Today’s topic is one that hits close to home for many of us—spiritual atrophy. Just like our physical muscles weaken without use, our spiritual lives can grow stagnant if we neglect them. But the good news is that God is always ready to strengthen and renew us when we turn to Him.
1 Timothy 4:8 says, “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.”
There have been many times in my life when I felt distant from God. Because I grew up in church, I knew it was due to where I was spiritually, not because God had left me. I remember one time, after a tough season, all I could do was lay on my floor and cry out to God. I needed help; I needed relief. Once I took that step of seeking the Lord, I realized I needed to put in some work. I needed not just to cry out to Him but to continue to pray, work through the issue I was facing, and get into the Bible to read about God’s truth and seek guidance. That intentional exercise helped me reconnect with the Lord.
Reflect on your spiritual habits and commit to strengthening your relationship with God. Take the necessary steps to grow.
Since our topic today is spiritual atrophy, let’s talk about what that is exactly.
Spiritual atrophy happens when we neglect prayer, Scripture, and community. Some signs include feeling distant from God, a lack of joy, and possibly feeling weakened in our faith.
We have a God who loves us, knows us, and sees us.
Revelation 3:15 says, “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other!”
This verse reminds us that we are never alone, even when we feel like we are.
To keep your connection with God fresh, start your day by reading your Bible—at least one verse. Reflect on that verse throughout the day and let God work through His Word.
Hebrews 2:1 says, “We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.”
Neglecting our spiritual lives can lead to drifting away from God. Small, consistent neglect can grow into major spiritual weakness.
For example, how distracting is the device we carry everywhere we go? Have you found yourself looking at your device more than you should? Does it take over the tasks that need to be done? We all have those days, but we must be careful not to let it become such a distraction that it takes the place of time set aside for family and God.
If you’re setting aside time, be intentional with it. Use an actual Bible instead of a Bible app, or be mindful of the temptations that might pull your attention away from God.
What areas of your spiritual life have you been neglecting?
Here’s some great news: God offers renewal when we return to Him. All is wiped away, and we are renewed.
Isaiah 40:31 says, “But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles.”
Renewal requires humility, repentance, and commitment.
When we become aware of distance in any relationship and want to rekindle it, we take steps requiring repentance, humility, and commitment. This same principle applies to our relationship with the Lord. Like any other relationship, it takes time and dedication.
If you don’t know the words to say, I encourage you to write a prayer asking God to renew your heart and strengthen your faith. Writing can help you express yourself more openly and personally.
What steps can you take to renew your spiritual life?
Let’s talk about strengthening our spiritual muscles.
2 Corinthians 5:7 says, “For we live by believing and not by seeing.”
I saw a post about a man who ran a marathon barefoot and blindfolded. At first, he said it was okay, but after a while, he struggled to figure out where he was, and reality seemed to cease to exist. It made him feel very uncomfortable. When he reached the finish line and removed the sponges from his eyes, he was overwhelmed. It was as if he was seeing for the first time.
What a testament to a life walking in darkness and uncertainty, only to turn to Jesus and have the blindfold removed—seeing and feeling things anew.
Faith grows through trust and obedience. The man trusted his friends and followed them in obedience, just as we should trust God. Challenges are opportunities to exercise our faith.
Trust God with all things and pray for His guidance to lead you through.
How can you trust God more fully in your current circumstances?
Matthew 4:4 says, “People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
Just as our bodies need food, our spirits need God’s Word. Daily Scripture reading nourishes and strengthens our souls. Choose a book of the Bible and read through it. Let this become a habit in your daily life, consistently feeding your spirit with God’s Word.
These words will outweigh the words of the world. The Bible keeps us balanced and focused on God. Consistency is key—not just for spiritual health but also for the comfort of knowing that God remains the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Spiritual growth happens in community.
Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.”
Accountability and encouragement from others keep us strong. While we look to the Lord for fulfillment, He made us creatures who need others. Surrounding ourselves with people walking with the Lord provides accountability and encouragement rooted in love.
If you’re seeking that kind of community, many churches have small groups. Consider joining one or starting a Bible study with close friends to gain support and grow together.
Who in your life encourages your spiritual growth? Say a prayer of thanks for that person.
Maintaining spiritual health requires consistency, just like physical health.
Galatians 6:9 says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
While big strides can be exhausting, small, faithful steps can be sustained. One small step could be scheduling daily quiet time with God. Start with just five minutes of undistracted time, sitting and talking or listening to the Lord.
If you already have quiet time, what’s another way you can spend time with God daily?
Matthew 26:41 says, “Watch and pray, so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”
This verse reminds us to be aware of spiritual pitfalls like complacency and busyness. These can make it hard to find time with the Lord. Stay vigilant in prayer and Scripture, ready to hear from Him.
What distraction could you minimize to strengthen your spiritual health? What keeps you from staying spiritually strong, and what changes can you make?
Our spiritual strength comes from God.
Philippians 4:13 says, “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”
Though we must put in the work, all our strength comes from the Lord. Relinquishing everything to Him daily brings freedom.
Make a change today—begin each day with prayer. When I had a commute, I prayed on the way to work. Alone in the car, I could be honest and free, knowing the Lord was listening. It was such a cleansing way to start the day.
Surrender everything to Him and ask for strength each day.
To recap, today we discussed recognizing spiritual atrophy, strengthening spiritual muscles, and maintaining spiritual health.
Spiritual atrophy doesn’t have to be the end of the story. God is ready to help us grow in faith, hope, and love. Commit to daily spiritual exercise and trust Him to renew and sustain you.
Spiritual health is a daily choice to walk with God, trust His plan, and stay rooted in His Word. Stay spiritually strong.