Five Spiritual Resources for When You Need Help
It happens to every Christian at one time or another. They will need spiritual help. It may be that they are drowning in consequences from a sin decision, struggling with a temptation, or living in a far country and wanting to come home. Maybe the pain of living in a fallen world (sickness, death, disaster) is overwhelming, or maybe their kids are struggling. So many things that can cause us to be in trouble spiritually.
As leaders in our communities of faith, we need to make sure that our people know the resources available to them when they are in spiritual need. So here is a quick look at five resources that will help in spiritual struggle.
The Holy Spirit. Let me start by saying I think the Holy Spirit is in you and helping you even when you can’t see it or understand it. Know that the Holy Spirit has your back in this world. Keep reminding yourself of that.
The Bible. I believe the Bible, and I think it is the Word of God. Read it. Believe it. Try to do what it says. It is the perfect story of how to live life in relationship with God.
Prayer. Give your worries to God. And while you’re at it, thank him for all the ways he came through for you in the past. Ask for what you need. Ask for strength to accept and do his will.
Community of faith. I am not using the word church here, because that could sound like you need to count on your organized, structured group that meets in a certain location. No, I am talking about the Christians with whom you do life. Those people who love Jesus and who love you. If you don’t have people like that in your life, start asking God to help you find them. And realize that not having a community of faith may be one reason you are in spiritual trouble. And yes, “church” is a good place to start looking.
Elders. Find those spiritual leaders who love God and his people. Give them a chance to help. They will walk alongside you, they will pray with and for you, they will speak truth into your life, and they will show you how to walk in the light. If you don’t know any elders, then look for people who seem to have a life that looks like Jesus and ask them. If you are in Abilene, ask me. I know lots of good elders at a number of churches here. They will help. And I know elders in lots of places. There are people near you who will help.
Here is the point: if you want spiritual help, it is available. Just ask.
