What Is Wrong? - Part 4

In this segment of our study, we will look at several more possibilities for why a Christian may find himself struggling spiritually. In spite of the desire of his heart to be close to God and pleasing to Him, the believer may at times find himself hitting a wall or feeling defeated. Some of the possible reasons for this disappointing sensation of seeming coldness can actually be quite practical.

The demands of life can have an impact on the spiritual walk, especially when those demands rise above the ordinary. Every effort and every relationship requires energy. When the physical or mental energy is severely depleted, there is naturally a corresponding effect on the spiritual life. This could happen as the result of an illness, especially a severe or extended one. A single parent or a mom of young children may have too many demands to allow for any remaining energy. A father working two jobs may likewise find himself exhausted. Anyone with sleep deprivation for whatever reason will have his energies depleted. Someone can also be drained by a physically demanding job or one that maintains a high level of mental intensity.

When the mind and body are so overwhelmed, the spirit also suffers. Someone serious about his Christian walk may need to make some decisions about his priorities, perhaps reducing some of his demands so that he has energy to devote to his pursuit of God. Understandably, some of these situations are outside the realm of human control. In such situations, the believer should take any steps he can to reserve some energy for spiritual pursuits. In what he cannot influence, it can be helpful to remember the reality of the limitations, and also to trust the God who does have control to uphold the believer through the trying time.

Another factor that can subtly influence one's spiritual thermometer is that of conflicting input. While seeming benign, this input could actually place a heavy weight on the spirit. This weight could be in the form of books and magazines, television, music, and other similar types of input. This input may be unintentional, such as background music at someone's workplace. Even though the believer might not be purposefully or even consciously subjecting himself to this input, it can still have an effect on his spirit, leading to suppressed spiritual sensitivity and therefore a bleaker estimation of one's spiritual condition. A wise Christian will take inventory of his surroundings to see if there is some worldly input that is dragging him down. I Peter 2:11 states that these "fleshly lusts . . . wage war against the soul."

Another dampening influence on spiritual vigor is the very practical aspect of being "in a rut." Any relationship will seem dull if nothing interesting or different ever happens. It is easy for believers to develop a checklist of things they ought to be doing every day or every week; they assume that doing everything on the list is the means to spiritual health and vitality. Unfortunately, those tasks can become automatic and routine; their potential impact can easily diminish. Someone who is struggling might be wise to change things up. He might switch to a different method of Bible study or a different section of the Bible for his study. He might try a different time of day for his devotional time. He might plan a weekend vacation with God, in which he devotes an entire weekend to some special time with God. He might attend a conference or retreat. Whichever tactic he uses, the idea is to freshen up the relationship and redirect the efforts. David expressed his heart by stating, "O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly" (Psalm 63:1).

The final factor for this post is the need to consider an attack by Satan. Satan does not want Christians to grow or to enjoy their relationship with God. One of the most powerful oppositions to Satan's plan for the world is a joyful, triumphant Christian. A vibrant Christian is strong evidence against Satan's lies. In his desire to squelch such testimonies and dim their influence, Satan goes on the attack, seeking to discredit God's work and to destroy Christians. Jesus told Peter, "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat" (Luke 22:31). Peter was not alone in facing Satan's attacks. We know that the "adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (I Peter 5:8). When a Christian desires a close walk with God, is attempting to do the right things to promote such a walk, and still finds himself struggling, he should consider the possibility that Satan has targeted him. He must resist and fight back.

In what he can control, the Christian must try. He can guard his energies, examine his surroundings, and seek fresh ways of pursuing his relationship with God. In what he cannot control, the Christian must trust God. He must realize that God controls the circumstances of his life, and that God's help is needed to combat Satan. Sometimes the time of spiritual struggle or disappointment that causes the Christian to ask, "What is wrong?" will continue for some time, but it should not be because the Christian has given up.

"But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me." I Corinthians 15:10 (NASB)