Not Of This World

      Last week I was on fire for God. I created this tumblr, and was listening to “traditional” Christian music all day. And things were great! I felt good about life and about where I was spiritually. 
      But as the week went on, my passion started to fade. If God was with me and I loved him, why was I so sad? If I was filled with Christ, why did I feel so terrible? Why didn’t I feel God’s ever-present Spirit? I got in a really dark place, really fast.

     Often, people turn to God when things get bad. When they have nowhere else to go. When only God can fix them. However, more often, they forget about God when the good times roll.
     I don’t know about you guys, but when I am especially connected with God and I just feel awesome for Him, I tend to neglect my Christian responsibilities. I don’t read my Bible, and I justify listening to music that might be borderline inappropriate. I don’t pray with the passion or the fervency that I do when I am desperate. I say to myself, I am positive! I am full of God! What could possibly bring me down?
      But, honestly, when we are on fire for God, the devil takes opportunity. When we reach out to God, he tries to pull back our outstretched arms. Not with force, of course, but with persuasion. A gentle tug here and a subtle pull there will do the trick. 
     Personally, I do a lot of self-talking. And when I am happy or content, I can easily bring myself up by talking to and convincing my mind of positive things. When I am even the smallest bit negative, however, I can convince myself that I don’t even deserve to be alive! I have a pretty good idea where these “voices in my head” are coming from. Picture the comical image of the devil on one shoulder and the angel on the other: a simple illustration for a much more sinister truth.
     Anyway, my point is, don’t abandon the Christian habits and the Godly feelings that you have when in despair. When everything is going great, don’t put down your Bible. Don’t stop praying. Read about the blessings of God and His ultimate glory. Tell him about all the beautiful things you see in a day that you are grateful for. Be routine and be constant. Be VIGILANT. For the adversary never sleeps.