The last few days have seem my spirit ride the emotional roller coaster. Recently, I discussed the reality of how the enemy uses our emotions to derail us. Sometimes we can get stuck in a vortex of frailty. Yes, all of us can find ourselves in that position if we are not very careful. In the end, though, a follower of Jesus must maintain the proper balance to stay emotionally and spiritually healthy. If we allow our emotions to control us, we tend to spend way too much time wallowing in self-pity, frustration, or maybe even anger. To stay physically healthy, we know that we should do certain things, right? Eat from the basic food groups in the correct proportions, engage in regular exercise routines, and daily rest – these are common knowledge “rules” for healthy living.
To stay spiritually healthy, we also need certain things. We need to dine on the Word of God, pray, fellowship, and praise – all on a consistent basis. Even high-powered evangelists and beloved pastors can get out of sync occasionally. I am not suggesting that this comes from an immoral situation, but it can. More often than not, we get in a spiritual funk because of an imbalance in our normal routine. Extra pressures in the ministry (or job) steal away some of our prayer time, a tragedy seems to steal the praise from our hearts, or maybe adding a new item to an already busy schedule, crowds out a typical Bible study regimen. It can happen to any of us. When I find myself in this kind of “spiritual funk,” I have to make myself step back and consider where I am, regarding my best case spiritual diet. Sure enough, life issues or other circumstances have altered what is best for me. So, I have to be purposeful in getting back on track. If I am not studying the scripture as I should, I have to make that a priority. If I am not praying and communing with the Father as much as I should, I must correct that. It is even better (for me) if I combine these two items.
If I can get out early in the morning and prayer-walk, after I have read through some selected scriptures, this is my best case scenario. Doing this always helps me right the ship, so to speak. I need that time to commune with the Father, to talk with him about my life and share my concerns about friends and family. If I allow my emotions or other concerns in life steal this time away from me, I start to slide into a place that is not spiritually healthy. Prayer-walking is a powerful tool when you learn to use it as I do. It is good for your physical well-being too.
Regarding seeking the Lord early, I like some of the verses penned by King David:
- In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. – Psalm 5:3
- Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. – Psalm 143:8
- O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. – Psalm 63:1
If you struggle with keeping your spiritual diet balanced, step back from your current situation and take an inventory of what you are and are not doing – as compared to what you know you should be doing. It really is that simple. Having the power to implement changes may not be as simple, but if you will lean on the Lord to help adjust things, you can certainly do it. His power is sufficient. Maybe that’s the whole point anyway? 😉
