This resolution speaks directly to being in a spiritual rut. Further, it points to our recurring need for revival of personal dedication and zeal.
While reflecting on Edwards 42nd resolution, my own testimony came to mind. Something else that stands out about this resolution is that Edwards notes a date in it.
That date is the 12th of January in 1723.
If reading his personal diary for that date, you’ll see that Edwards had experienced a significant renewal of spirit himself. It was so powerful and moving, he made a resolution to revisit that occasion as necessary to rekindle it.
Jonathan Edwards Resolution 42
Edwards’ Resolution #42 (in my modernized language) To frequently renew my dedication to God, and do so in the spirit of when I first did so.
The Hallmarks of My Testimony
Born into a semi-Catholic household where mom was raised as such while dad tolerated it, I was sort of brought up in the Catholic church. I was baptized as an infant. There were pictures and godparents, the whole deal. Mom later made sure I attended Catechism classes and received my First Communion.
That was in second or third grade. After that, mom chose to let me find my own way, so I stopped going to church and probably did not receive communion again until after I had completed my senior year of high school. That was August 1995, just after I accept Christ as my savior. Is did not appreciate the enormity of Holy Communion until a may years later though.
In the following years, I did short-term mission trips, began personal study, started blogging about my need for spiritual awakening of my heart, and took on leadership roles in my church. I’ve led ministries and have dedicated my work as a writer to the Lord.
Today, though, I have to confess that I am in a spiritual rut or funk. I’m longing for what’s next. I’m feeling stale and distant from God.
Revival from Your Spiritual Rut
The year of 2018 was one of personal quest and growth. In many ways, it found success. It others, it flopped. I had to take a step back and consider what it was that I was pursuing. I worked on myself. And I got selfish as a result.
Realizing this brought sadness to my heart and had me questioning if there was really any progress at all. In the stress of life and ambiguity of not having clear direction, I fell into old habits. I thought I was walking closer with God. However, while doing so, I distracted myself from the relationships God has blessed me with in his creation.
The time for revival is now. Unfortunately, getting out of a spiritual rut is rarely and easy feat.
Your Spiritual Rut is Okay (& There’ll be Others)
Today, I am restless for many reasons I am not detailing here. Some of it I still have to reconcile in my mind and heart. Some of it I am petitioning God for answers. Other portions, I am trying to better understand. But one thing I know is that restless spirit is a sign of God working in your soul.
My rut, as I know with all things, shall not last. As I reflect upon the wonderful life God has blessed me with to this point, I know there is still much in store. Though my fire may be dwindled, it’s a mere moment in time. The embers still burn and my soul is charging up for full-fledged rekindling.
Watch out world.
My God is mighty…
and I have no doubt he’ll have me back on track.