Some Days I Just Don’t Feel Like It.
Occasionally I struggle with spiritual discouragement and lethargy. Trying to put words together to create a meaningful devotion becomes a struggle and some days my circumstances seem to overwhelm me, and I struggle just to pray. Many times, I just don’t feel like doing the things I know I should. For one reason or another, God sometimes seems so distant, let alone reachable, and yet, I know better.
David had times like these in his life as well. Don’t misunderstand me, I know I’m no David but the Psalms are filled with verses that express his despair and feeling of abandonment. Yet the Psalms also offer the key to living just fine during the dark periods of life. Look at what Psalm 119:89-95* has to say.
“Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven. Your faithfulness continues throughout all generations; You established the earth, and it stands. They stand this day according to Your ordinances…”
My circumstances or feelings have not changed God. He is the same God today as He was when He placed the stars in the heavens, guided the Israelites through the Red Sea, and fed the five thousand at “The Sermon on the Mount”.
“For all things are Your servants…”
All things, even those things that affect me right now, are God’s servants. The circumstance, people, and events around me are all under God. They are His servants, designed to help and bless me spiritually.
“If Your law had not been my delight, then I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget Your precepts, for by them You have revived me. I am Yours, save me; For I have sought Your precepts. The wicked wait for me to destroy me; I shall diligently consider Your testimonies.”
Remembering God’s faithfulness and control over everything that touches me gives me strength to walk with God even when I feel like giving up. After all, my feelings and circumstances have not changed God. He is perfectly capable of sustaining me if I will only let Him. I simply need to, as the Psalm says, “diligently and with delight”, choose to consider God’s teachings despite how I may feel. Choosing to live by God’s teachings may not be easy. It may even involve hard work, but only God can revive and save my soul from spiritual lethargy.
Next time I feel spiritually drained or inadequate, I have to remember that I have a choice. I can wrap myself up in excuses and self-pity, or I can choose to draw my strength from a never changing God.
My Prayer
Dear God
You never fail, You are always there, ready to sustain me with Your love. Let me remember that Your love often comes to me through others. As You give me words of encouragement and love for others, so may You give others, words of encouragement and love for me. Lord, thank you for Your faithfulness in me to show Your love to others, through me. I pray that my words can touch others as others have touched me. Thank you for the Gift of Your Son and the undeserved Grace received.
Amen
Jim Kerner