Does your passion feel quiet? Don’t panic. This may be a holy pause, not a problem to fix.
Your fortnightly 1-2-3: Helping you navigate the tension between faith & mental health by looking at a tension point, a talking point and a truth to ponder.
Tension Point
"I used to feel driven by passion and purpose, but lately... I just feel drained. Is there something wrong with me, or is this part of the journey?”
Talking Point
Think of passion as a wild stallion, like the one in the header image. Passion will lend you his speed, jump you over obstacles, elevate your perspective and help you rally others around your cause. But like any stallion, Passion needs reins to ride it safely. Without reins, he will trample over flowers you’re meant to protect, race past landscape you’re supposed to enjoy and land you way off course before you even know it. Without reins (or without reign!) Passion will eventually drain you.
Yet, passion is a gift from God. It helps us move forward, gives us energy for our purpose, and fuels deep joy in serving. But it was never meant to be our master. Passion isn’t always about doing more. It’s not about galloping into every storm or pushing harder when your soul is tired. It’s about knowing what matters—and letting that truth lead.
Passion needs tending. Jesus lived with deep, unwavering passion. But even He retreated often to quiet places to pray, to rest, and to reconnect with the Father. Passion doesn’t thrive on pressure—it grows through presence.
If your passion feels dim right now, that doesn’t mean it’s gone. It may simply be resting, waiting, or healing. And that’s okay. Passion isn’t just for mountaintops—it’s for the valleys too. In fact, some of the deepest, most lasting callings are forged not in noise and fire, but in silence and surrender.
Truth to Ponder
When your passion feels quiet, don’t panic. This may be a holy pause, not a problem to fix. Here's how to make peace with the season you're in:
Name your need. Is it rest? Renewal? Clarity? God isn’t asking you to fake energy you don’t have. He meets you with kindness.
Let go of pressure. Passion isn’t about performance—it’s about alignment. Let yourself breathe.
Stay near the Source. Draw close to the One who kindled your passion in the first place. Sometimes the flame returns in a whisper.
Pay attention to small sparks. A conversation, a scripture, a quiet stirring—God often rekindles the fire gently.
Trust the process. Seasons of stillness can deepen the roots of your calling more than constant motion ever could.
Want to go a bit deeper on this subject?
Talk some time to reflect on this passage and consider what God might be trying to say to you:
Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly.
Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG)