Laura

May 16, 2013 | Published in Laura R., spiritual life

Spiritual Deficiency

I have a vitamin D deficiency I didn’t know until my doctor did a blood test. I wouldn’t say it’s a big deal, but when I first found out, it did help explain why I was so tired all of the time.

*Among the symptoms are:

Low energy and fatigue

Symptoms of depression and mood swings

Sleep irregularities

Lowered immunity

To combat the deficiency, I take vitamin D3 supplements once a day. Pretty easy.

As I reached for the vitamin bottle one day, I realized that vitamins are not the only deficiency taking its toll on us.

There is spiritual deficiency.

Symptoms include:

Low energy and fatigue

Symptoms of depression and mood swings

Sleep irregularities

Lowered immunity

The symptoms look the same.

When I’ve strayed from God, am not in His Word, and not spending time with Him, I find myself tired and exhausted more often. I get extra moody and emotional. I’m quick to snap at family and friends. I may not be sleeping well due to stress and worry, or I may sleep too much from feeling depressed. And because my immune system is compromised from lack of rest, I tend to get sick more often.

There is no supplement from a bottle for spiritual deficiency, but better than any pill or liquid is the Healer Himself.

Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” Mark 6:31

Jesus offers us physical rest for our bodies, and spiritual rest for our emptiness.

He strengthens us emotionally to deal with life’s ups and downs.

He carries us when we can’t walk through the valley alone.

God created us to need rest and nourishment—both physical and spiritual. He never intended for us to go through this life alone, but instead promises to give us what we need.

The key is to spend time with Him…praise and worship Him…be in His Word…sit at His feet and relax in His presence.

Just like the vitamin D capsules won’t help me if I don’t take them every day, I can’t receive God’s rest and sustenance if I don’t go to Him.

What symptoms do you experience when you find yourself spiritually deficient?

*www.womentowomen.com

Tagged as: Devotional, encouragement, faith

This post may contain affiliate links. When you use them, you support this site. Thank you!
See our Disclosure Policy for details.

Wearing My 40’s Proudly

This week is my birthday.

I’ve always loved my birthday. (Even if there were a couple of years when moving into the next decade was a little hard to swallow.)

I wonder if God is like a parent—anxious to help His child celebrate her day.

Reminiscing…I remember the day I thought of you. How I enjoyed deciding exactly how to create you! The gifts and skills you would have…the plans I made for you.

And disappointed when we grumble about getting older.

My grandma wore the title of senior citizen proudly. She loved her birthday and until her last few years when she didn’t feel well, she just kept going, keeping busy and enjoying life.

Read the full article →

My Esther Moment

For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14 NIV

Last month, I spent a couple of weeks studying the Book of Esther. I knew I would enjoy it and learn a lot, but I didn’t expect God would use it to speak to me. I shouldn’t have been surprised.

God uses what we know and where we are to speak to us.

Read the full article →

Someone to Listen

As a mom, I wish I could fix all of the issues my daughter has to face.

The dramas of growing up and fitting in.

Learning to control her emotions and behavior.

Figuring out how to live in this sinful world.

But even if I could solve everything, I know it wouldn’t be what’s best for her because there are lessons to be learned.

What I can do is be there for her.

And sometimes, that’s what she needs most—someone to listen and let her know her feelings are valid.

She wants to be heard. She wants to know I’m there for her no matter what.

Read the full article →

Starting Small

It’s the beginning of a new year…the time when many of us think of changes we want to make…big changes.

We start out strong, energetic, and ready to make things happen.

And then it gets harder. We get sick. Tired. The unexpected happens and throws us off course. We’re so busy that we don’t have the time or energy to figure out how to do things differently.

And we feel like giving up.

Before throwing in the towel, I invite you to back up for a moment and start again. But this time, start small.

Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin… Zechariah 4:10 NLT

I’m learning to set smaller goals to work toward with shorter time frames.

Read the full article →

Life Changes…God Does Not

Life changes…God does not.

Christmas family traditions bring smiles and warm memories of time spent together. For some, it’s hot chocolate by the fireplace and smiles as their children open gifts. For others, it’s the singing of familiar Christmas carols.

But for some, the Christmas season not only brings sadness, but also images of the joy and happiness everyone else is experiencing. Behind warm smiles are empty hearts and aching souls. Maybe that someone is you.

Life changes.

Children grow older. They lose interest in family traditions or move away.

Hardships come and take over all we wish we could do.

Read the full article →