April 2016 Jottings

Jottings…

April is a strange month in many ways. Hopefully the worst of any winter weather is behind us although it is still possible to get some freezes and even snow. Because of that gardeners are definitely ramping up their gardens but one still has to be careful how early to put out some plants. Even in the church we are often “in between” in April. Unless Easter comes late, Easter is behind us and Pentecost is still ahead. It is like there is nothing special.

Do you ever feel that way in your spiritual life? It is not that you have become a pagan and no longer believe but life in general and even our walk with the Lord seems “blah” at best and a chore at worst. Even Jesus struggled at times and the disciples doubted. I encourage reading the biographies of great Christians but sometimes the biographies only highlight the good. If it is an auto-biography or if we have access to diaries the times of struggles or just “blahness” of these great Christians is also revealed.

Of course if what you are struggling with is more along the lines of depression that might need special attention but if you just feel “in between” here are some thoughts and directions:

• Give it time. Don’t be in a rush. C.S. Lewis even embraced such times and feelings.

• Continue the spiritual habits – prayer and Bible reading

• Continue to worship and gather with other Christians

• Tune in to what is going on around you. Is God at work in someone else’s life?

Although the reality of Easter and Christ’s death and resurrection are with us always it is not always a mountaintop experience that we feel. Be encouraged by these words from Paul to the Thessalonian church. I believe the same is true for Cole Memorial:

2 We always thank God for all of you as we remember you in our prayers. 3 In the presence of our God and Father, we never forget that your faith is active, your love is working hard, and your confidence in our Lord Jesus Christ is enduring. 4 Brothers and sisters, we never forget this because we know that God loves you and has chosen you. 5 We know this because the Good News we brought came to you not only with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit, and with complete certainty. [I Thessalonian 1: 2-5 God’s Word Translation]

- Pastor Brian