“Battling Weary Spiritual Muscles”
I haven’t always been a runner. In fact, I hated running so much in junior high that I went to one practice, said this is for the birds and never returned. Yet, in this adult life, I decided to give it another try. I joined a friend that frequently ran and followed her lead. Over time, she talked me into running a half marathon and ultimately gave me a desire for running. It’s been a minute since that race, but the joy of an outdoor jog remains within me.
Yet, despite the desire, the dreaded cold weather always pushes any desire to run aside and leaves me feeling weary as I pass up opportunities to head out. My running muscles grow weak, and my energy level gets low.
As I began to notice a change in my strength, I couldn’t help but contemplate another muscle group that was suffering and growing weak…my spiritual muscle. Reading my Bible, applying His Word, and remaining faithful were my inner desires; the trust I held in God’s plan was my foundation. But the distractions in life, responses from others and chaos in life left me weary on the path and lacking a bit of fire.
We’ve all heard the verse about running the race, Hebrews 12:1 “let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,” but are we familiar with the beginning of the verse that sets us up to actually persevere? Verse 1 pricks us with, “let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.” Hinders and easily entangles were words that resonated with me. There were many things competing with my focus that needed to be thrown off….
Meaning to simply ‘glance’ at my phone that is filled with constant information, endless ideas, and never-ending reels hinders me by stealing my affection that is tied to heartfelt time with Jesus.
Slowly allowing my uncaptured thoughts to fall into an attitude of cynicism towards others begins to hinder my focus on the power of His Word. Reminding myself to consider who I am seeking and not to lose sight of the purpose my Father has given me which points others to joy in Christ and glorifying Him.
Recognizing spiritual complacency, acknowledging the enemy’s scheme to entangle me with a lukewarm sensation helps me choose to push out the distractions that draw me away from Him. It awakens The Holy Spirit still dwelling within me and reminds me to focus on this. It leaves me being reminded not to quench the Spirit as 1 Thessalonians 5:19 tells us. Instead, aligning myself with Galatians 5:25, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
The idea of writing about the battle surrounding us believers on this path and the effort it takes to keep a flame within brought hesitation. It was rooted in these thoughts, “no one else battles this, they naturally feel the flame at all times,” or “your weariness or lack of focus isn’t a big deal, those distractions aren’t bad things,” as I would realize how much time was spent away from heartfelt talks with Jesus and His Word. Much like my weary muscles from the lack of running, I made excuses…until I threw off the excuses and restarted the race.
If you ever feel weary, have lost your focus or desire to stir your affections back towards Jesus, consider throwing off what is hindering you. Give an honest surrender to Him and ask Him to identify what may be holding you back. Complacency, cynicism, doubt-you fill in the blank, then toss it and jump back onto the journey set before you.
