(This was supposed to post yesterday! For some mysterious reason, it did not.)
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Matthew 11:28-29 (NASB)
Have you ever hit a spiritual slump? Spiritual Slumpiness is defined as: Being dissatisfied with your current state of spiritual growth and change but not feeling like doing much about it.
Ok, I admit I made that up. However, I think there are many women out there who are in the slumpies and don't quite know what to do about it. Most are not even sure how they got there in the first place! The interesting thing about this form of apathy is that we tend to work ourselves there. We women are busy little creatures; many working full-time, or part-time while caring for husbands and/or children. Add to this the housekeeping and cooking and there seems little time to feed your soul. The thought of adding one more thing to your already exploding schedule leaves you gasping for air. SOMETHING has to give, and unfortunately spiritual rejuvenation seems to be the first thing crossed off the list.
The absolute wrong thing to do is to allow it to continue unabated. Spiritual apathy feeds upon itself and before long one day has stretched into a week, then a month, and before you realize it- a year has gone by since you picked up your Bible to read it for yourself.
People in a spiritual slump seem to find great excuses for remaining there too. They are too busy to read or pray, too tired to think, too overwhelmed to concentrate, have too much to do every day, or any number of (bad) excuses.
After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone. Matthew 14:23 (NASB)
I am reminded of the Lord Jesus who worked tirelessly and was constantly about His Father's business. Even in his weariness He stole away from the crowds and duties to spend time with His Father in prayer and to rejuvenate His soul through communion with God. We are not privy to what Jesus prayed about or discussed with His Father but we know He was there - alone with God.
Psalm 23 speaks of the Lord as the Good Shepherd. As such, He is to protect us from harm, to lead us to the place we will find rest and respite from the trials of the day. He leads us to Himself through His Word.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul. Psalm 23:2-3a (NKJV)
After I spend time reading the Bible, my inner man fairly sings with relief and joy. It is as though I have bathed in those still, deep waters of truth and holiness and my soul is indeed restored. I find I have the renewed ability to face the ugliness of the world and the unbelieving people I am surrounded by.
To reject such a wonderful gift...it doesn't make sense! Why would we willingly and intentionally decide to walk away from a place of refuge, love, peace, and restoration? Why? Because we wrongly believe that we have a better idea, or a better way to handle life. Something that will take less time and offer immediate gratification to our shallow souls...a manicure, a new haircut, or maybe a visit to the spa? Such empty and vain pursuits that we expect to restore our souls? May it never be!
Oh Lord, teach us to run to You, to cling to You, to desire You more than any other thing or person. we are but foolish and stupid sheep, being led to spiritual slaughter by the sinful desires of our own hearts. Save us from ourselves Lord. Lead us in the way everlasting.