Be Fervent
The dog days of summer have crept in, and August can feel like an extended Saturday. We want to soak up all the sun and have all the fun with those we love. Sometimes our spiritual life, however, can take a back seat while fun and activities are at the wheel guiding the course. In the shimmer of the summer rays, it’s easy to find our passion for God waning. The initial fire of the year’s start can sometimes dim under the weight of routine, stress, distractions, and even pleasure. Maintaining enthusiasm for God is possible and essential for a vibrant, fulfilling spiritual life. The weather shouldn’t be the only thing that’s hot this summer! But how do we keep that fire alive in our hearts?
Fervor
We all go through various seasons in our walk with Christ. Some are marked with strong zeal while others feel thin and brittle. Romans 12:1 urges us to “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” You may go to the Word and not know what to read next or even have a grasp on its content! You may pray but feel like no one is listening! But never stop learning and growing in your faith! What is a familiar or well-loved passage for you? In dessert seasons, go back to old lessons learned and ask God to teach you something new! It can deepen your understanding and appreciation of Him. Spiritual growth often reignites passion by offering new insights and perspectives. Explore different resources such as books, podcasts, or online courses to deepen your faith. Keep your mind and heart open to all that God has.
Frequency
Ask yourself if your church attendance, Bible reading, or prayer life dips during the summer months. Challenge yourself to look deep within and analyze if your vacation from work or the daily grind somehow spills over into a vacation from Jesus. Days at the pool, kids running underfoot, or road trips shouldn’t cut into our time with Jesus. The psalmist hangs out with Jesus all day long and says, “Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you” (Ps 25:5). This would include every day of the week! On multiple days, your church community provides support, encouragement, accountability, and fun! Sharing your struggles and victories with others can foster a sense of belonging and keep you engaged in your spiritual journey. Join a new small group, attend services regularly, or give a new activity a whirl with those from your church. (Pickleball anyone?) I Cor 12:20 depicts the beauty of the body of Christ. “As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.” If you are AWOL in the summer months, the body of Christ may be suffering without you! Strong Christian relationships with others who share your beliefs can help sustain your passion.
Fight
Paul urges us to press on. To keep moving. “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:13). But let’s cut to the chase and level the field. Doubt and struggle are natural parts of the faith journey. Ignoring these issues can only lead to a slow unraveling that could lead to backsliding. Instead, address your doubts openly and seek answers through prayer, scripture, or discussion with trusted godly mentors. When you face doubts or challenges, confront them rather than avoid them. Seek guidance and engage in honest dialogue with fellow believers.
Maintaining fervor for the Lord is a continuous journey, not a destination. It requires intention, effort, and sometimes creativity. Fight the urge to take a vacation from the daily rhythms of staying close to Jesus. By integrating simple and steadfast practices into your life, you can keep the flame of your faith alive and vibrant. Sure, we will all experience moments of doubt or boredom but continually seek out ways to reignite your passion and deepen your connection with Jesus. Be fervent!
