Spiritual Lessons from Sneezing

For about a week I had been quite tired. I was not sleeping well and, when awake, was having trouble staying focused and remaining pleasant. My husband suggested I see a doctor, but I told him once I got some sleep, I’d be fine. That moment when my husband voiced his concern was the first moment I even considered I might have a problem even though my symptoms indicated something must be wrong. My eyes were so tired, but, more than that, they itched and were pretty watery. Upon further assessment, I remembered my recent bouts with sneezing and sore throats. Could it be that allergy season is upon me? Yes, that was probably the problem. I had allergies. Diagnosis complete.

Knowing this, did I take the proper steps to restore my health? Nope. I was so caught up in preparing for the Spring Luncheon, the Church service at the Park, and all of my kid’s stuff that I did not take the time to locate my allergy medication and take it as prescribed. I knew where it was, but it just sat in my medicine cabinet, unused. I went for two more days feeling miserable and itchy. Finally, I couldn’t take it anymore. I took the medicine. I am now on my second full day of treatment and last night I was able to sleep better than I had in over a week!

Now, why would I spend so much time sharing this obviously self-involved story here? Because it has real-life application to many of us in our walk with the Lord.

We walk through our lives exhibiting the symptoms of spiritual illness, but don’t even pay attention to them. We become impatient, unkind, restless, and maybe even exhibit feelings of hopelessness, but don’t take a minute to assess our symptoms and how they might have become a part of our daily existence. I am going to follow my husband’s example and lovingly ask you to seek out help from an expert. It is possible you are suffering from spiritual fatigue. It comes from spending too much time leaning on your own understanding and not enough on God. His Word is powerful and can bring such peace, but you have to actually read it and start applying the principles found in those pages to your life. The Bible is not a good luck charm. You can’t just lay it on your nightstand and expect it to make a difference in your life any more than I can keep my allergy medicine in the cabinet and expect it to alleviate my allergy symptoms. Read your Bible every day; even more often if you can.

In the same way I was with Moses, I'll be with you. I won't give up on you; I won't leave you. Strength! Courage! You are going to lead this people to inherit the land that I promised to give their ancestors. Give it everything you have, heart and soul. Make sure you carry out The Revelation that Moses commanded you, every bit of it. Don't get off track, either left or right, so as to make sure you get to where you're going. And don't for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you'll get where you're going; then you'll succeed. Haven't I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don't be timid; don't get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take." Joshua 1:7-8

We are spiritual beings trapped in fleshly garments. We need the constant cleansing of God’s Word to keep us on track. Commit to reading your Bible every day for 30 days. Choose one Psalm per day to read, corresponding with the day of the month to help you keep track. At the end of the month, look back and see what God has done in your life! I guarantee you will be less angry and more hopeful than you were before. Better still, He will be a much more important part of your life than He was before!

Note: If your symptoms are more severe, including thoughts of harming yourself or others, PLEASE call your Pastor or a mental health care professional ASAP! God has placed those people in your life to help you through this. You are not alone!