Spiritual Confusion is something I have come to know too well in the recent months. It's a state in lacking understanding due to life circumstances or choices that are happening in one's life and losing focus on the ultimate goal. Almost like a constant path of just running in circles, never coming to an answer or reason, and trying to get to a solution without a clue. However, by going through it I can come to the understanding of what God wants for me (Notice I did not say what "I want"). It's difficult to come to grips with how my will and God's will clash, but by grace His will prevails over mine. I was reading in my devotional book, My Utmost for His Highest, by Oswald Chambers about his perspective on spiritual confusion and the different thoughts we have throughout the process and thought I would share them.
The Shrouding of His Friendship
There are going to be times where it feels like God could care less about my life and personal situations, but that's where I have immersed myself in self-pity (aka a state of pride). I have lost sight of the truth if I think that God could ever be unkind or uncaring towards me. One of the truths that proclaims this is Psalms 139, a whole chapter in Psalms that's dedicated to how well God knows us and cares for us. He chose us before we even existed. Often times circumstances can cloud our friendship with God. We may only see what is going on around us in a search for God rather than watching life with God, seeing just how He is weaving our life together. Even when He appears to be shrouded, will I hang on with confidence in Him?
The Shadow of His Fatherhood
There will be times where it appears that our heavenly Father seems callous of indifferent about what He causes to happen to me, but He orchestrates our life with such purpose and compassion! He waits for us to ask of Him for understanding and strength, "Everyone who asks receives..." (Luke 11:10). Even when His face seems shadowed and concealed, I must lean on knowing that He (whether on this side of Heaven or eternity) will give me clear understanding on what He has allowed to happen in my life.
The Strangeness of His Faithfulness
"When the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?"
Luke 18:8
What it really boils down to is the question of: Will I have faith in Him despite my confusion??
Even if I don't understand what He is accomplishing, I must remain in faith, believing that which Jesus said is truth.
The Solution to Spiritual confusion is looking to God and clinging to Him through surrender.
"Surrender is not simply the surrender of our external life, but the surrender of our will--- and once that's done, surrender is complete."
-Oswald Chambers
I solemnly believe that the greatest crisis we will ever face is the surrender of our own will.
Through deliverance in realizing what salvation really means then we are able to surrender our will to our Savior for spiritual rest. He calls, "Come to Me..." (Matthew 11:28). Through devotion we give up the right to ourselves, allowing the remainder of my life to exhibit nothing but the evidence of surrender. I can cease to worry of the future or circumstances that I may face because Jesus is sufficient.
I also, must be surrendered to Christ in His death (Romans 6:5). Dying to myself and allowing God's will to prevail in my life will be the essence of my spiritual revival.
Surrendering ultimately and completely to His will is what will keep me from aimlessly running in the circles of my confusion. Even when I'm forgetful He always reminds me that He is what I'm looking for.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foVRP07WOAg
The Shrouding of His Friendship
There are going to be times where it feels like God could care less about my life and personal situations, but that's where I have immersed myself in self-pity (aka a state of pride). I have lost sight of the truth if I think that God could ever be unkind or uncaring towards me. One of the truths that proclaims this is Psalms 139, a whole chapter in Psalms that's dedicated to how well God knows us and cares for us. He chose us before we even existed. Often times circumstances can cloud our friendship with God. We may only see what is going on around us in a search for God rather than watching life with God, seeing just how He is weaving our life together. Even when He appears to be shrouded, will I hang on with confidence in Him?
The Shadow of His Fatherhood
There will be times where it appears that our heavenly Father seems callous of indifferent about what He causes to happen to me, but He orchestrates our life with such purpose and compassion! He waits for us to ask of Him for understanding and strength, "Everyone who asks receives..." (Luke 11:10). Even when His face seems shadowed and concealed, I must lean on knowing that He (whether on this side of Heaven or eternity) will give me clear understanding on what He has allowed to happen in my life.
The Strangeness of His Faithfulness
"When the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?"
Luke 18:8
What it really boils down to is the question of: Will I have faith in Him despite my confusion??
Even if I don't understand what He is accomplishing, I must remain in faith, believing that which Jesus said is truth.
The Solution to Spiritual confusion is looking to God and clinging to Him through surrender.
"Surrender is not simply the surrender of our external life, but the surrender of our will--- and once that's done, surrender is complete."
-Oswald Chambers
I solemnly believe that the greatest crisis we will ever face is the surrender of our own will.
Through deliverance in realizing what salvation really means then we are able to surrender our will to our Savior for spiritual rest. He calls, "Come to Me..." (Matthew 11:28). Through devotion we give up the right to ourselves, allowing the remainder of my life to exhibit nothing but the evidence of surrender. I can cease to worry of the future or circumstances that I may face because Jesus is sufficient.
I also, must be surrendered to Christ in His death (Romans 6:5). Dying to myself and allowing God's will to prevail in my life will be the essence of my spiritual revival.
Surrendering ultimately and completely to His will is what will keep me from aimlessly running in the circles of my confusion. Even when I'm forgetful He always reminds me that He is what I'm looking for.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foVRP07WOAg