Maybe you know this feeling: You’re going through all the right motions, saying the right things, but inside it feels like you’re just… surviving Sunday morning. Your heart feels wrapped in cotton, and you wonder if anyone else notices that you’re basically just going through the motions.
As a Christian therapist serving Georgetown, Round Rock, and the greater Austin area, I see this struggle more often than you might think. It can be TOUGH once you’ve gotten to know people in a community and your shortcomings feel on display. It’s also very easy to get distracted by the social aspect of the “biblical community” rather than connecting with the spiritual aspects.
Here’s what I want you to know: You’re not failing at faith, and you’re definitely not alone. In fact, that choice to keep showing up when everything inside you feels empty? That’s actually revealing something profound about your character that you might not even see right now.
What Spiritual Numbness Actually Feels Like
Spiritual numbness isn’t about having doubts or questions—those actually show an engaged faith. This is different. As someone who provides faith-based therapy in Central Texas, I’ve walked with countless clients through this experience. This numbness is more like:
Sitting in church feeling like you’re watching a movie rather than participating in worship Prayers that feel like they’re bouncing off the ceiling (been there, said that) Going through familiar motions without any emotional connection Feeling distant from God despite doing all the “right” things Wondering if everyone else is faking it too or if you’re the only one struggling
The Unique Struggle of Public Faith in Georgetown’s Faith Community
When you’re part of a church community—especially if you serve in ministry or have been the “spiritually strong” friend—spiritual numbness hits differently. In Georgetown’s tight-knit Christian community, where many of us know each other from church, school events, and neighborhood gatherings, suddenly your faith feels visible and vulnerable.
It’s particularly tough when:
You’re used to being the one others come to for encouragement Your role in church makes your spiritual state feel public You feel like a fraud leading or participating when your heart’s not in it The social parts of church become easier than the spiritual parts
This can make you feel isolated in a room full of believers, which honestly just makes the numbness worse.
Why We Go Spiritually Numb (It’s More Normal Than You Think)
Before we dive into the “how to fix it” part, let’s talk about why this happens. Because honestly, understanding the “why” can take some of the shame out of the experience.
Life Is Just… A Lot Right Now
Sometimes spiritual numbness is simply our soul’s way of saying “I’m maxed out.” Living in the Austin area, many of my clients are dealing with:
Running on fumes from demanding work schedules or long commutes Sleep-deprivation (hello, fellow Austin-area moms juggling activities from Georgetown to Cedar Park\!) Major transitions like job changes, moves between Round Rock and Leander, or family changes Pouring into everyone else without refilling your own tank
Your spiritual sensitivity can be one of the first things to go quiet. It’s not a character flaw—it’s biology.
We’re Carrying Unprocessed Pain
Sometimes numbness is protection. In my Christian counseling practice in Georgetown, I often see clients dealing with:
Disappointment with God over prayers that feel unanswered Church hurt or religious trauma that hasn’t healed Grief or loss that you haven’t fully processed Old wounds that shaped how you see God
Your heart might be protecting itself by going numb rather than risking more pain.
Spiritual Factors (Because Yes, There’s a Spiritual Realm)
I’m not one to spiritualize everything, but I also can’t ignore that there’s more going on than just psychology:
God sometimes feels distant as part of normal faith development Spiritual warfare can target our connection with Him Neglecting spiritual practices gradually dims our spiritual senses Comparing our insides to others’ outsides creates shame and disconnection
The Beautiful Truth About Still Showing Up
Can we talk about something for a second? The fact that you’re spiritually numb but still showing up actually reveals something incredible about your faith.
I see this with clients in my Georgetown practice all the time—they come in feeling like spiritual failures because their heart isn’t “in it” anymore. But here’s what I want them (and you) to understand:
You’re Choosing Faith Over Feelings
When you show up to church feeling nothing, you’re essentially saying “God’s worth isn’t dependent on how I feel today.” That’s mature faith, friends. You’re choosing obedience over emotion, which is exactly what faith is supposed to be.
You’re Trusting God’s Character, Not Your Experience
By continuing to participate even when it feels hollow, you’re demonstrating that you believe God is good even when you can’t sense His goodness. That’s not hypocrisy—that’s hope.
You’re Positioning Yourself for Breakthrough
Every time you show up numb, you’re basically saying “God, I’m here if you want to meet me.” You’re keeping the door open for Him to surprise you, heal you, or speak to you when you least expect it.
You’re Modeling Real Faith for Others
Trust me when I say your willingness to show up struggling gives others permission to do the same. Your authenticity (even if it feels fake to you) can be a lifeline for someone else who feels like they’re drowning in spiritual numbness.
What the Bible Says About Feeling Far From God
Before we get into practical stuff, let’s just acknowledge that feeling distant from God isn’t a new problem. The Bible is full of people who felt abandoned, confused, or spiritually dry.
Psalm 22:1-2 \- “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish? My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest.”
Psalm 42:3 \- “My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, ‘Where is your God?'”
Even Jesus felt forsaken by the Father in his darkest moment (Matthew 27:46). Your spiritual numbness doesn’t put you outside of God’s love or concern. If anything, the fact that you’re bothered by feeling numb shows that your heart is still turned toward Him.
Practical Ways to Navigate the Numbness
Okay, so now what? How do you function when everything spiritual feels flat? Here’s what I’ve learned both personally and from walking through this with clients in my faith-based counseling practice:
1. Stop Fighting the Numbness With Guilt
First things first: give yourself permission to feel numb without adding shame to it. I’m not saying settle there forever, but stop beating yourself up for being human. The guilt isn’t helping—it’s just making you more exhausted.
2. Lower the Spiritual Pressure (Seriously)
Stop trying to manufacture feelings in your prayer time Show up for shorter periods rather than forcing long devotions Focus on simple obedience instead of emotional connection Remember that God sees your heart even when you can’t feel His presence
3. Take Care of the Basics
Sometimes spiritual numbness is your soul’s way of saying your tank is empty. Make sure you’re:
Getting actual sleep (I know, easier said than done with Austin-area traffic and busy schedules) Eating regularly and not just surviving on coffee Moving your body even if it’s just a walk around Georgetown’s beautiful downtown square Reducing stress where you actually can
4. Try Engaging Your Body When Your Heart Feels Dead
When emotions are offline, sometimes we need to involve other parts of ourselves:
Read Scripture out loud or listen to it while you’re doing dishes Use physical prayer postures like kneeling or raising your hands (even if it feels weird) Go for prayer walks at Georgetown’s San Gabriel Park instead of sitting still Try breathing prayers that connect your body and spirit
5. Be Honest With Safe People (But Choose Wisely)
You don’t have to broadcast your struggle to everyone, but isolation makes everything worse. Consider sharing with:
A trusted friend who won’t try to fix you immediately A Christian counselor who understands both faith and mental health A pastor or mentor who’s walked through their own spiritual dry spells A small group where you can be real about struggling
6. Reframe How You Think About Community
Instead of feeling like a fraud:
Let others minister to you instead of always being the one giving Focus on just being present rather than spiritually performing Serve in practical ways that don’t require emotional investment Remember that community is meant to carry us through hard seasons
When to Consider Getting Professional Help in the Georgetown Area
Look, I’m a therapist, so obviously I think therapy can be helpful. But specifically consider Christian counseling when:
Numbness lasts for months without any relief It’s affecting your daily life or relationships significantly You’re dealing with depression symptoms like hopelessness or withdrawal There’s underlying trauma that needs specialized care You’re having thoughts of self-harm
Faith-based therapy isn’t about choosing psychology over faith—it’s about using both tools God has given us to find healing. In the Georgetown, Round Rock, and Austin area, there are several excellent Christian therapists who can help you navigate both the psychological and spiritual aspects of numbness.
Hope for the Spiritually Numb: A Message from Your Georgetown Christian Therapist
I know it might not feel like it right now, but this numbness isn’t your forever story. Here’s what I want you to hold onto:
God’s Love Doesn’t Fluctuate With Your Feelings
God’s affection for you is steady whether you feel it or not. His commitment to you doesn’t rise and fall with your spiritual temperature. That’s the beauty of His love—it’s not dependent on your performance or your feelings.
Spiritual Seasons Serve a Purpose
Just like natural seasons, spiritual seasons often prepare us for what’s coming next. Sometimes numbness happens before breakthrough. Sometimes it’s God’s way of teaching us to trust Him beyond our feelings. Sometimes it’s just part of being human in a broken world.
Your Honesty Helps Others
Your willingness to show up while struggling gives other people permission to be real too. The church doesn’t need more people pretending to have it all together—it needs more people like you who are brave enough to be honest about the hard stuff.
Growth Happens in the Dark
Some of the most important spiritual growth happens not when we feel close to God, but when we choose to trust Him despite feeling distant. That kind of faith—the faith that shows up even when it feels pointless—is actually incredibly mature.
Small Steps Back Toward Connection
When you’re ready (and don’t rush this), here are some gentle ways to start reconnecting:
Start Ridiculously Small
Pray for two minutes instead of trying for twenty Read one verse instead of a whole chapter Listen to one worship song while you’re getting ready Just say “thank you” to God for one thing each day
Try Something Different
Different Bible translation or audio version New worship music or even hymns if that’s not your usual Journaling prayers instead of speaking them Prayer walking instead of sitting still
Focus on God’s Character, Not Your Experience
Remember what you know to be true about God even when you can’t feel it Ask for help instead of trying to manufacture connection Celebrate tiny moments of feeling anything spiritual Trust the process even when it feels slow
The Ministry of Just Being Present
Sometimes the most profound thing you can do is simply show up and be present—to God, to community, to yourself. Your presence matters even when your emotions are AWOL.
You don’t have to feel God’s presence to trust His presence. You don’t have to have spiritual highs to be living in spiritual reality. Your faith is so much bigger than your feelings, and your worth to God isn’t measured by how spiritually “on” you are on any given Sunday.
You’re Not Alone in This Journey
Before I wrap this up, I want you to know: you are not the only person sitting in church feeling spiritually numb. You’re not the only one going through the motions while your heart feels wrapped in cotton. You’re not failing at faith—you’re just being human.
The very fact that your numbness bothers you shows that your heart is still turned toward God. A truly dead heart wouldn’t care about feeling distant from Him.
Keep showing up. Keep trusting. Keep hoping. God sees your faithfulness even when you can’t feel His presence. He’s working in ways you can’t see yet, and this season—as hard as it is—won’t last forever.
The character it’s building in you and the compassion it’s developing will serve you and others for years to come. Your willingness to trust God beyond your feelings is actually a beautiful picture of mature faith.
Ready to Take the Next Step? Faith-Based Counseling in Georgetown, TX
If you’re walking through spiritual numbness or other faith struggles, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Sometimes talking with a Christian counselor can help you understand what’s contributing to the numbness and develop strategies for moving through it.
I’m Alex Barnette, LMFT, and I provide faith-based therapy for individuals and couples throughout Georgetown, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, and the greater Austin area. My practice integrates clinical expertise with Christian faith, creating a safe space where you can explore both the psychological and spiritual aspects of your struggles.
I offer virtual Christian counseling sessions for anyone in Texas, making it easy to access faith-based therapy from the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re dealing with spiritual numbness, relationship struggles, anxiety, depression, or life transitions, we can work together to find hope and healing.
If you’re ready to move from surviving to thriving—spiritually, emotionally, and relationally—I’d love to talk with you about how Christian therapy might help.
Contact Faith Focus Therapy today:
Website: faithfocustherapy.com Email: info@faithfocustherapy.com Serving: Georgetown, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, Austin, and all of Texas (virtually)
Individual sessions: $175 | Couples sessions: $190 | Extended couples sessions: $240
Alex Barnette, LMFT, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist providing Christian counseling and therapy services to individuals and couples in Georgetown, Texas, and throughout Central Texas. She specializes in faith-based therapy, couples counseling, and helping clients integrate their spiritual and emotional healing journeys.
This post was written using our automated content process that takes actual insights from my practice and turns them into inspirational content. Read about the process here.
