Lift that Listless Faith! (Part 3)

"If God be our God, He will give us peace in trouble. When there is a storm without, He will make peace within. The world can create trouble in peace, but God can create peace in trouble."   - Thomas Watson

Thus far in this series, we've discussed some useful fundamentals or basics one can turn to when finding yourself in a spiritual slump. Energizing our faith, fortifying our hope, and activating our love have been presented.

One of the earmarks of being a Christian is the ability to have harmonious relations with others. What this amounts to is living our lives with a common intention of building up each other in Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

The lack of "peace" that is derived from these harmonious relations can and does contribute to an insecure, unbalanced spiritual well-being. The importance of peace is a vital part to the composition of the Kingdom of God (Romans 14:17-19).

The enjoyment of peace with others aids in our receiving peace from the God of love and peace (2 Corinthians 13:11). Having peace with God also has a positive effect on our relations with our enemies (Proverbs 16:7).

In order to "enjoy our peace," there are a few things that we need to clarify first. Peace with God starts with the justification that can only be found in Christ (Romans 5:1).

Sincere, passionate prayer may also help us enjoy peace that exceeds our expectations (Philippians 4:6-7). Though it may seem obvious here, prayer is often overlooked as a way to complement spiritual health (1 Chronicles 16:11).

Robert Leighton (1611-1684), a Scottish bishop said, "All the peace and favour of the world cannot calm a troubled heart; but where this peace is which Christ gives, all the trouble and disquiet of the world cannot disturb it."

Spiritual doldrums don't just happen suddenly, they tend to creep up on us. To truly "enjoy our peace" as God intended, we must pursue peaceful relations not only with each other, but with God, and even ourselves (Hebrews 12:14)! 

The next time we meet, we will wrap up this series with yet one more fundamental element that we can put to use to help rejuvenate a slumping spirit. As always, until next time, I pray that all may go well with you!

Scripture: John 14:27; Ephesians 6:23; Titus 2:7; Psalm 29:11;1 Thessalonians 5:17 

Prayer: "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace."  - Numbers 6:24-26

In Christ,

Claire