Summer is a wonderful season, but if we’re not careful, it can also be a time of spiritual neglect

3 min read

“…be ready in season and out of season…”

2 Timothy 4:2

Outside it’s 85 degrees and sunny. Drew decides to take advantage. Weather this perfect doesn’t come around too often so he wants to check some things off his list. He’s been on vacation and things around home have piled up. There’s yard work to do and some outdoor painting…not to mention the ball games, fishing, and a golf course that’s calling his name.

It’s summertime.

With so much going on, Drew has pretty much put focused time with God on hold. He might give a quick nod in God’s direction here and there, but he he’s been too busy to spend quality time meditating in the Word and/or prayer. He figures he’ll get back to it eventually. As soon as the seasons change.

The problem is, it’s not that easy. The seasons will certainly change and fall will be here soon, but the habits that Drew has settled into will not go quietly. He will find it very difficult to get momentum going again in his devotional life after letting it slide for a few months.

Drew is experiencing what we could call the summertime slide. It is a common situation and a lot of Christians experience it every summer. Most come back from it, but some never do.

If Drew’s situation sounds familiar and you find yourself struggling with summertime slide, here are a few things to help.

1. Be advised, the adversary doesn’t take breaks. None. Unlike God, Satan doesn’t believe in taking a Sabbath. He has destruction on his mind and he’s constantly looking for an unfocused, unsuspecting Christian to exploit. So, as Peter put it, “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8, NLT). Thanks for the heads up, Peter.
2. Streamline your devotional time, but don’t completely abandon it. There’s no harm in adjusting your time with God to fit the summer schedule. There is flexibility in how, when, and where we go about withdrawing from the world and drawing near to God. Take less time if you need to, but take some time. These hearts of ours require daily care and none of us can afford to forego on our appointments with the Almighty.
3. Don’t forget about your brothers and sisters in Christ. Though recreation and vacation may take you on the road over the weekends, make it a point to assemble with other Christians in worship. There are some great churches across this land of ours and you will be uplifted by a fresh worship experience. (My teenage son and I will be in Atlanta this weekend for baseball tournament. We already have a church picked out and, Lord willing, we’ll be there at 11am on Sunday). As soon as you get back home, be sure and jump back into the mix of your own local church. Don’t fall for the trick of thinking you can do this well on your own. It’s a scam.

“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.”

Proverbs 4:23

The summertime slide is real. And it isn’t good, or necessary. This summer, may God grant you the grace to grow deeper and wider in your walk with Him. In all your coming and going, may you flourish in the fruit of the Spirit and may He receive the glory.

It’s a new day with God. Run with it.