When You Don’t Feel Like Worshipping

I know I’m not the only one who’s felt this way. It’s not a popular thing to admit but I know it’s a very real struggle for many (if not most) Christians.  I felt this way a couple of weeks ago.

Typically, my morning routine consists of me listening to worship music as I get ready for work, reading my bible for 5-15 minute before making breakfast, then praying during my morning commute. But that day I wasn’t feeling it.  I simply had no desire to open my bible or spend any time with God.

Doesn’t that sound terrible?

Instead, I wanted to watch re-runs of Gilmore Girls while I primped and prepared for the day. Though it's a wonderful show, it shouldn’t win my affections over spending time with the Creator and lover of my soul.

As I sat on my bed in silence, I thought to myself, “This is terrible. How can I feel this way? God has been so good to me and I love spending time with Him.” Then He spoke to me and reminded me that His love for me isn’t dependent on how I feel.  He doesn’t love me any less when I don’t spend time with Him. I hope you know this is true for you too.

So what do we do in these scenarios?

We wage war. We fight to follow. We make up in our minds and hearts to worship and praise, to read His word, and seek His face in spite of our feelings. The spirit is always willing, but our flesh is weak (Matt 26:41)

For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ – 2 Cor. 10:3-5

How do we this?

Pray

Ephesians chapter 6 describes the armor of God and illustrates how we as believers can stand against everything that opposes Christ.  Verse 17-18 says, “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.

Foremost, acknowledge in prayer to God what you are feeling (and be honest). He’s knows your every thought (Psalm 139 v. 4) so this won’t come as a surprise to Him. Ask for what you need: an increased love for Him, and strength to overcome these feelings. He is faithful to give to those who ask.

This is the beauty of our faith, the sovereign God of the universe cares for each of us and longs for us to have a personal relationship with Him.

Believe Truth

Our only weapon of offense against spiritual warfare is the Word of God. It is stronger than any double edged sword and can divide soul (our thoughts and feelings) and spirit (Hebrews 4:12).

Thoughts are birthed in our mind. We need to protect what influences these thoughts. We know through God’s word that we are saved through grace alone in the finished work of Jesus on the cross. That is why Paul advises us to put on the Helmet of salvation.

The enemy will attack your thoughts during moments of weakness.  He will tell you lie after lie – that God does not love you because of your sin, that you are not saved because of your mistake, or that you can't overcome this feeling - but don't believe the lies.  Let God’s Word and truth guard your thoughts. You don't have to come up with a comeback for the enemy's attacks, just speak God word to Him and to yourself. 

Let the Spirit Lead you

Instead of telling you exactly what verse to read or what to do next I want to encourage you to let the Holy Spirit guide you. Take time to quiet your soul so you can discern His voice.

He will advise what you need to do to re-focus your affections on God: Read your bible in that moment, disconnect from social media for a day or week, or prioritize spending time with Him daily if you haven’t been.  We all have different obstacles and sins that tempt us, but our goal is the same.

Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,  fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. – Hebrews 12:1-2

That morning I recited the beginning of Psalm 103 over and over again. “Praise the Lord oh my soul, and all that is within me Praise His Holy name.” I prayed and listened to worship music and fought against how I felt.

I’m not going to tell you that I immediately felt the desire to praise God or that it was easy to focus on Him because I didn't and it wasn't.

But that's not the point.  We must decide that we will no longer settle to live by our feelings, but fight to be led by our faith; Faith that God is good, sovereign, and perfect. For that alone He is worthy of our praise.  

Have you had a similar experience? I’d love to hear your story and insight! Share below :) 

All my love,

Tiffanie