Feeling Numb? 3 Things to Consider If You Are Feeling Spiritually Numb

This post is about feeling spiritually numb as a Christian.

Written by a previous trauma therapist, a Licensed Master Social Worker, and current PhD Student learning how to bridge the gap between theology and psychology.

Disclaimer: This post uses affiliate links. I may earn a small commission on purchases (at no extra cost to you).

Feeling spiritually numb can be confusing as a Christian. We often hear the church talking about the good and the bad, but what about seasons where we are wondering “Can God hear me?”. Seasons where it is a lot to even get up out of the bed. Today, we will be talking about feeling spiritually numb as a Christian from a mental health perspective. Let’s get into it!

Walking through the desert as a Christian

Psalm 63:1 “You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.”

Anhedonia. It is defined as the inability to feel pleasure or joy in the things that you previously loved. The is the mental health version of a desert. When we go through long seasons of stress, depression. grief, anxiety, or trauma the brain begins to struggle in its production of dopamine. Life starts to feel like a desert, baren. When we reach this point of feeling numb it is important to understand the feeling numb is not a lack of will power or a flaw within oneself. It is simply our body telling us we are operating on a low battery, and we are in a desperate need of being recharged. So, what keeps us going in the middle of the season where we feel as if we are wondering in the desert? This would be the small disciplined and structured habits we have created over the years. So today if you feel as if the word Anhedonia resonates with you, what structured habits do you already have in place that will help you keep going and most importantly recharge?

A Biblical Perspective to Feeling Numb

When we look back throughout scripture, many biblical figures spent time in the wilderness. Mosses, David, Elijah, John, and even Christ Himself. Each and every one of them were searching to grow closer to the Holy Father and I am sure that many individuals throughout the Bible resonate with the feeling of being spiritually dried up. It is easy to feel as if we have done something wrong or that God has turned His face from us. But we can find peace in know that we do not have to worry about “feelings”. Instead, we can find peace in the truth in knowing that God is never changing and He continues to walk with us throughout the desert. .

3 Questions to Ask If You Are Spiritually Numb

Here are 3 questions to ask yourself if you feel as if you are walking throughout the desert.

The Routine Check: Are you going through the motions of your faith (like praying or reading Scripture) purely out of sheer obligation, feeling absolutely no connection or comfort in return?

The Joy Check: Do the relationships, hobbies, or weekend plans that normally bring you life currently feel like exhausting chores you just want to cancel?

The Emotion Check: Have you flatlined emotionally? Not necessarily feeling actively devastated or panicked, but just carrying a constant, heavy indifference to everything around you?

Christian Reflection Questions

When your emotions are completely dry and you feel nothing, what is one unchanging truth about God’s character that you can anchor your feet to today?

Prayer

Dear God, I confess that right now, I feel like I am walking through a dry and parched land. My emotions are flat, my energy is gone, and I am struggling to feel Your presence. Thank You for not abandoning me in the wilderness. Please give me the strength to take just one small step forward today. Help me to anchor my heart to Your truth, even when my feelings are silent. Amen.

Christian Book Recommendations

“Streams in the Desert” by L.B. Cowman – A timeless, deeply comforting faith-based classic specifically written to encourage and sustain believers who are walking through prolonged seasons of spiritual and emotional dryness.

“The Louder Song: Listening for Hope in the Midst of Lament” by Aubrey Sampson – An excellent, empathetic resource that explores the psychology and theology of lament, teaching you how to faithfully grieve and keep moving forward when life feels barren.

Ready to level up your mental health—starting right now? You can unlock our entire library of recommended titles for FREE in the next 60 seconds. Claim your [Free 30-Day Kindle Unlimited Trial] to get instant access to these books and thousands of other wellness resources on any device. (Selection subject to change; check page for current availability.)

Closing Thoughts

You have completed Day 126 out of 126 Days of our 2026 Mental Health Devotional Challenge. I am so excited we have reached this far. Today, I have decided to not finish the challenge. I will continue to post multiple times a week, but I want to write content that will bring each and every one of you closer to the Lord. Not to just check off a day. I want to provide more worksheets and journals and free resources that you all enjoy and in order to do that I will have to end the daily devotionals here. I pray that you all will find me grace as we continue to progress throughout 2026, and trust me… There are many more devotionals and articles to come. Just at God’s pace, no longer my own.

Think Like Christ Mental Health

Disclaimer

Educational and Spiritual Support Only: I am not your therapist. The information provided on this blog—including book recommendations, worksheets, biblical insights, coping skills, or any other content on this blog—is for  educational, informational, and spiritual encouragement purposes only. No Professional Relationship Interacting with this content, including leaving comments or sending direct messages, does not create a therapist-client relationship. This blog is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Seek Professional Help: Always seek the advice of your physician or a licensed mental health provider regarding any medical or psychological condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here. If you are in a crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a crisis hotline immediately.