There comes a time in our faith journey when we become discouraged, disconnected, and spiritually drained, from our faith. For example, sermons, devotionals, and anything Christian might sound the same and lack inspiration. And, of course, this is not what you want. You want to feel that fire for God, His children, and His kingdom. Something you most likely experienced when you came to Christ.
Trusted Bible teacher Dr. David Jeremiah says four spiritual drains can cause spiritual fatigue: negative influence, busyness, materialism, as well as jealousy and envy.
Some friendships can draw you to and from God. Busyness can keep you distracted from your relationship with God. Materialism replaces God with money as the center of our lives. And David says, “Envy reveals a lack of trust in God’s provision. It is impossible to serve Him in the power of His Spirit when we’re shackled with resentment.” The answer to overcoming spiritual fatigue isn’t an easy one.
I want to offer you some insight on how to overcome spiritual fatigue through music. Having written Behind the Song devotional articles for the past 14 years, I’m often drawn to songs that challenge me to grow in my faith and to allow the Holy Spirit, as said in Romans 8:11, to “cast the light of life into our mortal bodies.” In fact, songs based on that Scripture have become a constant source of inspiration for me as I’ve prayed for ways to escape spiritual fatigue and experience spiritual renewal.
Also, I’m drawn to songs that celebrate the fruit of the Holy Spirit, as listed in Galatians 5:22-23: “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
Spiritual renewal and growth are key to overcoming the drain from spiritual fatigue. Consider the goal of attaining them as another opportunity to be born again. In today's culture, it is radical for people to accept heaven’s entrance requirements—repentance and spiritual rebirth. Are you allowing God to grow you spiritually? Look at the fallen world around you. Lift your eyes up to God. And put all your faith and hope in Him. It’s not easy, but it can be done.
Some of my favorite songs are prayers of submission asking God to send His Helper and Comforter to draw us—me and you—closer to Him. Being honest with yourself and others and opening your heart fully to Him is how you escape spiritual fatigue. Here are some of my favorite songs that guide me in that area.
Aaron Shust “You Redeem”
For starters, don’t let the devil keep you stagnant. And don’t kick yourself because you feel drained and fatigued. True peace and security come from bringing your real transparent mess and concerns to the feet of Jesus at the cross. He doesn't want you to try to improve yourself first. He wants you to come as you are. God's love is unconditional. You can't do anything to earn His love. Know this truth with all your heart.
"Miracles will happen, healing will come, the plans of our enemy ruined undone. Miracles will happen, healing will come, wrecked by Your presence I'm lost in Your Love."
David Dunn “I Wanna Go Back”
You can accomplish more by leaning into God as opposed to trying to solve these real challenges on your own. In the song, David wants to feel the passion he once held for God when he was younger. A perfect song that serves as a reminder that spiritual fatigue is common in everyone. David sings, "This little light gonna let it shine." He wants to feel the healing and release from the weight of sin. That type of freedom can only come from Jesus, who says in Matthew 18 that we need to come to Him with faith like "little children."
Having grown up with a works-based faith, songs like this help remind me of the biblical truth that God sent His only begotten son, Jesus, to seek and save the lost. No matter where you are in your walk with Jesus, this song is a salvation message. He wants you to have a childlike faith that Jesus calls you to have. Reading this article means that you’re taking steps to spiritual renewal, having that childlike faith.
"Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so."
Matthew West “Truth be Told”
The strong message, “Lie number one/You're supposed to have it all together/And when they ask how you're doing/Just smile and tell them never better” invites you into the biblical truth spoken in James 5:16: “Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed.” Don’t pretend that “you’re fine.” Lean on others to help you heal. Tell them about your spiritual fatigue. Let them help you. True healing comes from true community.
The Afters “I Will Fear No More”
This song is a daily prayer asking God to come and change our hearts and change our lives in such a way that our behavior and the way we live flow from God living inside of us as believers. I have adopted this anthem as my daily prayer: "No power can come against me/'Cause You have overcome/No darkness can overwhelm me/'Cause You've already won." Spiritual fatigue isn’t a final story, it’s another testimony waiting to happen.
"When the wind and waves are coming/You shelter me/Even though I'm in the storm/The storm is not in me."
Mike Donehey “All Together”
Even when we're saved, we beat ourselves up about failure. Unworthy of God's love. That's the point: we aren't worthy. We can't earn grace. It's a gift of unmerited favor from God to His children. Romans 5:8 tells us, "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Despite our sins, God still thinks of us as His children: sons and daughters. That's if we've accepted Jesus as our substitute and Savior.
What I love about this song is that it includes a testimony of submission to the Lord that we can all pray about our struggles. Our weaknesses are nothing to hide. In fact, because of our weaknesses, God's grace and strength are perfectly revealed.
“Maybe we don’t have to have it all together/What if grace made it safe to tell you the truth/Maybe we can make a shelter for each other/Turning lies into light and we’ll make it through, All together.”
Jason Gray “Remind Me You’re Here”
"Remind Me You're Here" is a great reminder that our circumstances don't define our joy. Keep this in mind as you seek spiritual renewal. There's a lyric in the song: "I just need to know that You're here." That's the bottom line. You have nothing to bring to your battle except the Lord. You are closest to God when you're on your knees before Him, like Job, raising your empty hands. What a gift and promise to know that He makes beauty out of life’s ashes. That's worthy of praise.
This song is a gorgeous offering of praise to the only one who has the power to save. It gives me more conviction to not feel worthless or afraid. Let your worries go. Allow the Lord to be your redeemer. Your position in Christ and His unending faithfulness is worthy of gratitude and adoration.
Look at the song’s Book of Job-inspired introspective lyrics. It might give you some inspiration.
“I won't ask You for reasons, 'Cause a reason can't wipe away tears, No, I don't need all the answers, Just be here beside me, Father, remind me You're here.”
Big Daddy Weave “All Things New”
Scripture will give you powerful reminders—even if you’re numb—of why you became passionate about God and Jesus in the first place. In this case, it’s Him picking you up when you’re spiritually weary. It’s Him telling you that He’ll make all things new for you: spiritually refreshed and renewed.
For the saved in Christ, as Revelation 21:4 puts it: “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." You serve a loving and merciful God who accepts you as you are, not whom you pretend to be. I love singing this song back to Jesus, telling Him plainly that I need no other than Him. For now, listen to the song, and let the lyrics inspire you. I guarantee you; you’ll feel something good.
“You make all things new/You make all things new/God of mercy and love/Do what only You can do and make all things/All things, You make all things new.”
Jeremy Camp “Getting Started”
This song is a personal testimony to the power of redemption. It has quickly become one of my daily devotional prayers of thankfulness to God for showing me grace and forgiveness despite my failures.
God's mercy is new each day. and it is not based on our performance, or what we can do for God. He pours out His mercy despite what we've done, there's nothing we can do except trust in His Son Jesus. "Getting Started" is a great celebratory anthem about what it means to have hope in Christ. Sometimes it is hard to believe that God loves you so much that He knows you intimately and wants to fill your heart with love. He knows your brokenness inside and out, and because of what Jesus did on the cross, He sees you as righteous. God sees you as He sees His Son. It's not your righteousness, appearance or talent, or gifting, it’s just Jesus.
"To anyone who ever lost your way/To everyone who ever felt ashamed/Here's a song for all the broken-hearted/I believe you're only getting started."
NRT lead contributor Kevin Davis is a longtime fan of Christian music, and an avid music collector. He credits the message of Christian music for leading him to Christ. He lives in Pennsylvania with his wife and three daughters.
NEW!BEHIND THE SONG
#1236 - Brandon Heath
Transforming wounds into stories of redemption in this powerful song
ADVERTISEMENT
NEW!NRT EDITORIAL
Skillet
We explores some of the band's best songs outside their hits
NEW!NRT LISTS
Jordan Merritt
A real conversation around the artist's new track, "Human"
NEW!HEARTSPEAK
Jordan Feliz
The artist's must-listen-to songs about faith, family, and redemption
NEW!AN NRT EXCLUSIVE
Rock Meets Worship
Seven gritty cover songs of popular worship music and hymns
