Feeling Spiritually Drained? Here’s What to Do Next
Why Do I Feel Spiritually Off?
Ever felt spiritually drained but couldn't quite put your finger on why? Maybe you’ve been praying and reading your Bible, doing all the “right” things, but something still feels disconnected. You’ve asked yourself, “Why do I feel spiritually tired, even though I’m doing everything I know to do?” Rest assured, you are not alone in this. Many of us have been there, and it’s not always easy to talk about.
You might even find yourself searching for answers or clarity, maybe even turning to AI for help (trust me, I get it). But the truth is, feeling spiritually drained is more common than we think. So let’s explore what it means to feel spiritually exhausted, the signs you’re spiritually drained, and most importantly, what we can do to overcome spiritual burnout and get back on track.
What Does It Mean to Be Spiritually Drained?
We all know what physical fatigue feels like. Maybe you’ve been lifting heavy boxes or spending hours reorganizing your house, and by the end of the day, your body is wiped out. Then there’s emotional fatigue, that weight we all carry at different times. Maybe it's the constant demands of parenting (trust me, I know the kids can wear you out, don’t act like they don’t, lol), or the stress of work that never seems to let up. Or perhaps you’re dealing with grief and loss, and that emotional weight is hard to shake.
But what about spiritual fatigue or spiritual exhaustion? This one’s a little harder to pin down, yet recognizing it is the first step to restoring spiritual strength. In Psalm 42, David talks about his soul being “cast down” more than once. You can also find a similar sentiment in Psalm 142:3, where David says his spirit feels weak. There are days when this spiritual exhaustion shows up as distress, but other times, it’s that dry feeling, that "blah" feeling. It can be hard to describe, but we’ve all had moments when our spirits feel empty, and we don’t know why. Sometimes, we call it “the blahs,” but it can show up in different ways depending on what we’re walking through.
Now, let’s look at some signs of spiritual fatigue so we can recognize when we’re feeling drained in this way.
Common Signs You’re Spiritually Drained
If you're feeling spiritually drained, here are a few signs to look out for. These signs aren't just about how we feel in the moment, they’re ongoing struggles that can often point to deeper spiritual exhaustion.
1. Loss of Desire to Pray or Read the Bible
At first, it might just be a slight shift, but over time, you may start to lose the desire to pray or spend time in Scripture. It might feel like a chore, something you’re doing just because you “have to.” You might even catch yourself asking, “Why don’t I want to pray anymore?” It’s not that you don’t care, it’s just that your heart feels distant, and those things that once filled you no longer seem to.
2. Feeling Disconnected from God or Your Church Community
Maybe you're still be going through the motions, going to church, attending Bible study but there’s a lack of connection. You’re physically present, but spiritually absent. It’s like you’re disconnected from God or even from fellow believers. You might find yourself withdrawing from others, or simply going to church without really engaging with the people or the message.
3. Numbness During Worship or Sermons
Worship should be uplifting. Sermons should stir your soul and challenge your heart. But when you’re spiritually drained, it can feel like you’re just going through the motions. Worship music no longer moves you, and sermons feel uninspiring. It’s like you’re ticking off another task on a to-do list instead of encountering God.
4. Constant Inner Restlessness or Confusion
This is where doubt starts to creep in. You might find yourself questioning if God is really there or if He’s hearing your prayers. You may even start wondering if He’s abandoned you. This restless feeling can also leave you uncertain of your direction in life, even if you’re doing all the right things like praying, reading your Bible, serving. You might be overwhelmed by confusion, unsure of where to turn next.
5. Cynicism or Loss of Spiritual Joy
At one time, following God brought you joy. But when you’re spiritually drained, you might find yourself becoming cynical, questioning your faith, your church, and even God’s goodness. You might start assuming the worst about situations and people. Things that once brought you joy, like time spent in worship or community, feel more like a burden.
These signs aren’t the complete picture, but they’re a good place to start. And just because you’re feeling these things doesn’t mean you’re failing as a Christian. It’s simply a reminder to pay attention to your spiritual health, and that it’s okay to acknowledge when you need to recharge.
What Causes Spiritual Drainage?
Can burnout be spiritual and not just emotional? You bet. Spiritual fatigue can hit us just as hard as emotional or physical exhaustion. Here are a few common causes that can leave you feeling spiritually drained:
Sin and Unrepentance
Sin is one of the easiest and most well-known causes of spiritual exhaustion. It creates distance between us and God, and instead of repenting, we sometimes hide. The guilt and shame keep pulling us further away. Sin also dulls our spiritual sensitivity, making it harder to hear God’s voice or sense His leading. Over time, it’s as if our conscience becomes numb, and we lose that inner conviction.
Overcommitment in Ministry Without Rest
Are you a worker for Jesus? If so, you might be wearing yourself thin. Spending so much time working for others and not enough time resting can leave you spiritually depleted. It’s easy to get caught up in ministry, or even just serving family and friends, and forget that rest is essential. I’ve been there before, juggling work, kids, church, and everything else, feeling like I just couldn’t do anymore. The one thing I was missing? Rest. It’s so easy to forget that God created us to rest and that it’s vital for our well-being.
Prolonged Trials or Unanswered Prayers
We all go through seasons of trial, and when those trials feel endless, it can leave you spiritually drained. Maybe you’ve been praying for something, whether it’s healing, a new job, or something in your family, but it seems like nothing is changing. The tears and prayers feel like they go unanswered, and it can be discouraging. When it feels like God isn’t responding, it’s easy to grow spiritually weary.
Neglecting Personal Relationship with God in Favor of Performance
This one hits close to home. Sometimes we get so focused on doing things for God, serving, praying, going through the motions, that we forget about the most important part: our relationship with Him. It’s easy to get caught up in the “doing” that we lose sight of the “being” with God. When prayer becomes a ritual or a task to check off rather than a time of genuine connection, we become spiritually exhausted. We can get so caught up in the work and the pride of it all that we forget why we’re doing it in the first place.
What to Do When You’re Spiritually Drained
When you find yourself spiritually drained, or facing spiritual burnout, it can feel like there’s nothing left to give. These steps will help you restore spiritual strength and reconnect with God. But don’t despair. Here are some practical, grace-filled steps to help restore your spiritual strength:
1. Acknowledge It: Be Honest Before God
Let’s face it, God already knows how you feel and what you’re going through. We can always go to Him, even when we don’t have the words. The scripture tells us in Psalm 62:8, “Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him. God is a refuge for us.” Don’t wait for the perfect moment or prayer time. Today, right now, is the perfect time to pour out your heart to God. Be real with Him. He’s always ready to listen.
2. Return to Rest: Take a Spiritual Pause
This is so important. The scripture reminds us in Mark 2:27, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” Our bodies and minds were not designed to be on overdrive all the time. Have you ever climbed several flights of stairs and felt like you couldn’t make it to the top? Your legs are wobbly, and your heart is racing. That is a signal to stop and rest. Spiritually, we need the same thing. Set aside time to rest and be still, without feeling obligated to be “on” for everyone. Pick a day where you focus on recharging, and allow yourself space to just rest in God’s presence.
3. Rebuild with Scripture and Prayer
I love routine prayers and scripture, but sometimes it can feel like a task to check off the list. That is when I slow down and just enjoy being present with God. Think of it like spending time with your spouse when you are doing it just because you love each other, not because you have to. Rebuilding your spirit does not have to be a long, drawn-out session. Start with small, honest moments throughout the day. A simple prayer here, a verse there, without the pressure of making it a lengthy ritual.
4. Reconnect with People of Faith
Don’t isolate yourself during times of spiritual weariness. As believers in Jesus, we are built for community. When we are struggling, we need encouragement, support, and prayer from others. Reach out to a spiritual mentor or attend a Bible study where you can share your struggles and let others pray for you. I love how Paul expresses his gratitude for those who prayed for him during difficult times (2 Corinthians 1:8-11). We are meant to help lift each other up.
5. Prioritize Rest in Christ Over Performance
If you are ever unsure of where to focus your energy, think about the story of Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-42). Martha was caught up in the performance, serving and doing everything, while Mary chose to rest at Jesus' feet. Jesus gently reminded Martha that Mary had chosen the better part. Sometimes we get so busy with performance and doing things for God that we forget to simply be with Him.
6. Worship Even When You Don’t Feel Like It
True worship is in spirit and in truth, but our outward acts of praise can also help shift our spiritual atmosphere. If you are only worshipping in church, consider incorporating worship into your home life. Put on a hymn or some instrumental worship music while you work, sit with a cup of coffee, or relax. I have found that even in moments when I don’t feel like it, the act of worship can uplift my spirit. Think about it, Jesus and the disciples were singing hymns before His crucifixion (Matthew 26:30), and Paul and Silas were singing in prison (Acts 16:25). Worship does not just change our circumstances, it changes us.
When to Seek Help
There’s no shame in reaching out for help if you feel spiritually empty. If you’ve been struggling for a while and can’t seem to find your way back, consider talking to a pastor, counselor, or spiritual mentor. God often works through others to help restore us. Don’t let pride or fear keep you from getting the help you need.
Encouragement from Scripture
The Word of God is a powerful tool for overcoming spiritual exhaustion. When I’m drained, I turn to the stories of people in the Bible who faced difficult times, some even more trying than my own. Take Elijah, for example. He grew exhausted facing Jezebel and her group of false prophets. In his spiritual distress, he even wished for his life to end. Under that juniper tree, he gave up, but God met him in his weakness, providing care and strength to carry on. This serves as a reminder: when we’re at our lowest, God remains with us, providing His comfort and strength.
Here are a few encouraging verses for anyone who is spiritually drained:
Isaiah 40:31: “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
Galatians 6:9: “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
Psalm 23:3: “He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”
2 Corinthians 4:16: “For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.”
Remember, God is in the business of restoring what feels broken or tired. No matter where you are right now, He is ready to renew and refresh you. For more strategies to refresh your soul when weary, see this Bible Study Tools guide from Bible Hub.
Overcoming Spiritual Exhaustion: Find Renewal in Jesus
As you navigate moments of spiritual exhaustion and spiritual burnout, remember that you are not alone. These steps can help you restore spiritual strength through Jesus’ guidance. Jesus understands our weariness and is always there to restore and refresh us. His love and grace are the ultimate source of our strength. When we feel drained, we can always turn to Him. He is our ultimate rest and renewal.
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Have you ever experienced spiritual exhaustion? How did you find your way back to strength? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Your story could be an encouragement to someone else who’s walking through the same struggles.
Hi, I’m Dana, the voice behind Exhortations for Today. I’m a grandmother called Nonna, a home cook, and an aspiring quilter. I believe in the power of God’s Word to recharge and renew the weary soul. Here, I share devotionals, Bible study tips, and reflections on living a faith-filled life. Want to learn more about my journey? Read more about me here.
