Stroke of Panic

My pastor taught an interesting message today. The theme was “Refilling our Faith,” and the theme was one we don't like to admit: our life with Jesus doesn’t always become ‘sweeter as the days go by’ in the words of an old hymn. In fact, at times, despite our best efforts to be pious and devout, if we were truly honest with ourselves and with others, we would have to admit that sometimes our faith just dwindles. Many times in regular life, we just feel an emptiness inside. Isn’t this true?

Perhaps the reason stems from ill health, relationship problems, financial troubles, loss of job, gas price hikes or a thousand other stresses which combat us from every angle every day. Bottom line is, more often than we care to admit, we feel empty. Our faith, which is supposed to carry us on wings like eagles, doesn’t seem to even be able to lift us off the ground. (Isaiah 40:31)

How do we deal with it? We can deny it. Paint a fake smile on our faces and walk around saying, “I’m fine, thank you.” We can memorize a few more scripture in hope that a dogmatic habit will relieve the encroaching emptiness. We can turn to medication for depression or join a support group, both of which certainly have their appropriate place in health and healing. But I would like to submit that adding worship into our quiet time, seeking healing through music that is found in scripture can bring about spiritual peace and encouragement.

More than two millenia ago, the psalmist David found that music ushered in real interaction, even intimacy, with the Lord. Psalm 42; Psalm 62-63. As Psalm 33:18 states, the One who created our hearts truly understands our every need and emotion.

So, when we feel empty, lonely, depressed, we can acknowledge our feelings, confess our fears, cry our tears in the presence of the only One who truly understands. This, in fact, is the only solution which can set us on the road to wellness and peace.

During those times that we notice an brokenness in our heart, those are the very times when we need to draw near to God in an attitude of worship. When our faith in Jesus seems to have lost power to inspire us, not to mention move mountains, we can still go to our Saviour as a refuge and a hiding place. I have found in my own journey of faith that in these seasons of emptiness, if I can just pushing deeper into Jesus instead of turning away, I find not only comfort and rest, but a deep sense of security and serenity.

There are two ways that I personally have learned how to press in even when I feel unworthy, unspiritual, unmotivated. The first is to just continue reading and thinking the Bible. When I cannot muster up desire for an intense (or even a simple) Bible study, I open my Bible to a favorite verse, a psalm perhaps, and I read just a few words. Then I allow those words to wash over my spirit, and I pray for faith, for serenity, for hope, for whatever I need. Never does the Lord disappoint. It’s something He has promised – when we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us. (James 4:8)

But mostly, the biggest way that I have learned to press into the Lord, to experience a spiritual connection even when my total being is drained of energy and life, is through music. I believe that music is one of God’s most beautiful creations; and our ability to appreciate it – or create it – can be a direct way into His presence.

I have been playing the piano and singing most of my life, and music has become a personal prayer language for me. It has become the fastest way for me to enter into an attitude of worship, and the Lord has used music in my life as a method of healing and renewing.

Next time you are feeling empty or need emotional stability, allow the word of God to speak to you and the presence of God to be in you and around you. Try listening to (or creating if you desire) music that is based in scripture.

Jesus offers an unending well of living water. (John 4:14) When we need to “refill our faith” we can go back to the well time and time again and tell Him, “I need more!” Jesus answers, “Come!” Worship through music can be an avenue through which we come to that well.

Sheila Lloyd

Some expressions and ideas were taken from sermon “Refilling Our Faith” by Pastor Brad Selan of Windhaven Church, www.windhavenchurch.com

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