How do I stay in a Christian 'high'?

[CowsGoOink]

I've been getting frusterated lately. I get such on such a 'high' when I go to church or bible study, but after a day or two it kinda dwindles. Is that normal? I mean...I do my devo's every day and live a life that would please God, but it's like I'm really high up and then BAM!! life slows down. How can I stay on that high? or is it not possible? Some days I feel like maybe I'm not doing something right since I don't feel that way 24/7. Does anyone else feel this way??

 

[ephraimanesti]

I've been getting frusterated lately. I get such on such a 'high' when I go to church or bible study, but after a day or two it kinda dwindles. Is that normal? I mean...I do my devo's every day and live a life that would please God, but it's like I'm really high up and then BAM!! life slows down. How can I stay on that high? or is it not possible? Some days I feel like maybe I'm not doing something right since I don't feel that way 24/7. Does anyone else feel this way??

MY DEAR SISTER IN CHRIST,

We walk by FAITH, not FEELINGS! God is not a drug! The so-called "Primrose Path" leads to destruction! Perhaps you might consider the following, written by one who certainly ought to know!:

CHRIST WILL FILL US WITH HIMSELF​

"Saint Paul tells us here also that he rejoiced in his thorn. He did not at first. He cried to heaven to have it removed. But when his Master told him that he needed to keep it, that he needed it, that it had in it a blessing for him, he chafed no longer. Indeed, he made friends with it quickly, accepted it, and stopped complaining about it. That is the only right and sensible thing to do with any disagreeable, uncongenial, or painful thing we find we cannot have removed. It is God's will that it should be in our life for some good reason which He knows. We should get the victory over it by taking it to our heart, by receiving it as coming from Christ. No matter how it hurts us, if we accept it in this way it will leave benediction in our life. GOD SENDS SOME OF OUR GREATEST BLESSINGS TO US IN OUR THORNS, AND IT WILL BE A SAD THING IF WE THRUST THEM AWAY AND MISS THEM. There are many who are so full of themselves that they have no room for Christ. If only they could come empty, empty of self, He would fill them with Himself, and then they would have untold power for good in the world. We may safely trust Him with the enriching of our lives. He knows when pain is needful, when loss is the only way to gain, when suffering is necessary to hold us at His feet. He gives us trouble in order to bless us in some way, and we shall always be losers when we chafe or reject our thorn."

New Martyr Tsaritsa Alexandra
"GARDEN OF THE HEART," p.45​

MUCH LOVE TO YOU IN CHRIST,
ephraim

 

[Galadriel]

Hello
Welp I had a great reply typed out, and of course the stupid computer chose that moment to eat my post. Argh!

Anyways, I'll try to sum it up again here...

First off, are you a new Christian?

I know when you first get saved, you tend to get caught up in the excitement of being saved and knowing Jesus and learning about the Bible.

When on this high you tend to feel really close to God, and like He is right next to you, and you are on fire for Him.

The thing is, what I have found, is that these "highs" are definately not meant to last 24/7, they tend to be like little islands in a big ocean. What I mean is that the ocean is like your day to day living, the normal everyday humdrum routine. These islands are the highs, and they come about once every so often, kind of like a boost or something.

You could also compare it to being on "the mountain top", when you are feeling "high", and then there are the valleys where you doubt if God is still there, when you are going through a tough time, and God is still there. Life undulates like this, and there are the high and low times, and the in between times.

Is this making sense? Lol I hope so. Point is, these highs aren't meant to be an all the time thing, and they will fade, but it in no way means you are losing your faith or anything. When I was first saved everything was like great, then I noticed...things started to get harder, and I wasn't on any "high" or good feelings. Its like God lets you have an easy time at first, then lets life come back in, with the humdrumness and the problems and such, but its just part of the journey.

I hope this helps, sorry if it sounded jumbled, argh computers!

 

[Johnnz]

Permanent highs are not part of the normal Christian life. You can't successfuly aim for something that is not there.

John
NZ

 

[UnitynLove]

All of us have large portions of our time that need to be devoted to what we will call "common life and everyday business." I'm sure you know what I mean, things like, laundry, grocery store trips, auto repairs, dentist's visits, sweeping the floor, washing the dishes, going to work, etc. We tend to see these chores as being quite different from and even far below our "Spiritual Life," or the things we do which we consider to be holy. Most of us who really love and are devoted to God prefer the holy times to the common. Holy times are like praying, spiritual reading and meditation, sharing conversation about the Lord with friends, going to church, or other spiritual meetings. Seeing the two sides of our life as being in two entirely different categories usually causes quite a problem within the believer. Often we feel divided within ourselves struggling to get finished with "common life and everyday business" so we can return to holy things, because we feel that we are holier or more right with God when we are doing what we believe to be holy things. I believe this is one of the greatest deceptions of Satan. It keeps most people in a state of turmoil; dreading, and even despising the tasks of common life and everyday business. All of us must do them; it is part of life. They cannot be avoided. So we must have understanding on how in reality (truth) there is no difference between common and holy, except in our own minds. And if we will read the Bible properly and not be so religious in our thinking, we will move into an area of freedom that will shake the gates of hell. SATAN DOES NOT WANT YOU TO ENJOY YOUR LIFE. Naturally, if he can keep you thinking that God is only pleased with you when you are engaged in some sort of a so called "spiritual activity"; He can keep you unhappy a large part of the time. This misconception is one of his greatest tools to keep people from enjoying life. Often this comes as a vague feeling that makes a believer miserable, and he doesn't even understand what is wrong with him. All he knows is that something is amiss. Everything we do is to be offered to the Lord; and if done so with a pure heart of love, it becomes holy. You can do common tasks, like go to the grocery store, and it will be just as holy as prayer, as long as you do all to the glory and honor of God. In the realm of importance, prayer is certainly more important than a trip to the grocery store, but not any holier. What I mean by prayer being more important is that it has eternal value, whereas a trip to the store or mopping the floor doesn't. Romans 14 is an excellent chapter in the Bible to bring liberty in this area. Verses 5 & 6 (paraphrased) says: One man esteems one day as better than another (holier), while another man esteems all days alike (holy). Let everyone be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, does it in honor of the Lord. He also who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God; while he who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God. Let's rewrite Romans 14:5-6 for a minute (Joyce's translation): One man sees prayer and Bible study as better (holier) than ordinary tasks. While a person that is really free in the Lord sees them all alike (all holy), because whatever he does, he does it in honor of the Lord. This is true liberty—to be able to live an undivided life where we categorize some things as common and some as holy. Thereby as a result, we never enjoy the common because we are desperately trying to either avoid them completely or at least to rush through them so we can get to those things that are holy. I just learned this lesson while traveling on an airplane to a speaking engagement. I was pondering on the thought of how glad I would be when I get to my destination, so I could pray and study. I was feeling very restless. The Lord began to minister to me that I needed to thoroughly enjoy the airplane ride and that it was just as holy to Him if I would offer it to Him. He is Holy, and He lives in you so that makes you holy. Therefore, wherever you go and whatever you do becomes holy. Now I realize, we are growing in manifesting holiness, but I'm sharing that it is His presence that makes things holy. Another thing that had quite an effect on me in this area was a plaque I saw in a pastor's office. It said, "My work is worship." As long as I remember that, I find myself enjoying everything common life and everyday business as well as prayer, Bible study, and other things we define as spiritual. Join me in this liberated lifestyle and begin to enjoy everyday life.

 

[Anti Existance]

Love and help others on a continues basis, this is what pleases God. Small acts of love will do, when my faith dwindles (and that has happend many times) i find inspiration with people who had near death experiences and regain my faith quickly. www.near-death.com , i love reading the stories there, its christian friendly and the stories of love are just amazing.

 

[Sweeterthanhoney]

I've been getting frusterated lately. I get such on such a 'high' when I go to church or bible study, but after a day or two it kinda dwindles. Is that normal? I mean...I do my devo's every day and live a life that would please God, but it's like I'm really high up and then BAM!! life slows down. How can I stay on that high? or is it not possible? Some days I feel like maybe I'm not doing something right since I don't feel that way 24/7. Does anyone else feel this way??

welcome, Cowsgooink!
I really don't think it is realistic to stay in a personal Jesus high. You are setting your expectations too high and are setting yourself up for a fall. We all experince the mountain top highs, and valley lows. If we were in a high all the time we wouldn't see all the people out there who are hurting and in need. Its often in the lows that God uses us and gives us a purpose in live to help others thru what we experience in life.

I agree with the first poster, we can't go by our feelings, but by faith.

 

[revrobor]

I've been getting frusterated lately. I get such on such a 'high' when I go to church or bible study, but after a day or two it kinda dwindles. Is that normal? I mean...I do my devo's every day and live a life that would please God, but it's like I'm really high up and then BAM!! life slows down. How can I stay on that high? or is it not possible? Some days I feel like maybe I'm not doing something right since I don't feel that way 24/7. Does anyone else feel this way??

Your salvation is a fact not a feeling. Being a Christian is not what you do it's who you are.

We ar human beings and, until the Lord comes again and changes things, we are subject to the same struggles as everyone else. But we have the Holy Spirit living in us to give us the power to overcome the struggles of life. There will be times when we are on a "high" and times we are on a "low". But, unlike those who are lost, we have a hopeful future to look forward to and, no matter how bad it get for us in this life, there is a glorious Eternity waiting for us. It is unrealistic to expect to be constantly on a spiritual "high".

 

[ephraimanesti]

SPIRITUAL EQUILIBRIUM

There is a spiritual law of ups and downs of our moods. When despondency strikes do not give yourself over to it too much. Remind yourself that after sorrow gladness will come. And when happy, do not get too carried away, for sorrows must surely come again. Just like overcast skies and rain follow sunshine, so is our spiritual balance, and a balanced man begins to see God's Providence in everything.

Archbishop Averky of Jordanville (died 1976)
FROM HIS ADDRESS TO SEMINARIANS

 

[shakingthedustoffmyfeet]

I think about Jesus and His suffering, and I don't think He was on a spiritual "high" all the time while He was on this earth. The enemy came to Him and tempted Him when He was alone and hungry from fasting. He prayed in the garden regarding His Father's will: let this cup pass from me... Your will be done. In my opinion, Jesus was not always on a spiritual high. How in the world could we expect to be?

I agree with other posters that we walk by faith. We stand on God's promises. We must remain grounded in God's Word and in prayer. Then the faith builds as our relationship with God builds. The desire for a "high" lessons and maturity in Christ comes.

 

[Mr.Cheese]

We we were never meant to stay on that emotional high indefinitely. Life is hard and painful. Sometimes we feel the burn. This is when we have to remember that our faith is a committment and way of life. Jesus wasn't happy in the garden of Gethsemene and there is no reason he should have been. Enjoy the good times. But they dont' always last. It's a hard road after, but it's a good road.

 

[MikeMcK]

I've been getting frusterated lately. I get such on such a 'high' when I go to church or bible study, but after a day or two it kinda dwindles. Is that normal? I mean...I do my devo's every day and live a life that would please God, but it's like I'm really high up and then BAM!! life slows down. How can I stay on that high? or is it not possible? Some days I feel like maybe I'm not doing something right since I don't feel that way 24/7. Does anyone else feel this way??

You don't want to have that feeling all the time because it's not healthy.

The Bible tells us that we grow and that God is made most manifest in our lives when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable and humble before Him.

Those emotional highs you're talking about, they're good for us because they allow us to get recharged and they encourage us, but just like you know that you can't eat chocolate cake all of the time, you also have to get down and get your hands dirty, spiritually speaking.

Let's put it this way: I lift weights. Because I'm an athelete I lift wieghts to increase the muscles I need for sailing.

Do you know how muscles grow? That little burning sensation you feel when you lift weights is actually tiny little fibers in your muscles tearing apart.

The reason you don't work the same part of your body on consecutive days is that these tiny little tears need time to heal.

Now, when they do heal, what happens is that the body heals your muscle by forming a little scar tissue over the tear and when that happens, the scar tissue is actually stronger than the tear. This causes the muscle to grow and to become stronger.

Likewise, when we go from the mountaintop down into the valley, we use faith to push back against those real world trials and God uses His faithfulness in those trials like scar tissue to make our faith muscles bigger and stronger.

Make sense?

 

[ephraimanesti]

I've been getting frusterated lately. I get such on such a 'high' when I go to church or bible study, but after a day or two it kinda dwindles. Is that normal? I mean...I do my devo's every day and live a life that would please God, but it's like I'm really high up and then BAM!! life slows down. How can I stay on that high? or is it not possible? Some days I feel like maybe I'm not doing something right since I don't feel that way 24/7. Does anyone else feel this way??

MY DEAR SISTER,

i came across the following this afternoon and thought it might pertain to your question. MAY YOU BE BLESSED!

" 'HALLOWED BE THY NAME'--may everything in the world, beginning with MY own life, MY deeds, MY words be a reflection of this sacred and divine Name, which has been revealed and given to us. May life once more become an ascension towards the light, an exaltation, praise, the power of good. May everything be filled with divine wisdom and divine love.

" 'HALLOWED BE THY NAME'--this is also a petition for help in the difficult effort in this ascension and transformation, for we are surrounded and held captive to darkness, evil, pettiness, superficiality, turmoil. Each ascent is vanquished by a fall, each effort followed by such an attack of weakness and despondency that in the words of the writer Fyodor Tiutchev:

'life is like a wounded bird which tries to ascend but can't . . .'​

"The experience of the holy is a mystical 'encounter with worlds beyond,' a 'fleeting vision of pure beauty,' which makes life not easier but, in fact, harder, and one begins to envy people who are simply immersed in the fuss and bother of life with no inner struggle. However, it is precisely in this struggle that man fulfills his high vocation, only here in this effort, in these ascents and descents, can he consider himself a person."

"All this is implied in that first petition of the Lord's Prayer. Such a short yet simultaneously joyful and yet difficult petition: 'HALLOWED BE THY NAME.' "

from "OUR FATHER"
by Alexander Schmemann​

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND GUIDE YOU INTO ALL TRUTH
ephraim