Forcing Spiritual Disciplines

I’ve gone through seasons of life where my spiritual disciplines have brought me joy. I’ve had times when I was genuinely excited to read my Bible. Times when worship music was truly the only thing I wanted to listen to. Times when sitting in silence and listening for God to speak brought me peace. 

But I’ve also had seasons when those spiritual disciplines felt like they lost a bit of spark. Like the fire inside me dimmed a little. Today and recently, I’ve been in one of those seasons.

I completed a Bible in a year reading plan last year that felt dry. I didn’t love the way it was guided and found myself rushing through my daily devotions instead of meditating on them. So, come the end of 2025, I was really looking forward to starting a new Bible reading plan, one I had done before and loved. At the beginning of 2026, I started the Bible Project’s Bible in a year. I had high hopes for how it was going to bring The Word alive for me again. 

But, I’m a ¼ of the way through the year, and to be so honest, it doesn’t feel much different than 2025. Yes, I’ve been reading (and some days listening to) the Bible every day. But it’s been a little while since I’ve read scripture that really moved me, touched me, or impacted me. 

I know, that sounds pretty bad. But I’m being honest. And I also know this isn’t an uncommon thing for believers. Our disciplines ebb and flow. Sometimes loving God and spending time with Him comes as naturally as taking a deep breath. But any Christian would tell you, there are also times when we meet resistance. Sometimes those extremely life-giving things don’t sound very exciting. 

So what do I do when I notice my heart posture has changed? 

I stay the course. And I force those spiritual disciplines. 

It’s like going to the gym or working out. If I decided I just wasn’t going to exercise every time I didn’t feel like it, eventually I’d stop working out altogether. But when I force myself to show up and try, I work myself out of that slump. And eventually, I make it back to the inspirational mindset of actually wanting to work out. And yes, there are times I enjoy it. :)

It’s the moments when we feel our flame flickering that we need to press in. Because I do believe, if I keep showing up, my mindset will change. The Word will come alive for me again. I will look forward to worshipping any chance I get. The key is making myself follow through with these spiritual disciplines, even when I don’t feel like it. 

I know it’s me that’s changed–not God. It’s me that’s distanced–not God. And I’m grateful for His patience as I course correct. Right now, I’m in the tough spot. Every day, I encounter multiple opportunities to engage in a spiritual discipline I don’t feel like doing. I’m going to keep forcing myself to show up for God. I trust Him to reignite the fire inside me. 

These are the faith-building and character-defining seasons. When you say “yes” when your flesh really wants to say “no”, you’re fighting an invisible battle. The Enemy wants to persuade you that it’s too much work, it takes too much time, and you won’t get anything out of it anyway. Don’t let apathy win.

This is our relationship with God, we’re talking about! We can’t just let it slide. We can’t just fall away when it doesn’t seem fun.

I’m going to keep pressing in. God will show up. And hopefully, I’ll have an update soon. 

Remember, you are loved by God, wonderfully made, and beautifully you. Don’t let someone else’s voice speak louder than what’s true.

Until next time…

hugs,

Kylie