Welcome to my Summer Blog Swap. Over the next four weeks I am inviting four of my blogger friends over to this space to share some of their posts and perspectives. It’s a fun way to introduce some of my favorite people to all of you. This week I’d like you to meet my friend Natalie Guy. We met through a writing group called Hope*writers. Natalie is a Central California girl. I love her recommendations for everything from favorite books to favorite wineries to favorite recipes, and her heart to share Jesus with women. Today she’s serving up some suggestions for where to turn for inspiration when you feel like you’re in a spiritual slump. Read on.
By Natalie Guy from Everyday Natalie
Have you ever gone through a dry season in your walk with the Lord?
You are going through the motions but your prayer and worship don’t feel genuine. That has happened to me at times, and it can be discouraging. You may feel like you are in a desert. You are parched, wind-whipped, frayed around the edges, burned out, and begging for some refreshment. You desire to have those rivers of living waters flow through you.
Some creative ideas to work through a spiritual funk:
- Listen to worship music. Play some praise music you love, songs you have worshiped along with before, or try some new tunes.
- Be honest with God. Confess to the Lord what you are feeling. He knows and He understands.
- Talk to a trusted friend. Share your struggle with another Christian friend and ask for prayer.
- Remember this is just a season. Don’t be hard on yourself. No season lasts forever, so trust God that He will deliver you.
- Listen to a podcast. There are some great faith-based podcasts that will encourage you and your walk with Jesus.
- Switch it up. Try reading different versions of the Bible than you typically read. Pull out some devotionals you haven’t read in a while, buy a new one you’ve heard of, or borrow one from a friend. You may even try listening to the audio Bible.
- Spend time in silence. Sit in God’s presence and listen. Open your hands and your heart to receive His words.
- Try coloring in a Scripture coloring book. This can be a great way to read the Word and bring some life back to your dry bones.
- Go on a retreat/day retreat. Find a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of life and focus on your relationship with God.
- Open up your Bible and read passages that have previously brought you comfort. The Lord is faithful and will woo you back with His kind and familiar words.
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Podcast suggestions:
The Next Right Thing by Emily Freeman
Dear Daughters by Susie Davis
Gospel in Life by Tim Keller
Bethel Podcast by Bethel Church Redding
Scripture coloring books for adults:
Sweeter Than Honey: a Coloring Book to Nourish your Soul
Whatever is Lovely: A Coloring Book for Reflection and Worship
Devotional suggestions:
New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotion
The Songs of Jesus: A Year of Daily Devotions in the Psalms
Natalie Guy is a blogger, teacher, speaker and mentor. She loves to encourage women in their daily pursuit of God using anecdotes about life, faith, food, and friendship. Natalie has been married for 29 years to her husband Tony, who has spent much of that time in pastoral ministry. Natalie’s joy is to serve couples and families with him. She and Tony have three grown children.
Connect with Natalie on Instagram or Facebook, on her blog, and you can sign up to receive her weekly dose of soul encouragement and fun finds right here.
*This blog was originally posted at Everyday Natalie.
**Photos provided by Ruth Troughton & David Iskander on Unsplash.com.
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