What does the Bible say about being spiritually asleep?

Spiritual sleep is portrayed in Song of Solomon 5:2 as an unflattering condition affecting believers. The bride states, 'I sleep, but my heart waketh,' indicating that while the new man in Christ yearns for communion, sin causes a lethargy that hampers responsiveness to God's voice. This condition is further emphasized in Romans 7:18, where Paul acknowledges a struggle with sin that dwells in the flesh, yet maintains that sin does not have dominion over the believer. The struggle against slothfulness in spiritual matters highlights the tension between our renewed nature and the remnants of the old man. Therefore, while the heart may be quickened, the sleepiness reflects our need for grace and awakening, reminding us that genuine believers grapple with their spiritual condition and often feel the weight of indifference and insensitivity.