Spiritual Funks

Today I am going to write about overcoming spiritual funks. A spiritual funk is a season of spiritual dryness, apathy, or emotional numbness where you feel distant from God, struggle with prayer, and lack passion for faith, despite not necessarily having a direct cause. 

Key aspects of a biblical spiritual funk include:

  • Apathy and Numbness: A state of feeling "empty" or "blah" spiritually, where prayer or reading the Bible feel dry or ineffective.

  • Emotional Undulation: It is considered a normal, temporary "season" or "trough" in the Christian life, rather than a sign of a lost salvation.

  • Unseen Resistance: It can feel like, or actually be, a form of spiritual warfare or attack, resulting in confusion and a loss of passion.

  • Potential Causes: While often a natural part of spiritual growth, it can sometimes be a result of unconfessed sin, idolatry, or neglect of spiritual disciplines.

Biblical Approaches to Overcoming the Funk:

  • Discipline: Acting contrary to feelings by continuing to pray, read the Bible, and attend church, trusting that the Spirit will turn duty into delight.

  • Honesty and Confession: Being honest with God about feelings and confessing any known sin to clear the way for reconnection.

  • Serving Others: Shifting focus outward to help with others' struggles can alleviate internal spiritual numbness.

  • Physical Care: Addressing physical needs, as mental and emotional states are often linked.

  • Trusting God's Presence: Remembering that God remains present and in the "trenches" even when not felt.To overcome a spiritual funk, lean on scripture for strength and renewed perspective. Key verses include  ephesians 6:10-11 (put on the armor of God), James 4:7 submit to God, resist the devil), and Philippians 4:13 (strength through Christ). Other powerful verses for revival include Romans 12:2 (renew your mind), Psalm 5:8-9 (internal strength), and 1 Peter 5:8-9 (stay alert and firm). 

Scriptures for Strength and Overcoming

  • Psalm 28:7: "The Lord protects and defends me; I trust in him. He gives me help and makes me glad; I praise him with joyful songs".

  • Isaiah 41:13: "For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you".

  • Romans 8:37: "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us".

  • John 16:33: "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble”.

Verses to Combat Discouragement

A spiritual funk is often fueled by discouragement or a lack of hope for the future:

  • Psalm 42:11: "Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God."

  • Psalm 103:1-2: "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits."

  • Philippians 4:8: "...whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."

  • Romans 12:11-12: "Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”

Verses for Spiritual Battle

Sometimes a funk is actually a form of spiritual warfare or an attack on your peace:

  • James 4:7-8: "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you."

  • Ephesians 6:10-11: "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil."

  • 2 Timothy 1:7: "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."

Here are some practical actions you can take to try to help get out of a spiritual funk. 

  • Pray Honestly: Don't try to hide your feelings; tell God exactly where you are. A simple "God, help me feel you again" is a valid starting point.

  • Read the Psalms: These biblical "journal entries" are filled with raw cries from people who also felt spiritually dry or distant.

  • Keep Your Habits: Even if you don't "feel" it, maintaining your regular prayer or church routine is critical. This is often called "rowing when the wind dies".

  • Practice "Remembering": Actively recall specific times in the past when God was faithful to you.

PrayerHannah Steinerspiritual, warfare, prayer, battleComment