Friday Fight 85 - Spiritually Depleted or Spiritually Stripped?

Every Friday, when I wake and pray, God places something on my heart to help me fight darkness beginning in our minds. Today is FF85.

What do we imagine when we read the words' depleted' and 'stripped'? We may envision exhaustion, depravity, or denial of something important. Often this time of year means our bank accounts are being depleted faster than we can replenish them. Regardless of what image surfaces, let's unpack what these two words mean regarding our spiritual lives and the implications of each.

Spiritually Depleted or Spiritually Stripped?

How often have we gone to the doctors and been told our body is depleted of iron or some other essential mineral? To apply this lesson, imagine depletion as something we do to ourselves, like not getting enough iron or being exhausted from lack of sleep. In the same way, there are multiple definitions for the word stripped, but let's imagine being robbed or denied of something due to the actions of another person. So one we do, internally depleted, the other is done to us, externally stripped.  

If you are experiencing frustration with feeling distant from God or desire your family unit to walk in unity towards God, this lesson may help. Visualize spiritual depletion as something we do to ourselves; again, it is internal. We stop going to church, aren't praying regularly, or are too busy to read our Bibles. Over time, prolonged deficiency means we become depleted, significantly impacting our spiritual lives. In teaching prefixes, 'de' means "do the opposite." It is relatively easy to stop depleting ourselves because it's our own doing. But what does it mean to be spiritually stripped, and how do we navigate it? Let's look at this from an external position. Think about who or what may be preventing, blocking, or stripping us of the opportunity to know God more. Maybe reading this brings a person or area of life to mind. Like any Friday Fight lesson, we can only address something if we are made aware. Each week I pray for God's perfect timing and the application for those reading these lessons.

In whatever area is applicable, self or family, what external factors prevent an intimate relationship with God? For example, maybe one parent feels children should not have to attend a church that allows them to remain home. Perhaps a family dynamic is so humiliating we stay home to avoid potential questions. In many situations, people are robbed of the opportunity to have a relationship with God. 

Now is a good time for a few genuinely honest, reflective questions. First, are we spiritually depleted, and if so, what changes can we make to bring restoration?

Next, is there something or someone spiritually stripping us in any way, and if so, how can we pray? This lesson, prayer, and a potential conversation with others will encourage clarity that may result in spiritual growth. So let's take this week to offer encouragement and prayer to those around us.   

Pastor Shannon

New Life Calvert