Athletes go through it. It happens to everyone. I have seen it in baseball. I have seen it at work and yes, I have seen it with Christians. I remember in the 1980's when Mets first baseman Keith Hernandez was in a miserable batting slump. He couldn't buy a hit. After one game he called his dad and said, "Dad, what am I doing wrong?" His dad told him he noticed that whenever Keith swung his bat at a pitch during that particular game, he could see the word "Mets" across his uniform chest. When he was hitting well, you didn't see the teams name on his uniform. His dad told him to hold his bat higher and swing higher. In making that adjustment, Keith was out of his slump and actually started a long hitting streak. His slump was over!
I hate it whenever I get into any kind of slump in life. It really irritates me, but I also know it is a part of life. We all go through it at various points in our life. I remember frustrations while in elementary school, junior high school and high school. Even as a Bible college student I went into a slump or as some people call it a "rut". I found myself going for long walks just trying to "clear my head." I even remember one time thinking about taking a break or a "sabbatical" from college just because I needed a break from my studies. I soon discovered that is what the Christmas and summer breaks were for! I'm glad I never did that.
In the last month I have found myself in somewhat of a "Spiritual slump." No, I am not walking away from my relationship with our Lord. I will admit I have had a lot of what I would call "strong conversations" with God. There are things happening that I am scratching my head over. I left Chick Fil-A last month hoping to get more hours at Trader Joe's. Because we are a new store I have been getting less hours along with other workers, so I know it's not just me. In the last 4 months I have had three episodes with kidney stones. I was hoping those episodes would be over with. I realize many others go through much worst when it comes to life situations. Sometimes you just want everything in life to go easy and not be complicated. I was frustrated, angry, fearful, anxious and worrisome during this slumpy season. It was not fun. There had to be a way out of this!
So how do we get out of this slump? I wish I could give you a "This will never fail for you" formula that works for everyone. Since we are all different and all go through our "stuff," all I can say is what has helped me. I have learned it is a battle, but I also know from scripture in 2 Chronicles 20:15 that the battle is not ours but the Lord's! I realize that my best option when I struggle in my life is to always put God first, leave it in His hands, rebuke the devil and invite God's presence into my life. The Christian life is not easy. We all go through trials, and we all have faced that dreaded "slump." The good news is we always get out of it. Not because of what we do, but because of who Jesus is. He is the one who gets us out of that slump and back on track.
I hope this blog encourages you as much as it encouraged me writing it. We all need accountability in our lives. I pray you all have a blessed week! Thanks for reading!
GOD BLESS YOU ALL!
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