Ten ways to press in when our walk with Jesus feels stale

The time we set aside to pursue our relationship with God is supposed to be vibrant, life-giving and exciting, preferably accompanied by a backing choir of angels and soft lighting… isn’t it?  Unfortunately,  I think we may have been presented with a scenario that is far from our reality.

The fact is that studying our Bible isn’t always the heart-warming experience we hope for.  Closing our eyes to pray can turn into an unscheduled nap, while opening them brings distractions too numerous to quantify.

Closing our eyes to pray can turn into an unscheduled nap

We could (and probably do) beat ourselves up, self-flagellating about how unspiritual we are. It’s OK to recognise (reluctantly) that what began as a good spiritual discipline has become dull and dreary – more rut than routine which, as someone once said, is merely another term for an open-ended grave.

Rather than quenching those ‘quiet times’ – and frankly, turning up the volume might be a good start as well as initiating some interesting conversations with your neighbours.

Change your Bible version for a season to avoid over-familiarity

Here are ten ideas for pepping them up:

1. Change your Bible version for a season to avoid over-familiarity.  A different translation can shed new light on old truths and help us see something fresh. Try reading the same passage in a number of versions and allow the Holy Spirit to highlight different emphases.

2. Listen to music.  There’s something for everyone in the online praise and worship department.  Instead of playing music in the background, sit intentionally and concentrate on the lyrics of a particular song. Inwardly digest them as you play it again; write them down if it helps. Personally, I’m far better at remembering words when set to music. Make some playlists; listen to old favourites; swap songs with someone else.

3. Read a faith-enhancing book with a friend – not necessarily in the same room, but at the same time.  Choose one with questions (don’t skip them) and commit to doing them.  You could read the whole thing, or one chapter a week, then meet for coffee to compare your findings and pray together.

4. Use a new devotional/Bible notes/concordance for a different perspective.  Guided devotionals take you through a passage or theme with prompts, challenges and questions.  Concordances bring helpful context, historical references and added detail to what you’re reading.

5. Journal - writing things down (like David did) frees up vital thinking space.  Rather than have an overly busy head, capture and untangle your thoughts as well as note down anything you feel God speaking to you about.  You’ll create a rich resource for revisiting and personal reflection.

6. Draw a spiritual road map of your journey with God so far. You’ll be surprised how far you’ve come. Fill in significant moments; add portions of scripture that kept you on track or took you in a new faith-inspired direction. Where do significant relationships fit on this timeline?

7. Revisit the promises of God and the things you know he has said to you in the past. This will naturally lead you to thankfulness – a great way to ‘enter his gates’ (Psalm 100:4) – and into faith for what lies ahead.

8. Listen to a podcast.  You’re spoilt for choice here.  Personal testimonies, discussions and interviews abound. Woman Alive has it’s own.

9. Take a Bible ‘treasure hunt’ using the cross references in a version which has them – usually in a column down the middle of the page.  It’s often an illuminating mini Bible study.   

10. Read your Bible out loud rather than in your head.  The spoken word reinforces the written word and helps massage truth into our heads, hearts and souls.