Spiritual Dysphoria.

I doubt that very many would disagree with me when I say that we are living in confusing and unsettling days. Just skimming the surface of news outlets and online articles can give us an unclear understanding which causes uncertain feelings about what is happening in our world.

There are disagreements about even the very facts on any given situation. Politicians spin their stories to suit their agenda. It is not just the politicians who create unsettled times. It is a time of confusion of values and ideas. It is often the arguments that we have over even the most mundane of issues that contributes to these unsettled feelings.

Not only are we unsettled emotionally but even spiritually. We wrestle with confusion and an overwhelming negative feeling. There are disagreements among Churches on issues of social values and ideas. Ultimately, the decline in church attendance is a reflection of the confusion that is prevalent.

I called this spiritual dysphoria. Let’s start with a definition of the term dysphoria.
Dysphoria is a state of feeling uneasy, unhappy, or unwell.

According to online definitions: "Common causes of this symptom
Dysphoria can have causes that aren’t due to underlying disease. Examples include mood variation, grief reaction, financial difficulties, difficulties in personal or work life, or response to tragedies in the news."

This term is often associated with gender identity issues. Psychiatrist and counseling experts work with people who question their gender among other issues as well. Dysphoria is a term that is meant to describe the emotional uneasiness and unsettled emotions. Today I want to broaden that definition to apply it to what I have seen as a unsettled issue during these confusing times.

There are a variety of denominations that may contribute to the ongoing unsettled nature within our society. There are events that occur both nationally and globally that contribute to a sense of unsettledness. Nevertheless, we have a society where people have extraordinary rage. We can see it in the news reflecting their response to an unsettled spirit.

For me, biblical scriptures have become my foundation which has guided me through such confusing issues. I know, you might say that many don’t even agree with what the scripture has to offer but I’m a firm believer that unless you settle on one thing and give devotion to it, you will not likely settle on anything at all. Everyone needs an anchor and for me that anchor is found through the word of God. I have found, through the years that it is that firm foundation that has guided me emotionally and spiritually.

The following are a couple of my favorite passages that strengthen my faith.

2 Timothy 2:19 --Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness."

1 Timothy 6:18-19 --Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

Psalms 46:2-3 --Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.

If this were a sermon I would likely have three points and a few illustrations. However, for now let me just simply conclude with an encouragement to find that one thing that is imperishable that you could focus on. What is unshakable? What is that one thing that would would lean upon as a firm foundation? Something that you could build upon.

When I did probation work years ago with teenagers I worked with shoplifters. I was always amazed because when I surveyed those teens as to whether they had the money to pay for the item or not, most of them could have paid for the item with what they had in their pocket. I would take these teens through a class that focused on values. I would have them write down or prioritize from a list of values and almost all of them indicated the value of honesty as top on their list.

I would also ask them which value was most significant to them during times of trouble or difficulty?Most all of them said family was most essential to them.

Take just five minutes to answer a few questions.

One. What is your top value?

Two. Do you have a life mission statement or life scripture verse that guides your life?

Three. What is that one thing that you trust above all other things?

Can you build your purpose around these central themes?

Take just another minute or so to write a one sentence statement of your top resolution for 2020.

Name that one thing that is imperishable and focus on that to help you as you deal with spiritual dysphoria.

The Self-Centered Christian Life: Obsessed With Self-Improvement.

A new year often calls for new resolutions. Did you know that the number one resolution is weight loss. Millions will make commitments to eat less cake. Millions will make commitments to improve their lives through less or adding more! I’m amazed at how many self-help books there are published each year. We seem to be obsessed with ourselves and advertisers know that. Perhaps that’s why we see so many commercials about self improvement. We seem to be a culture obsessed with self!

We live in a very self-centered world. It seems as though that anything that is of significant value we tend to possess and take an inward consideration. Even in our spiritual development we are often encouraged to personal growth. We are invited to more Bible studies or to take on spiritual habits yet my call today is perhaps quite the opposite as I reflect upon this new year and making resolutions.

Churches across America undoubtedly preached a sermon related to mission or vision or even making a new year resolution. Likely churches preach on the importance of discipleship and personal growth. This is an all bad however I wonder if this truly is what God expects of us.

Obviously we need to be a follower of the Lord, Jesus Christ and further be equipped for every good work but that essentially may be my point. I read often that God is calling us to live out our faith not develop an inner presence alone. It seems to me that I am challenged to go beyond myself and that discipleship has an impact in the world which I occupy.

It is often alarming for me to hear about Christians who are seeking to improve their inner life and spiritual walk yet take little to no action to apply their faith. So often, I am surprised at how many self-centered Christians I encounter that focus on their own personal faith and yet have little compassion for others.  is not our faith intended to give us a heart for the lost in the least?

If I am to understand discipleship I must understand it in the context of my out reach and care for others. If I am to be a follower of Jesus Christ, shouldn’t I follow his example? Jesus spent his time healing the sick and comforting the lost and weary. Jesus was accused of spending his time with sinners!

One of the books that I love to read over and over is the book of James out of the Bible. It is filled with practical theology. It challenges me to be active in my faith and it is often confronting me with the needs of the orphan in the widow. Verse after verse in this relatively small book of the Bible I am presented with the biggest challenge to my growth as a disciple. I am asked to lead a selfless life not a selfish one. I am encouraged to love others!

So perhaps my New Year’s resolution is not only an inward faith and personal devotion but moreover, to make a difference in this world by selfless acts of kindness and goodness for God’s glory. it is interesting to me that the more that I demonstrate compassion and love for my neighbor, the more that I personally develop my relationship with the Lord. The strongest faith is an active faith that reaches out to others in need.

Any opportunity that I have to go out and witness and share my faith I am encouraged and strengthened in my own walk with the Lord as well. Every time I go to prison to visit those who are coming to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the more that my faith is challenged and strengthened. The greater emphasis on praying for others somehow ignites my own faith and strengthens my own understanding of God‘s grace in my life.

So my resolution this year is to not just be a disciple who absorbs all that I can for myself but rather, my resolution is to reach out and demonstrate love and compassion. I believe that my journey is strengthened as I reach out and care for others.