WHEN YOUR FIRE FEELS FAINT: CHOOSING RELATIONSHIP OVER RELIGION

We always keep it real over here, and today is no different. Have you ever felt like something was missing in your walk with Christ? You’re doing all the “right” things—reading your Bible, listening to gospel music, praying daily—yet something still feels… off. You’re checking the boxes, but your spirit feels empty. You can’t sense God’s presence, and you start wondering, Does He hear me? Is He even here?

Maybe you’ve found yourself whispering, “Lord, I just want that fire back.” That zeal you once had feels distant, and you don’t even know why.

I get it—because I’m in that space right now as I write this. Prayerfully, by the time you’re reading, I’ll be renewed, refreshed, and overflowing with passion for Him again. But if you’re here too, let’s walk through this together.

Here’s what I’ve realized: sometimes the outward things look right, but inwardly there’s deeper work that needs to be done. I’ve had to ask myself—am I truly communing with God, or am I just practicing religion?

Because there’s a difference.

Reading Scripture, praying, listening to worship—those are beautiful disciplines we should never abandon. But they were never meant to replace relationship. True communion with God is about intimacy—sharing your heart, listening for His voice, and enjoying His presence.

Think about your closest friendship. You wouldn’t expect it to thrive just because you sent a text or shared a meme. No—your relationship deepens through real conversations, honesty, trust, and time together. That’s what grows connection.

But often, we treat God like a checklist. We say a prayer, skim a chapter, sing a song, and move on. That’s not relationship—that’s routine. And then we wonder why we feel disconnected.

Imagine calling a friend and they dominate the entire conversation. You can’t get a single word in. When you hang up, you think, What just happened? That’s how we treat God when we talk at Him but never sit quietly to listen.

Relationships don’t work one-sided—in the natural or in the spirit.

Here’s the good news though: even when we drift, God doesn’t. Even when our zeal fades, His love doesn’t. He sees us. He knows the weight we carry. He hears the prayers we can’t put into words. And He never leaves.

If you’re in this place like I am, don’t beat yourself up. Let’s just do better. Let’s stop treating our walk with God like a to-do list and start prioritizing true relationship again. Let’s carve out intentional space for His presence every single day.

Not because we have to check a box.Not because it looks holy.But because we need Him

“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” – James 4:8

Reflection Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for never leaving me even when I feel distant. Lord, I don’t just want to go through the motions—I want to truly know You, hear You, and walk closely with You. Help me to quiet the noise, to open my heart, and to spend time in Your presence beyond the checklist. Restore my zeal, refresh my spirit, and ignite a new fire within me. 

In Jesus name, Amen.