How To Get Right With God After Backsliding

Falling away from your faith can leave you feeling distant from God and unsure of how to restore your relationship with Him. The good news is that God is always ready to welcome you back with open arms. If you’re looking for help getting right with God again, you’ve come to the right place.

If you’re short on time, here’s the quick answer: Confess your sins, repent and turn away from them, pray daily, study Scripture, find a supportive community of believers, trust God’s forgiveness and grace, and walk in obedience to Christ.

Confess Your Sins Honestly

Be specific when confessing

When confessing your sins to God after backsliding, it’s important to be as specific as possible. Rather than making vague confessions like “Lord, forgive me for where I’ve failed you,” name the actual sins you’ve committed.

For example, “Lord, please forgive me for losing my temper and yelling at my family,” or “Lord, I’m sorry for looking at pornography and lusting after others.” Calling out your specific sins helps you take full responsibility for your wrong actions.

Being detailed also allows the Holy Spirit to bring conviction and restoration in the specific areas you need it most.

Take responsibility for your actions

A key aspect of honest confession is refusing to make excuses or blame others. Explain exactly what you did wrong without trying to justify your behavior. For instance, “Lord, I lied to my friend instead of kindly telling her the truth. I have no excuse. Please forgive me.”

Don’t say, “Lord, I only lied because I didn’t want to hurt her feelings.” This denies personal responsibility. Genuine confession requires acknowledging, “I sinned against you and others. I made the wrong choice.” No finger pointing. Once you’ve confessed honestly, receive God’s promised forgiveness.

He is “faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). With your fellowship restored through confession, God will empower you to move forward in obedience.

When making things right with God after backsliding, honest confession is critical. Being truthful requires not just admitting you sinned in general, but calling out the precise ways you violated God’s standards. Rather than staying vague, name each specific sin that the Holy Spirit brings to mind.

Avoid excuses by taking full responsibility for all your wrong choices. God isn’t looking for long confessions, just sincere ones. Say enough to demonstrate you fully grasp where you fell short. The good news is that when you repent thoroughly, God is quick to forgive perfectly.

He delights in your restored relationship. Turn to Him in freedom and receive the Father’s cleansing embrace.

Repent and Turn Away from Sin

Commit to change with God’s help

Committing to change after backsliding requires humility and willingness to admit our failures before God. As the Bible says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). This commitment involves:

• Honestly examining where we have fallen short and seeking God’s forgiveness
• Asking God to reveal any areas in our life that need to change
• Making a decision to turn away from past sins and destructive habits with God’s help
• Seeking accountability from other believers to help walk in obedience

As we commit to follow God wholeheartedly, He promises to give us strength and grace for the journey ahead. An important aspect is relying on the Holy Spirit daily rather than trying to change in our own power.

Scripture reminds us that “it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). What an amazing promise!

Cut out harmful influences and habits

Making a clean break from influences that lead us into sin is crucial when seeking to repent after backsliding. As Proverbs 13:20 states, “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.”

Therefore, we must carefully examine our friendships, entertainment sources, and habits and cut off those causing harm.

For example, if certain media promote lustful thoughts or normalize ungodly behaviors, it may be necessary to cancel certain streaming services or apps. If friends pressure us into partying or casual dating, we should seek out new Christian community instead.

Eliminating sources of temptation helps us stay focused on pursuing God’s best in our lives.

Replacing harmful behaviors with godly habits is also important during this season. Scripture exhorts us to “not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind” (Romans 12:2).

As we fill our time with Bible reading, prayer, worship, and Christian fellowship, we’ll find sinful habits and desires fading as our minds and hearts align more with God’s truth.

Spend Time in Prayer Every Day

Pour your heart out to God

After backsliding, it is vital to restore your relationship with God by spending consistent, quality time in prayer each day (source). Set aside at least 15-20 minutes to pour out your heart, confess your sins, express gratitude, and make requests known to the Lord (Philippians 4:6).

Find a quiet place without distractions and speak candidly, as you would to a close friend. God already knows the desires of your heart, but verbalizing them creates intimacy and humility before Him.

Ask the Holy Spirit to bring to mind any hidden sins or motives that need confessing and cleansing. King David cried out, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24).

Allow God to reveal areas that need repentance. His forgiveness and restoration are complete when we confess our sins (1 John 1:9).

Listen for God’s guidance

After pouring out your heart, quiet yourself through worship and wait expectantly on God, listening for His still, small voice. Say with Samuel, “Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:9). God promises that His sheep will hear His voice when they listen (John 10:27).

Write down any impressions, Bible verses, ideas, or nudges that come to mind. These may provide guidance or reassurance from God customized to your situation and needs.

Conversing with God should flow two ways through speaking and listening. Make time to stop talking and start paying attention to what He may want to impress upon your heart. Listening shows God that you sincerely want to know and obey His will, not just present Him with a wish list.

It also builds your discernment to recognize His voice above all others.

Study and Meditate on Scripture

Let God’s Word transform you

When a believer backslides, the most important thing they can do is spend time studying and meditating on God’s Word. Scripture gives us guidance and wisdom for life, and it helps transform our minds and hearts to become more like Christ (Romans 12:2).

Here are some tips for studying the Bible after backsliding:

• Set aside regular quiet time to read the Bible each day. Even 15-30 minutes can make a big difference. Choose a book of the Bible and work through it slowly.
• Meditate on God’s Word throughout the day. Take a verse or passage and reflect on it over and over. Let it sink deep into your mind and change the way you think and act.
• Apply the Bible to your life. Look for ways you can put God’s teachings into practice each day. Be a doer of the Word, not just a hearer (James 1:22).
• Pray before you study, asking God to open your eyes to His truth. Be intentional about listening to what God wants to teach you in your time with Him.
• Get a journal and write down thoughts and insights you have as you read the Bible. This can help you better understand and apply God’s Word.

As we spend time in Scripture, we encounter the living God. His Word washes our minds and renews our thinking. Immersing ourselves in the Bible helps get our focus off ourselves and back on the Lord. His truth re-aligns our perspective and priorities in life.

We must approach God’s Word with humility, asking Him to change us. If we submit to Scripture’s authority, it has power to transform even the most wayward heart.

Apply biblical truths to your life

Studying the Bible is important, but we must also put what we learn into practice. As James 1:22 states, we should be “doers of the word, and not hearers only.” Here are some tips for applying biblical truths after backsliding:

• Write down one truth you read each day and think of a specific way to live it out. For example, if you read about loving others, look for one small act of kindness you can do.
• Meditate on a verse about an area you’re struggling with. Ask God to show you how to apply that truth to make positive changes.
• Examine your life in light of God’s commands and principles. Identify any areas that need to align more with Scripture.
• Make a practical plan for change. If the Bible confronts an area of sin, confess it and make specific changes to avoid it.
• Rely on God’s strength to help you follow through. Remember that real life change only happens through His power at work within us.

The goal is to become “doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). We must read the Bible carefully, discern how it applies to our lives, and then rely on God’s strength to actually live it out. Scripture helps us see where we need to change and gives us wisdom for carrying it out.

Applying God’s Word after backsliding brings His truth and healing into the practical details of life.

Surround Yourself with Other Believers

Find a supportive church community

Seeking out a supportive church community after backsliding can provide the fellowship, accountability, and spiritual guidance needed to get back on track. As the old saying goes, “You’re as sick as your secrets.”

Being open about your struggles with a caring pastor or small group creates transparency and helps prevent isolation.

According to a recent survey by the National Association of Evangelicals, over 80% of Christians who regularly participate in a small group say it has been “very helpful” in their spiritual growth. Try visiting a few local churches that align with your beliefs until you find a congregation where you feel at home.

Then get plugged in serving, join a small group bible study, and build relationships to lift you up.

Seek mentoring and accountability

In addition to Christian community, pursuing one-on-one mentorship provides guidance and keeps us accountable as we seek to grow in faith. According to pastor and author Dr. Tony Evans, “A mentoring relationship helps you cultivate the habits and disciplines necessary for developing maturity and character.”

Mentors act as spiritual advisors to listen, answer questions biblically, and challenge areas needing improvement.

Consider asking a spiritually mature believer you respect to meet regularly for discipleship and straight talk. Share openly about any backsliding, ask questions, and be teachable. As iron sharpens iron, you can spur each other on toward righteousness.

Maintaining frequent contact provides the motivation needed to keep seeking the Lord.

Trust God’s Grace and Forgiveness

God is always ready to forgive

One of the most amazing things about God is His never-ending forgiveness and grace toward us. Even when we turn away from Him, He is always ready to welcome us back with open arms (Luke 15:11-32). God knows that we are imperfect and will stumble at times, but He looks past our faults to see our need for Him.

In fact, God promises that “if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). No sin is too great for God to forgive. He stands ready to pardon whatever wrong we have done if we come to Him with a repentant heart.

This should give us incredible hope!

We must remember that it is only by God’s grace that any of us can be forgiven. We can’t earn it through good behavior. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8).

When we turn back to God after backsliding, we must rely fully on His mercy and grace.

Move forward in freedom from guilt

Once God has forgiven our sins, He wants us to move forward in freedom rather than continuing to beat ourselves up over past mistakes. God does not hold our wrongdoings over our heads to make us feel ashamed. “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).

The Accuser (Satan) will try to weigh us down with guilt by reminding us of our failures and unworthiness. But we must remember what God’s Word says about us: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

When God forgives us, it is total and complete. He sees us as righteous, not based on our own efforts but because of Christ’s finished work on the cross.

This truth should empower us to move forward in joy and confidence, rather than clinging to our past sins. We are new creations with a fresh start! There is no need to wallow in condemnation. “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:1-2).

Walking in freedom from guilt allows us to have a more intimate relationship with God again. We can pray, worship, read His Word, and serve others without the weight of shame dragging us down. God wants us to keep looking to Jesus as we follow Him wholeheartedly. What amazing grace!

Walk in Obedience to Christ

Make Christ the Lord of your life

After backsliding from your faith, it’s important to reconnect with Christ and make Him the center of your life again. Here are some tips:

• Pray and ask God for forgiveness. Admit where you went wrong and commit to following Jesus wholeheartedly going forward.
• Read the Bible daily to reconnect with God’s truth and commands. Highlight verses that speak to your situation.
• Surround yourself with other believers who can support you and hold you accountable. Join a small group at church or Bible study.
• Evaluate areas of temptation and create safeguards. For example, if certain shows or websites lead you astray, avoid them.
• Make a plan to serve in your church or community. Focusing on helping others keeps your eyes on Jesus.

As you walk closely with God each day, He will give you the strength and wisdom to resist temptation and stay on the right path. Amazingly, God promises that when we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us (James 4:8).

Depend on the Spirit to help you

One amazing blessing for believers is the Holy Spirit who empowers us to obey and honor God. After backsliding, it’s important to rely on the Spirit’s help in getting your spiritual life on track again.

• Pray daily to be filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). Ask Him to guide your thoughts and actions.
• Study verses about the role of the Holy Spirit so you understand how He can help you (John 14:26, Romans 8:26-27).
• Make choices each day to follow the Spirit’s promptings rather than your earthly desires.
• When you fail, confess it quickly and ask the Spirit to renew you. He will give you the power to get back up.

One pastor said, “When we rely on our own strength, we fail. But when we depend on the Spirit’s power, we find victory over sin.” This is so true in the battle against backsliding. Moment by moment, choose to yield to the Spirit!

Conclusion

Getting right with God again after you’ve fallen away requires honesty, commitment and trusting in His grace. By confessing your sins, repenting, immersing yourself in Scripture and prayer, surrounding yourself with other believers, and walking in obedience to Christ, you can restore your relationship with God and experience His joy and peace again.