I’m a Christian, but find myself not really ‘into’ God. What should I do?

We all have feelings of disinterest or boredom, at times, or even just being too busy to care about God in our lives. Sometimes it lasts for a few days, and other times it may progress for months or even years. The most important thing to remember is that God is ALWAYS interested in you and no matter how long it has been since you’ve prayed or worshiped Him, He remains waiting to hear from you!

A good place to start is to simply ask Him to help grow your desire to know Him. According to I John 5:14-15, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of Him.” Since it’s God’s will that we know Him, He will give us the desire to want to know Him if we ask. “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13).

Next, get soaked in His Word. God reveals himself to us through His word (I John 1), which can stir a heart and attitude change in us. Hebrews 4:12 says this very thing, “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Even if you’ve read the entire Bible, there is always more we can ingest. Why do you think the writer of Hebrews described the Bible as both “living and active?”

The Bible is a very exciting story of what God has and is doing in the lives of His creation as well as in revealing His Glory to us. If you are into music, read through Psalms, a collection of songs that reveal God’s character. If you like history, the Old Testament is full of people, places and traditions of centuries past. Or, if you’d prefer love and romance, Ruth and Esther are two hot spots you can’t miss! Wherever you dive, don’t just read through the verses and chapters without motive. Ask God to help you understand what you are reading, but also that His Word would come alive to you in your own way. Exploring the Scriptures with a friend or a small group also helps generate interest; others tend to add different perspectives to a discussion that can change and mold your own thoughts and feelings.

God relates to each person differently. He is not something we engage only on Sunday’s or at youth group. So, whatever you do, involve Him. If you are into photography, ask Him to reveal himself through the lens (whether it be in nature or even in other people). If you like to write (whether it be stories, poems or songs), involve Him in the process. What about sports? We know that true strength and endurance comes from Him, so why not run the race for Him but in way that honors Him as well (I Corinthians 9:24; Hebrews 12:1). Be creative! If you ask, the Lord will reveal Himself to you. He can even use the talents and gifts He has blessed you with for this.

When we get bored, it usually means a shift in our own hearts and attitude. Take heart and don’t put God in a box! And don’t limit His ability to be your Living God!