Have you ever felt dry spiritually? Sometimes our faith can get a little old and our love relationship with Jesus is not what it once was. We're not in "first love" anymore. Stuff has happened. Things have changed.
Sometimes, we get stuck here … like a rut that we just can't seem to get out of. What do you do? Stay where you are?
Could it be possible that God at times withdraws the sense of his presence from our lives (not that he ever actually leaves us) … in order to create a hunger and a thirst for us to seek him … like the lover in the Song of Songs who withdrew for a period?
Whatever, the case, downright honesty pleases God. He doesn't want us to fake it or keep going through the motions, playing a religious game. Like David, God loves it when we pour out hearts out to him – in transperancy and authenticity. After all, God is not surprised when we tell him how we really feel! He knows our hearts, even more than we do.
I was reminded the other day of a simple but deadly honest song by Keith Green, a singer who had a big influence on me in my teenage years. Here are the lyrics.
My eyes are dry
My faith is old
My heart is hard
My prayers are cold
And I know how I ought to be
Alive to You and dead to me
But what can be done
For an old heart like mine
Soften it up
With oil and wine
The oil is You, Your Spirit of love
Please wash me anew
With the wine of Your Blood
Click here to listen to the song.
May God's Spirit touch our hearts afresh today.
P.S. For some challenging reading, check out Keith Green's life story in the book No Compromise.
Nice post Mark. I remember years ago reading a book by John Piper where he talked about God withdrawing the sense of His presence to make us desiring Him more. He used the image of a husband and wife being away from each other for a time and how that gives us a longing to be together. I have always found that when I go through a time like that with God it always leads to a newer deeper relationship with Him out the other side.
Thanks Mark. Great book “No Compromise”… Love Keith Green.