been blessed!! Another book that's always helpful when I'm feeling distant in my walk w/the Lord; "PRAISE. a Door to God's Presence" by Warren+Ruth Myers. It truly sets my mind/heart on Him!! ;D
My husband/I just received a difficult phone call fr. family.
The husband has been staying w/another person/he'll be moving out of the home/leaving his wife+family behind. We are shocked/devasted
for all of them!!
Needless, to say, we're literally delving into Jesus/searching our hearts!! Please join us in reclaiming this family for the Lord!!!

4/7/2008 5:30:00 PM by mommab, Member of Delve into Jesus since 4/7/2008

JesusRocks,
Praise the Lord for your breakthrough!!!
You reminded me of a song I was listening
to this morning.
Do you know the song:

"We Bring The Sacrifice Of Praise"

We bring the sacrifice of praise
Unto the house of the Lord.
We bring the sacrifice of praise
Unto the house of the Lord.

And we offer up to You
The sacrifices of thanksgiving;
And we offer up to You
The sacrifices of joy.

4/7/2008 6:04:16 PM by Ignited~Faith, Member of Delve into Jesus since 2/20/2008

My pastor taught on this once. He said often we are held down by the goings on in our world preventing us from worshipping God like we should. He said that its when you are like this that you have to "JUMP IN" and praise Him like never before. At first you may feel foolish or insincere, but if you "JUMP IN" the Spirit can't help but be moved and JUMP INto you.

4/9/2008 12:54:47 PM by Joia, Member of Delve into Jesus since 3/26/2008