Thursday, January 28, 2010

As Iron Sharpens Iron- By Mike T.

I am definitely experiencing the depths of despair. A long 11 hour work day and a dreary cold wintery day have worked their affects upon my soul. I know that the place to turn is to the arms of my Father, but sometimes it's hard to even go where there can be comfort and a balm for the weary spirit. The heart can ache without one even knowing why. It can be difficult to even open up to prayer. I know that Christ is there when I feel alone. That is the most important relationship that I know of. I can fully say that I know that experience of intimacy with Christ. At times though what I miss is the care of brothers and sisters. I know I am part of a family in Christ but this is where my faith is least able to find confirmation. I feel neither needed nor able to find experience the fellowship that the Bible speaks of.

The Psalms speak of the effect that one friend can have upon another. Neither is sharpened without contact and with contact both become sharper. That is the plan that God has for his children, that we would mutually sharpen and encourage each other in growth and maturity.

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.
(Pro 27:17 ESV)


"As to the importance of the children of God opening their hearts to each other, especially when they are getting in a cold state, or are under the power of a certain sin, or are in especial difficulty; I know from my own experience how often the snare of the devil has been broken when under the power of sin; how often the heart has been comforted when nigh to be overwhelmed; how often advice, and great perplexity, has been obtained, - by opening my heart to a brother in whom I had confidence. We are children of the same family, and ought therefore to be helpers one of another."

George Muller
George Muller Foundation

And Colossians describes how those in God's family should behave. The Word of Christ should find a home among God's people and they should find a common bond there that drives them to teach, admonish, grow in wisdom, sing and rejoice and experience thankfulness of heart. This helps us reflect the image of God which glorifies Him.

"Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all. Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
(Col 3:11-17 ESV)

Aloneness can lead to loneliness. God's preventative for loneliness is intimacy - meaningful, open, sharing relationships with one another. In Christ we have the capacity for the fulfiling sense of belonging which comes from intimate fellowship with God and with other believers.

Neil T. Anderson
Freedom in Christ Ministries

I feel alone because it feels that I have no family in the spiritual sense. My brothers and sisters seem far off and I feel to be an outcast. Oh to know and experience the joy of having and giving as God intended within this family He has bought with His blood. To see the sparks fly and to watch as God hones his people to his image by bringing them together as they share in His Grace.

2 comments:

  1. Mike:
    I understand that you know these things, but meditate on them until they become part of your core thought process:
    1. You were created in God's image. You are like Him by nature. (Genesis 1:26)
    2. You are a child of God! (Romans 8:16-17)
    3. You were specially created before the foundation of the earth. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:13-14) God doesn't make junk!
    4. Jesus, in the second greatest commandment, requires us to "love thy neighbor as thyself". (Matthew 22:39) That makes you pretty important and special to Him. We cannot effectively love others and they can't love us until we love ourselves.
    5. You are promised good things ... a future and a hope! (Jeremiah 29:11) That means God trusts you. He is in control!
    6. Finally, and most importantly, Jesus loves you enough that He went to the cross, suffered the most excruciating pain (physical, emotional, and spiritual) imaginable. Talk about loneliness! Jesus understands.

    You are loved and appreciated! -Sherry Dagnall-

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks for the encouragement. I have certainly been going through some low periods. God's Word is the best pick me up. Thanks for the reminders.

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