The Stillness Deficiency

Vitamin deficiencies invite diseases. A lack of Vitamin D results in Rickets, a lack of muscle strength, poor teeth and bone development. A lack of Vitamin C can cause “Scurvy”, a condition of bleeding gums and nose; shortness-of-breath and pain in the joints. Vitamin A deficiency can produce poor night vision and rough or cracked skin. You can survive these conditions, but you won’t live life the way God intended. Vitamins and minerals are essential, but if you’re eating good food, you have nothing to worry about.

So, what about spiritual vitamins- is there such a thing? Well, not exactly, but the analogy fits. A daily intake of God’s Word keeps your spirit from drying up while fellowship keeps you from developing “Phariseeism,” a dreaded condition of prudish suspicion that causes chronic frowning and forehead wrinkles!

Spiritual deficiencies are survivable, but a deficiency will keep you from living the way God intended. So, what’s the greatest deficiency in the church today? We can boil it down to one word…

Stillness.

“Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10) God knows that stillness is necessary to live well. But we tend to be addicted to stimulation. How easy is it to put down your smartphone or walk away from your laptop or tablet? Do they rob you of stillness? Like a vitamin, you might survive without it, but you won’t be healthy.

In a world full of deadlines, workloads and amusements, what priority do we put on stillness with God? I recently heard the average teenager spends 52 hours a week in front of a screen- computer, television or cellphone. Many sources tell us that mental disorders are directly tied to overstimulation. Over 2,000,000 Americans are on permanent disability for mental issues, and one in five Americans take a prescription drug for either a mood, anxiety or personality disorder.

How has the average American family changed from the days of sitting around a fireplace singing, dancing to a fiddle or telling stories? The American Psychiatric Association and leading sociologists testify that Americans are experiencing more stress and depression than ever before. Robert Byme, a leading sociologist writes: “Even with an ever-increasing wealth of medical knowledge and technological breakthroughs, is it possible that life today is actually worse than in our history?” What do you think?

God created a universe and a planet that is generally still and soothing. In an average 24-hour period, starry skies, gentle breezes, the sound of water or birds; the fragrance of flowers, sagebrush, wet earth or grass are pleasant and soothing to our senses. And when we deprive ourselves of stillness both emotional and spiritual deficiencies can exist.

Stillness produces endorphins that relax the brain, restore clarity of thought, rationality and simple joy. How could a man like Daniel hear God’s voice so easily? It’s the same reason why Peter could climb up to his roof and receive a vision from God so clearly. The spirit of both Peter and Daniel were made healthy with stillness.

Don’t forget to take a daily vitamin, including a dose of stillness with your Savior, Jesus Christ.

The Election: A Christlike Response

I woke this morning feeling sad for my country. The election made it clear that most Americans want a country different from what I’ve known. The America that I knew embraced freedom, faith in God and definable good from evil. I grew up in a community that honored prayer, respected traditional values and believed that integrity, honesty and hard work were the makings of leadership.

I took an extended time of prayer this morning knowing that people would seek me out for an opinion. My tank was empty. I needed to be filled up with God’s Holy Spirit.

While sitting with the Lord, God challenged me with a question: “Historically, how many morning have Christians woke to face far worse situations than the one you face now?” My thoughts were drawn to the disciples who woke one morning with the images of Jesus’ crucified body still on their minds. They were paralyzed with fear by the shouts of angry soldiers on the hunt for them. All had been lost. They were vulnerable, alone, helpless, beaten and confused.

So they thought.

Right then Jesus walks through the walls and stood in their midst, “Peace to you.” Can you imagine His welcomed smile among the grimacing expressions? He said to them, “Why are you troubled? Why do doubts arise in your heart?” Jesus encouraged the disciples in spite of the recent victory claimed by one of the most sadistic governments in human history. Jesus assured them that everything was still in control. (Luke 24:36-38)

Twenty-four hours earlier, the unrecognized Jesus met up with two other disciples on the Road to Emmaus. “Hey fellas, what kind of conversation are you having that makes you so sad?” They answered, “Haven’t you heard?” They walked Jesus down the all-too-familiar road of pessimism. But then He reveals Himself to them with the reassurance that God works all things together for good. (Luke 24:17-25)

Earlier, a group of terrified ladies were shaken to find an empty tomb. At the height of their dismay two angels appeared. “Hey ladies, don’t be afraid… He’s not here, but is risen!” The angels left them full of hope, and encouragement. (Luke 24:1-10)

The point is, the Church was birthed during one of the most dire, sinister governments in human history. God knows that the Light of His Truth shines the brightest in dark, troubling times.

The bottom line- We will get through this, and chances are, we’ll be bolder for it! God will use it for His glory and the Church will have opportunities to shine brighter. Let’s not sit around and mope! Pray for your re-elected president, and in all things give thanks and bring a message of hope and encouragement to the troubled people around you.

Tis the Season to Encourage

Greg Laurie encourages thousands of listeners everyday on the radio but still mourns the loss of his son, especially at Christmas time. He writes, “I am one of those people who lost a loved one, and things that once made me happy at this time of year now make me sad, because they evoke memories of times we (my son and I) spent together. Therefore Christmas becomes difficult for me.” Even Greg Laurie needs encouragement.

Life is full of loss, and the older you get, the more you have it. And as it is for Greg, so it is for millions of people around the country- Christmas can be a reminder of what’s lost.

For someone who has just lost his job, it’s less a “merry Christmas,” and more a “scary Christmas.” “Joy to the world” is not wholeheartedly sung by those who sit alone on Christmas Day. “It’s the most wonderful time of the year,” is far from true for those who have lost a loved one. So what’s the best gift you could offer people this year?

Encouragement.

The material gifts certainly have their place. So do Christmas trees, friendly gatherings, family meals and other Christmas traditions, but nothing encourages people like Jesus.

The true message of Christmas is “Immanuel”, translated God with us. God is with you in this broken world. He will help you and strengthen you in a troubled time of uncertainty. Everyday tribulation lurks around every corner, but God is there, standing beside you with the promise to be your Helper, Counselor, Comforter and Guide.

Someone needs your encouragement today. Look around you. Write a note. Make a phone call or simply text a kind reminder of God’s love and grace available today.