Forthright Fixation

Times will come in the life of the Christian where God seems far, dedication is difficult, and growth seems non-existent. It would seem that college has a way of making conditions perfect for this sort of stagnation.

After completing my freshman year, I can say that maintaining faith through college requires deliberate action. Through neglect, if it were not for the grace of God, it would be far too easy to turn from all that one has held. On most occasions, the trials to our faith are not threats to destroy it but seasons in, as it were, a dry land. In these times excitement for the faith is lost and God seems to be very far off. I have been considering this issue over the last few weeks as I have felt negligent in my personal devotion to Christ. Over this time the Lord has brought to mind truths that would seem to be part of the answer to reviving the soul from the drought of Spiritual water. These truths have come from sermons in two different churches and my own time in the Word.

It is first necessary to repent. Repentance is, of course, always necessary in our walk with God. Yet, in the times when we are feeling distant from God there are usually points where we have neglected to do our duty. If, because of our sin, we cannot hear the voice of God, it does not mean that he has stopped speaking only that we have made ourselves deaf to his voice. The proper response is repentance.

The next requisite is desire. A Christian cannot hope to grow in his walk if he does not daily desire the Lord and his Word. The desire for the Lord is one of the marks of a Christian. We cannot taste the waters of Christ until we thirst. “‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.’” (John 7:37, ESV) Only when the Christian’s need is real to himself can he come to Christ for the remedy. Clearly, a desire for the Lord is not something that can come by one’s own strength. It is through grace that he is granted this desire. In our times of weakness and distance let us pray that God would grant to us a desire for the Lord, his Word, and closeness with him.

Third, consistent time in prayer and the Bible is needed. This can be extremely hard and is often the key element that is missing when going through a dry season. Yet, it is the means of grace in all seasons. The Christian must not neglect the sword of the Spirit, the belt of truth, the shield of faith, or the breastplate of righteousness in the fight against dryness. He must be “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.” (Ephesians 6:18, ESV)

Along the same lines, the fourth step is to be willing to sacrifice that which pulls you away from Christ. The strengthening of faith doesn’t happen accidentally. It requires deliberate effort on the part of the believer. This applies to time spent in personal devotion. It also is necessary to be deliberate in laying aside that which hinders (Hebrews 12:1-2). What is keeping you from seeking Christ, from desiring him, from longing for his living water? (The busyness of life, the people surrounding you, a relationship?) It may even be necessary to assess what small things are distracting you from seeking him with your whole heart. In my struggle I had to consider what I was meditating on. (The music I was listening to, the conversations I engaged in, the things I considered important.) The Christian must consider what is drawing him closer to Christ and what needs to be sacrificed for the sake of his faith.

Finally, and of great importance, the Christian must assume victory. The fight of faith is not in human hands. The Lord has called his children to himself and not one of them will be lost. If you are elect of Christ you can be assured that he will never leave you and you will never wander beyond return. If a Christian is struggling with his lack of faith or the feeling of being distant from God, he must recognize that it is a time of growth. If one feels that he is right before God and is content with the present relationship, there will be no growth. Through you may feel empty before Christ, that recognition is an invitation for the grace of Christ to fill you to overflowing.

The Christian will face times of emptiness. Yet, if he remains faithful to Christ, confesses his sin, and desires God, he will be filled abundantly and will be made stronger in the end.

“As the hart longs for flowing streams, So longs my soul for Thee, O God. My soul does thirst for the Living God; When shall I come to see Thy face?

My tears have fed me day and night, While men have said, “Where is your God?” But I recall as my soul pours dry, The days of praise within Thy house.

Why do I mourn and toil within, When it is mine to hope in God? I shall again sing praise to Him; He is my help, He is my God”
(As the Hart Longs for Flowing Streams, Trinity Hymnal 662)

Filed under: Christian Living, Faith, Prayer, Weakness