Following and Trusting : Encountering God Out of the Box

(And What Might Be Behind It)

Understanding spiritual fatigue, trauma, and the deeper issues that might be at play.

Have you—or someone you love—ever noticed a pattern of falling asleep in a church gathering, corporate prayer, or Bible study?

Maybe it happens when you’re trying to read Scripture or when you’re surrounded by strong, encouraging believers.

You’re not tired when you arrive… but once you’re in worship, prayer, or the Word is opened, your eyes get heavy. Again.

You might wonder:

“Is it just fatigue? Boredom? Or could something deeper be going on?”

This isn’t a silly or shameful question—it’s worth paying attention to.

And if you’ve ever asked it, you’re not alone.

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A Real Question, A Real Struggle

Recently, someone posed this question:

“What could cause an individual to have a pattern of falling asleep in a church gathering, during Bible studies, and even around spiritually mature Christian friends?”

In this case, the person had already renounced certain spirits, but the issue remained.

If we’re discerning carefully, this may not be laziness or disinterest.

This may be a spiritual, emotional, or neurological shutdown.

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Five Possible Root Causes and How to Respond:

1. Weak or Suppressed Spirit

Sometimes our spirit is simply weary or undeveloped. Life has been hard, and the soul has been leading the charge for so long that the spirit lags behind.

What to do:

Gently bless the person’s spirit to come forward in Jesus’ name.

Speak life over their spirit, invite it to awaken and engage with God.

Bless their identity and authority in Christ.

Proverbs 18:14 says, “The human spirit can endure in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?”

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2. Unhealed Trauma

When someone has experienced repeated emotional trauma, their nervous system may associate spiritual environments with fear, pain, or vulnerability—even if they desire healing.

This can result in a shut-down or freeze response, where the body protects itself by going to sleep.

What to do:

Use gentle listening prayer to ask Jesus where the original wound occurred.

Invite His presence into that memory.

Let His truth replace the fear or false beliefs.

Encourage trauma-informed soul care and healing prayer.

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3. Spiritual Oppression or Distraction

There may be spiritual interference, such as a spirit of slumber or dullness that seeks to block revelation.

What to do:

Break agreement with the spirit of slumber in Jesus’ name.

Speak out loud:

“I break agreement with dullness, spiritual slumber, and confusion. I receive clarity, alertness, and joy in the Lord.”

Declare Scripture over the mind and spirit (e.g., Ephesians 5:14—“Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”)

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4. Nervous System Fatigue

For those recovering from trauma, chronic stress, or illness, the body may interpret quiet, peaceful settings as a cue to sleep—because it finally feels safe.

What to do:

Don’t shame the body. Instead, honor the nervous system and encourage rest and physical recovery.

Offer safe spaces to encounter God slowly and gently.

Let rest be part of the healing.

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5. Inner Vows or Lies

Sometimes people have unknowingly made inner vows like, “I’ll never be vulnerable again,” or they’ve believed lies such as “I’m not worthy to hear God” or “This is too much for me.”

These can cause subconscious resistance to spiritual engagement.

What to do:

Ask Jesus in prayer:

• “What vow or lie have I made or believed?”

• “Jesus, what truth do You want me to know instead?”

Then, renounce the lie and declare His truth aloud.

Healing begins as the heart aligns with God’s love and truth.

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An Encouraging Word

If this is something you’ve faced, take heart.

God is not disappointed in you.

He knows your story.

And He’s more than willing to gently lead you into healing.

“Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
— Matthew 11:28

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Questions to Ask Jesus in Prayer:

• Jesus, is there something causing me to disconnect when I try to focus on You?

• What does my spirit need from You today?

• Is there a wound or memory You want to heal?

• Is there a lie I’ve believed that You want to speak truth over?

• Would You show me how You’re praying for me right now? (See Romans 8:26–27)

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Let the healing begin—not through striving, but through surrender.

Your spirit was made for connection.

And Jesus is already interceding for your wholeness.

Dig Deeper…

God, Show Me More of You

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Merri Ellen Giesbrecht / www.merriellen.com