Though I dearly love the King James Version with all its poetic beauty I know that some of my readers find it more difficult to understand. As I move forward I will try to keep a balance that I hope to be helpful for all my readers by incorporating other versions at times, by separating the scriptures so that you may jump past to the narrative, and by providing at times only references to the scripture verse that I am referring to without including the actual verse. At one point, I included every verse just in case someone did not have a Bible. Silly me, if you are reading my blog; you have internet; therefore, you do have access to Internet Bible Sources such as http://www.biblegateway.com Please feel free to give me feedback so that we may grow together; as certainly, this pilgrimage life journey is one where we all need each other. There is so much to learn and so much joy to experience as we walk this wonderful journey with God.
The book of Proverbs is one which will take us some time to complete; but, I sincerely believe will be worth our while. The first 7 chapters are Solomon’s instructions to his children, a wise Father urging and pleading that his children to seek after, cling tight to, and forever be lead by God’s wisdom. He has provided instructions, provided exhortations that include promises and described the magnificent benefits of life that come from clear discernment based on wisdom. In chapter 5, he had pleaded that they not allow their eyes to wander losing sight of their first love; because they could lose everything with the resultant emptiness, depression, and disillusionment that certainly would follow. In this, he had referred to more than just the marital state.
Drawing used with written permission of Ronald Barba. © 2011 Ronald Barba and is protected under copyright laws.
The greatest loss that we can face is the loss of our passion, love and desire for God as our greatest treasure. When we as Christians lose that because we have run after other loves; the resultant heartbreak can be nearly unbearable as life starts sifting through our hands with no purpose, joy, or hope.
Without that passion and love for God to awaken us fresh each morning, we begin to just go through the motions of each and every day—life becomes drudgery or a constant chasing after anything to bring back that sparkle. Are you there? Perhaps you could understand it or at least explain it when you know you strayed and you were the one who blatantly chased after something else. But what about those moments when you think you have been following God, He has been first in your devotion, you have done all that He has asked, and life becomes that same “going through the motions” with no passion? You want to cry, you long to trust, and you need something to
just turn on inside. You feel a failure. You haven’t done all you thought you could. The videos you were going to make are still not done, the book you were writing has come to a standstill, and you suddenly realize—no one really needs you and anything ever accomplished in the past has now been lost into nothingness. I daresay that was Solomon in the later years of his life and all too often that is the case with too many dear Christians. All the more reason why we must be diligent during the desert seasons of our life. When we are facing spiritual draught we must know the steps of restoring those rivers of joy and we must remember that God uses broken vessels. So, I believe it is a good moment to pause and look at the steps of restoration rather than leave us broken without hope.
1. Pray honestly and diligently. Do not think for a moment that God doesn’t know the truth of your heart, mind and spirit. You may try to fool the world or even yourself; but you can never fool God about where you are at this exact moment. Don’t know what to say? Don’t worry—just sit quietly and wait for the Holy Spirit to guide you. Set aside this alone time every day. Like David ask God to restore to you the Joy of your salvation (Psalm 51:12)
2. Study the scripture—particularly search out the promises of God, write them on little cards, read at least 5 promises each night and 5 each morning. If you find that this is too much for you, recognize that you can go to an already prepared list which you can print off at http://www.intouch.org/you/gods-promises. (2 Peter 1:3-6)
3. Listen to hymns-nothing can brighten your soul better than songs of praise. (Ephesians 5:19)
4. Once you have repented to God, be gentle and forgiving with others and yourself; realizing that this season will pass as you continue doing steps 1-3. (Ephesians 4:32)
5. Search your own heart for any chafe while asking God to reveal to you what it is that is darkening your spirit. These moments only come that he might be glorified and God knows the darkest secrets of your heart; even those you have hidden from yourself. (Psalm 129:23-24)
6. Be certain to assess your schedule including your eating, sleeping, exercise and work. Avoid overbooking your social schedule until you get back on track. Temptations reach their highest when we allow ourselves to get too tired; but, be careful here—laziness, social withdrawal, and just lying around also is dangerous. So try to find some balance with your life.
7. Remember that even our faith is a gift of grace. God’s love remains constant, flaming for us even when ours waxes cold at times. Only He can rekindle the fire of passion within us and He will.
Let our life song be: “Lord, Keep My Heart”
Lord, Keep My Heart Always True to You
© 2014 Effie Darlene Barba
Drawing used with written permission of Ronald Barba. © 2011 Ronald Barba and is protected under copyright laws. If you desire copies please go to:
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