WHEN YOU DON'T FEEL LIKE

" Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labour of the olive may fail...yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation." Habakkuk 3:17-18

Do you have days when you just don't feel like worshipping, praying, or even praising?
Those moments when you feel emotionally dissociating from God like something has gone off with the connection. The times you pick up your Bible, read one verse 100 times, but just can't seem to connect with the words. The times you are Present yet absent. 

I have those moments too. 

What do we do when we find ourselves in this situation?

REMAIN.

I am learning that sometimes simply being present is enough. No words. No agenda. Just silence. A simple here I am, completely drained by the world, I need you, hold me. I don't need to verbalize my feelings in these moments because in that silence, I know I am heard, I know that I am seen. 

"Before a word is on my tongue, you Lord, know it completely." Psalms 139:4

Isn't that so refreshing?

Simply remain in His presence. 

"God is a spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." John 4:24

We worship in spirit and truth. It is by faith we commune and relate with God our father. Emotions have no place in this equation and should not.

So when you don't feel like singing? Sing anyway. When you don't feel that emotional high and the accompanying goosebumps when you worship, worship anyway. 

When your heart is full but you find yourself struggling to find the words, pray anyway. 
It helps to remember that prayer is simply a conversation with God. There is no formula for it, and you don't have to be spiritually charged to pray. 

In moments like this, I always start with a simple- dear God, I don't even feel like praying right now. 
Before I know it, I am having a full-blown conversation with God and soon incorporate a journal and my Bible. To be honest, some of my best times in God's presence started just that way. 

Are you struggling in your time alone with God? Maybe this will help. 

I learned in my Discipleship class to simply pick a 'when' and stick to it. Whether you feel like it or not, just show up. It doesn't matter how your emotions interpret it, choose to believe your spirit has been refreshed. No time spent with God is ever wasted.

It is easier said than done, I know, but it is a matter of the will, like everything else in life. As we know, emotions are fickle, so it is dangerous to rely on it when dealing with God.

Perhaps it would also help to remember that regardless of how we feel, God is always worthy of worship. He is still eager to spend time with us even though we don't feel chatty, so let us honour Him with our presence. 

So, what to do when we don't feel like worshipping? Worship anyway. Remain and be refreshed.