Unbelief

I continue to be amazed at the power given to sin over me ( and all humanity). It seems that just one sin directs my living off of the straight and narrow, wandering aimlessly through the wilderness of thirsty life, refusing to drink the satisfying water of the Living Fountain. Rather, I simulate that thirst-quenching soul-satisfier at the dry dusty cisterns life has to offer.

The symptoms of this cancerous plight are obvious. I have little desire for things of the Lord. I would still rather be around the people of God, but I do not want much interaction. I converse just enough to keep everyone at a distance, revealing enough information to move the other person on to someone else. I think the most revealing thing, though, is the lack of "inspiration."

This lack of "inspiration" reveals itself in some of the ways listed above. Where I notice it the most is in my bible reading and prayer. While reading scripture, nothing stands out. Distractions are frequent; and I struggle to keep my mind focused on the text.

During prayer, the drought is revealed in mechanical praises and requests. There is little passion. There are frequent pauses to ponder things that never happen. (That is just stupid!)

While doing some extra-biblical reading today, the author was talking about unbelief. He says:

Here, then, is the proper reward and penalty of unbelief: so to tremble as to turn aside from God when one does not open the door for himself by faith. But, on the other hand, believers whom the weight of temptation bends down and almost crushes constantly rise up, although not without difficulty and trouble. And because they are aware of their own weak-mindedness, they pray with the prophet, "Take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth" (Psalm 119:43). By these words we are taught that they sometimes become dumb as if their faith had been laid low; yet they do not fail or turn their backs, but persevere in their struggle. And by prayer they spur on their sluggishness, lest at least, out of self-indulgence they become benumbed.

This paragraph seemed to be an illustration of my struggles with sin. When life seems like a desert, I am struggling with unbelief. I suppose unbelief is the root of sin. I mean, look at Adam and Eve. Unbelief led to The Fall. But Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness.

So, if the problem is unbelief, the solution is believing (Yes, I used the problem solving logic of my nuclear training to make that connection - ha ha!). It should go without saying that I am referring to belief in Jesus Christ. The approach to sin must then be what God has determined is the solution. I must confess and repent of my unbelief, pray for Christ to strengthen my faith, and set my mind on what is true. I am again reminded that knowledge of God is required for strengthened faith.

Well, I guess this turned into another blogpost on bible study and prayer. Isn't it interesting how the Lord makes things so simple!