Spiritual brokenness (IV)

When we say that a Christian should experience spiritual brokenness, we do not mean that the Christian should be moody and depressed. In fact, the Word of God encourages us to rejoice in the Lord always:

Philippians 4: 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

Prophet Isaiah wrote:

Isaiah 12: 2 – 5 Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; ‘For Yah, the Lord, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation.’ ” Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. And in that day you will say: “Praise the Lord, call upon His name; Declare His deeds among the peoples, Make mention that His name is exalted. Sing to the Lord, For He has done excellent things; This is known in all the earth.

Broken people who have learnt to trust in the Lord, and who are easily taught of the Lord, will receive ample blessings from the Lord. Thus, though they may be persecuted by the world because of their righteousness, they shall have reasons to rejoice always.

Christians are not to be bothered and overwhelmed by our persecutions or challenges to the point of giving up or becoming sad. Instead, we are to cast our burdens and worries upon the Lord. We are to remain sober and vigilant always. Whether we experience success or failure, abundance or lack, oppositions or celebrations – we rejoice in moderation. We must not give opportunity to Satan, our enemy, to attack us.

David’s victory over Goliath was a landmark achievement in his life, but it was also the beginning of his trouble with Saul. In addition, it was the beginning of Saul’s woes. These imply that we should know how to handle both success and failure appropriately, because either of them can present an opportunity for Satan to attack us. We should not be carried away by success, we should not be drowned in the sea of failure as well. Rather, we should be sober and vigilant always.

Carrying your worries, stresses, and daily struggles by yourself shows that you have not trusted God fully with your life. God cares, so admit your need to Him, and let God’s people help you. Sometimes, we think that struggles caused by our own sin and foolishness are not God’s concern; but when we turn to the Lord in repentance, He will bear the weight of even those struggles. So, do not submit to circumstances, but to the Lord who controls circumstances.

Lions attack animals that are alone or not alert. Peter warns us to watch out for Satan when we are suffering or being persecuted. When we feel alone, weak, helpless, and we cut off from other believers to focus on our troubles so much that we forget to watch for danger, we become especially vulnerable to Satan’s attacks. During hard times, seek fellow Christians for support. Keep your eyes on Christ, but stay in the company of the disciples of Christ.

 

to be continued