I got saved at 28 in the midst of deep depression. I was on fire for many years, and most recently I have shut down. I know it has to do with disappointments in my life, and also living alone forever and not wanting to. I feel stuck and can’t seem to get back to where I was with the Lord. I want to, but feel misplaced. I’m not as faithful about going to church, and that bothers me as well. I don’t know what to do to get back in the fold. I know He never leaves us, but we leave Him. What can I do to get back on fire?
The Lord criticized the Church at Ephesus for the same thing when He said, “You have forsaken your first love” (Rev. 2:4). Then He admonished them to do the things they did at first (Rev. 2:5). Love is a verb in that it’s something you do, not just something you feel. If you want to be on fire again get back to doing the things that lit you up the first time. Confess your sins. Spend more time in meaningful worship, Bible study, and fellowship with other “on fire” believers.
In 1 Thes. 5:17 Paul reminded us to pray continually. Our prayer life should be a constant conversation with God, not just something we do at bedtime, or on Sunday morning, or when we need help. Act like He’s with you all the time and He will be. Draw near to God and He’ll draw near to you (James 4:8).
Unburdening yourself with Him like you did with me is a good place to start. He’s a great listener, so don’t hesitate to tell Him how you feel. Persist in these things and you’ll find yourself in a great relationship with Him again.
Above all remember this, He’s the Good Shepherd and we are the sheep of His pasture. If we wander off, He will leave the entire flock to hunt us down and bring us back (Luke 15:3-7). He will do this because His father’s will is that He shouldn’t lose any of us (John 6:37-40).
Even though you wandered off, it sounds like now you want Him to find you, so start spending more time where you know He is. Here are some places where He has promised to be; He’s in your heart (2 Cor. 1:21-22), He’s in his Word (Psalm 40:7), and He inhabits the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3).