There are times in my life where I have felt on a spiritual ‘high’. Prayers were being answered. I was leading a group in prayer. I prayed for people every morning. I sang music to the Lord in the street. There have been times of spiritual lows. I questioned God. I felt like I was shooting prayers to heaven only to have them fired back down. I cried myself to sleep wondering if God could hear me. I didn’t open my bible even when I knew it would help. I stopped praying. My emotions were in turmoil. Spiritual highs. Spiritual lows. Up and down. Backwards and forwards. I get motion sickness occasionally, so this was never a good place to be…
What I have come to realise though, is that God is still the same God whether my emotions change or not. He is still the same awesome God, mighty to save, wonderful counsellor, prince of peace. He doesn’t suddenly become less credible because my mood and my life suddenly seem to spiral downwards. In times of spiritual highs, I feel so close to the Lord and think nothing is impossible because God is with me. He is an ever present source of comfort and help in times of trouble and distress. But does God suddenly become less powerful, less worthy or less interested in me when I am in spiritual turmoil?
It can feel like it. But feelings are fickle. God is the same, yesterday, today and forever. His promises for us do not change, even when we change. My attitudes, feelings and thoughts change on a daily basis. Sometimes they change within seconds. If I believed in a God who’s thoughts and feelings and attitudes towards me changed every few seconds, then I would be worshipping something else. In contrast, we have a God that promises to:
- Comfort us in times of hardship and trouble (2 Corinthians 1:3-4; Psalm 46:1-3)
- Provide us with peace (Philippians 4:6-7)
- Gives us understanding for all situations we may find ourselves in (Psalm 32:8)
- Takes all of our burdens and worries upon himself (Psalm 68:19)
- He is our strength when we are weak (Isaiah 41:10; 2 Corinthians 12: 9-10)
His promises go on and on, like his unending love for us. I may have spiritual highs and lows in life because being a Christian is not easy. But we have a God that has gone before us. Who knows our spiritual highs and lows. Therefore, this means:
Hebrews 4:15: “…we do not have a high priest [Jesus Christ] who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”
God understands our spiritual highs and lows. My faith may be wavering, but God is my rock, my shield, my firm foundation who never changes. I may change. But he is the same, yesterday, today and forever. One of the reasons why I am so very in love with our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Blessings to you all 🙂 <<< hover here… and click!
Ruth
An Anchored Hope 