There will be times in the life of a follower of Jesus Christ that he will be spiritually dry. God is sovereign and could fill every moment of our lives with his presence, but for purposes unknown to us He does not. Could it be that God wants us to walk by faith and not feelings? Could it be that God wants His children to trust alone His promises He’s given to us in His revealed will?
What has God given us when He seems so far away and our hearts are cold and lonely? God has given us the promise that He will never leave us or forsake us, see Hebrews 13:5. God has given to the church the marvelous promise that nothing can separate us from His love, see Romans 8: 31. We hide these truths in our hearts and dig down and rest in them when we don’t feel close to God or when He seems so far from us.
God has also given His people the fellowship of the church. God’s people are to be practicing the one another’s of the Bible. Here are just a few:
- Love one another (John 13:34 - This command occurs at least 16 times)
- Be devoted to one another (Romans 12:10)
- Honor one another above yourselves (Romans 12:10)
- Live in harmony with one another (Romans 12:16)
- Build up one another (Romans 14:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:11)
How many times have you lifted up another brother or sister in Christ? How many times has another brother or sister in the body of Christ lifted you up? I don’t believe that God’s workings in the church or in the lives of Christians is something nebulous. I believe that God has ordained means and His means are His word, the fellowship of the saints, worship, and the two observances He’s given to the church.
Christians must avail themselves to the means that God has ordained. If we are looking for or depending on feelings we will never grow beyond baby Christians who are ever wandering and always looking for an experience, which will leave you out in the cold without any real spiritual footing.
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