4 Signs That Your Heart Could Be Growing Cold

May 10th, 2025

In walking with people over the years I have seen various signs that have pointed to one who has a growing cold heart toward the things of the Lord. Like erosion over time, a cold heart grows slowly and is almost imperceptible in shifts of one’s heart that bring on the condition of a hard heart to the Lord. No Believer wants this, we don’t ask for it, but it can happen to any one of us.

What is the “cold heart” toward God? It is when the things of God that once encouraged and sparked your heart now leaves your heart flat-lined, you feel nothing in particular – that is the cold heart. So, how’s your heart?

Every one of us is susceptible to this, each of us has even experienced it from time to time. But left unattended to, it can create a frozen tundra of the heart.

These are all marks of a growing cold heart to God:

1. Lack of Spiritual Engagement: You become unmoved by any Bible reading, and you find yourself going through the motions more and more. The Gospel isn’t transforming. No real repentance. You prayers are cold. And you are generally bored by the things of God.
2. Negative Internal Shifts: Criticism grows. Irritability sets in. Angry outbursts increase. And so much media has flooded your eyes that you are numb.
3. Diminished Compassion and Self-Centeredness: When people are more of an obstacle to what you want. And when you have no compassion for the hurting, suffering, or people in general.
4. Hidden Sin and Moral Compromise: You hide little sins, the ones no one but you know of. Over time, these become more regular and grow in their consequences.
None of these singularly may be an indicator of a cold heart, but if there is a pattern of a few of them growing - you may be experiencing it growing in you.

[Here is a short note to all of my scrupulous friends reading this: You will likely over-think this list and if not careful, you will think I am writing specifically to you and you have each of these. If you think that is true. Just pause and bring these fears to the Lord right now. The Holy Spirit is really good at pointing to truth and in gently guiding us to walking with Him – if you hear condemnation – that is NOT the Holy Spirit!]

Let me close with some hope for those whose hearts are growing frigid. Zephaniah 3:17 says this to you: “The Lord your God is among you, a warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with gladness. He will be quiet in His love. He will delight in you with singing.” He rejoices over you? Yes! And Psalm 86:15 says: “But You, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in faithful love and truth.” This is a truth for you, friends. He is patient, He is at work! Lastly, Philippians 1:6 says: “I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” He isn’t finished. So lean into Him. Open up your Bible again. Share with a Jesus-loving friend that you have felt cold to Him lately and ask them to pray for you.

I love the fact that He is not done with us! Thank You, Lord!

Nothing on my own,