Life in your 40s is rich with experiences, yet for many women, this season also brings an unexpected feeling: a spiritual stall. If you’ve found yourself wondering why your faith over 40 feels flat or distant lately, you’re not alone. In fact, it’s incredibly common for faith to shift or feel stuck during seasons of major life change. This post explores why that happens—and how to gently rediscover connection with God in your forties and beyond.
Deborah Larson welcomes Kelly Stark– Wife, Mom, photographer and Member of the 40-yr old+ Club! Kelly discusses a challenging stage in her 40s where she felt like she “face planted” in her faith and began conversations with her circle– who also felt a strain in their faith life.
There are often signs when our faith is stalling. Maybe prayer feels stale, like a checklist. Worship feels forced. Or maybe you realize you’ve been performing faith—saying the right words, reading the right scriptures—but your heart is elsewhere. If that sounds familiar, hear this: you are not broken. You are being invited into something more.
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐞, 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞-𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝟒𝟎:
Start by giving yourself permission to pause. Let go of the pressure to perform or “feel” a certain way spiritually. God is not grading your quiet time. Instead, step outside. Breathe. Sit with nature. Notice the breeze on your skin. These moments of rest are sacred—they make room for God’s whisper.
Next, shift your prayer life. Instead of reciting requests, try starting with this: “God, I’m tired. I need You. I don’t know what to say.” Then sit in the silence. You don’t need perfect words; you just need presence.
Many women in their 40s carry not only their own burdens, but also those of their families, communities, and past selves. Ask yourself often: “Is this feeling mine, or am I carrying something that isn’t mine to hold?” Surrender what isn’t yours. God is capable of holding the ones you love, even when you can’t.
If you’re looking for a simple rhythm to reconnect with God, here’s a gentle suggestion: Begin your day with a short verse and a prayer of honesty. Midday, pause and say, “I love You, Lord,” in the middle of your ordinary tasks. In the evening, journal one moment of unexpected grace and write one question you want to ask God. And once a week, meet with a trusted friend to share what’s stirring in your heart. This rhythm isn’t about achievement—it’s about intentional presence.
Friend, you are not behind. Your faith is not broken. You are not too late. God is not disappointed. He is with you—in the mess, the beauty, the confusion, and the pause. He’s not asking for spiritual performance. He’s inviting you into personal presence.
So where do you start? Choose one rhythm. One verse. One breath prayer. One honest moment.
Let that be enough. God will meet you there.
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