Feeling Apathetic?

Last night’s broadcast, I dealt with the topic ‘Apathy’.

For most of July, I have been hearing the word ‘apathy’ in my spirit.

What is Apathy?

Apathy means a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern. It describes an emotional state where a person feels indifferent or unmotivated toward things that usually evoke interest or passion.

I decided to do research on what apathy is and how to overcome apathy as a believer of Jesus Christ.

What are some of the factors that lead to apathy in the life of the believer?

1. Emotional Burnout

• When you’re mentally or emotionally exhausted, your body and mind shut down as a defence mechanism.
• Common in caregivers, leaders, students, or those facing prolonged stress.

Warning signs: Feeling numb, drained, or uninterested in things you once enjoyed.

 2. Depression or Anxiety

• Apathy is a hallmark of clinical depression. You may stop caring because you’re overwhelmed by hopelessness, fear, or fatigue.

Example: “Why bother?” becomes a recurring thought.

3. Prolonged Disappointment

• When you face repeated failure, unanswered prayers, or long seasons of waiting, apathy can grow out of frustration or loss of hope.

Proverbs 13:12 – “Hope deferred makes the heart sick…”

 4. Overstimulation & Distraction

• Constant scrolling, multitasking, and entertainment overload can numb your senses and make you disengaged from reality and purpose.

Example: A cluttered mind can’t hear God’s voice clearly.

5. Unresolved Sin or Guilt

• Hidden sin, shame, or spiritual compromise can create distance between you and God, leading to spiritual apathy.

Isaiah 59:2 – “Your iniquities have separated you from your God…”

How can you overcome the spirit of apathy? Here are a few strategies that can help you overcome apathy;

1. Ask God to Renew Your Heart

Apathy often comes from spiritual dryness. The first step is to ask God to revive you.

Psalm 51:10 – “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”

 Practical step: Pray honestly, asking God to restore your passion, joy, and desire for Him.

 2. Remember Your First Love

Apathy can come when our love for God fades. Jesus calls us to return to our first love.

Revelation 2:4-5 – “You have abandoned the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.”

 Practical step: Reflect on the time when you felt close to God. What were you doing then? Return to those habits (e.g. prayer, worship, fellowship).

 3. Feed Your Spirit Daily

Just as we eat to stay alive, we must feed on God’s Word to stay spiritually awake.

Matthew 4:4 – “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”

Practical step: Set aside time daily for Scripture reading—even 10 minutes. Let God speak to you through His Word.

4. Take Action in Faith

Apathy thrives on passivity. Faith requires action.

James 2:17 – “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”

Practical step: Serve someone, encourage a friend, attend a small group, or volunteer. Action stirs the heart and awakens purpose.

 5. Surround Yourself with Spiritual Encouragement

Isolation fuels apathy. Fellowship rekindles fire.

Hebrews 10:24–25 – “Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together…”

 Practical step: Stay connected to your church, a prayer group, or trusted spiritual friends who uplift you. If your circle isn’t uplifting you, maybe it is time to think of shifting to new environments as God will lead you.

 6. Fix Your Eyes on Eternity

Apathy grows when we lose sight of what truly matters. Focusing on eternity brings perspective.

Colossians 3:2 – “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

 Practical step: Journal or reflect on God’s purpose for your life and how He wants to use you.

A Prayer to Break Apathy:

Father in the name of Jesus, I honour, and I praise your mighty name. Heavenly Father, I confess my heart has grown dull and distant. Father, I ask that You reignite my passion for You and the purpose that You have called me to. Create in me a clean heart, oh Lord, and renew a right spirit within me, and restore my joy. I choose to seek You with all my heart. Father, I repent for turning away from You. Heavenly Father, I pray that You will restore my heart from deferred hope and help me regain a Godly perspective concerning the vision You have given me in Jesus’ name. I thank You Lord for hearing my prayers in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. Hallelujah!!!!  

To watch last night’s replay, click this link https://bit.ly/4546cxn