HOLIDAY SLUMPS

Brethren, I count not myself to have
apprehended: but this one thing I do,
forgetting those things which are behind,
and reaching forth unto those things
which are before.
I press toward the mark for the prize of the
high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13,14

Like it or not, we are now in the season of spiritual slumping. We are bombarded on every side with all things seasonal. Folks didn't even get their turkey's with dressing put in the oven but what Christmas carols were being heard on television stations, merchants appeals for our money and even church activities are in high gear with programs, parties and like things. We may not bomb out too much after Thanksgiving, other than having miserable after shocks to our digestive systems...BUT...Christmas is just around the corner. Many folks ate their Thanksgiving meals with Christmas decorations already adorning their houses inside and out. However, when Christmas is done and over, what is left but trips to stores to exchange unwanted items or purchasing someone else's unwanted items put on sale. Post Christmas is a real let down for many people including Christians. We Christians will have a problem facing a seasonal spiritual slump unless we get a grip on what is really important in it all.

No one likes to admit they go through a slump time in their spiritual walk, but it does happen. The most important thing to consider when such a problem arises is if and when we go through such slumps, we recognize it isn't in any way of God's doing. A lady several years ago said that she didn't know what to do as she just didn't feel close to God at that particular time. My question to her was: “Who moved?” She looked at me in total shock that I would ask such a thing and yet admitted it was a reality check for her.

So often, I wonder despite all of the promises of God in Scripture, how He can put up with me at times. I can be so up and down at times, spiritually speaking, but God is so precious in the patience He shows me that I know comes from nothing but a very deep love He has for me. I cling to that love...count on it, because I know how very inconsistent I can be. I've come, though, to think through reasons that could be the cause for such slumps in any of our lives. It may sound very shallow but there can be things that affect our feelings and moods, even our spiritual temperature. May I suggest a few, such as:

Health problems...yours or someone dear to you
Financial difficulties
Weather...hot, cold, storms, snow, etc.
After a high spiritual experience...when you've been on the mountain, Satan awaits you in the valley when you come down.
Change in spiritual routine...Bible reading, prayer, church attendance
Conflicts of any sort

In it all, we have an underlying sense of guilt because of our inattentiveness toward our Heavenly Father who continues to be so patient with us. So how do we break out of this ebbing of spiritual desire that we may experience especially during holiday times. I can recall hearing any number of college athletic coaches after losing an important game being badgered by some TV network person as to the whys of a loss. No matter the sport, I have heard the same reply from many football or basketball coaches. They say, “We have to review our mistakes and get back to the fundamentals of the game.”

A slump doesn't mean a person isn't saved. Satan would love to get someone on that bandwagon of his. We must be aware that Satan always waits in the wings for when we go through our slumps. He loves when we doubt and question ourselves hoping it will lead to our doubting and questioning God.

Oh that we might recognize that EVERY day can be an exciting time with Jesus in our lives. With Him, every day is a holiday because of what He should mean in our lives. Plan some personal activity that is spiritual in nature after the dust has settled form the holidays. Purchase a new encouraging book to read in January. Send some nice cards to friends who may need an encouraging word. Create something...learn a new skill. Have some things to look forward to with the same anticipation you faced holiday times.

Nothing can compare with time spent with the Lord. We can come up with all types of activity but there is no short cut to becoming the spiritual person we need to be in greeting a new year.

Father, help me keep my focus on You, Jesus and Your sweet Spirit. I don't want the culture to dominate my mind. I want your mind in all things in my life. Only through Your power can it be so. I love you....Amen