|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me” (John 13:21, ESV).
On newsfeeds, we see titles such as Five Symptoms of a Pending Heart Attack, Ten Ways to Know You Have Diabetes, or Four Symptoms of a Cheating Financial Planner.
And if the symptoms are accurate, we better not ignore them.
Jesus was troubled in His Spirit as He knew about His upcoming betrayal. The same Spirit of Jesus has been given to us to convict us concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment, so it would make sense that we will experience a troubled spirit.
So, let’s define a troubled spirit:
A sense of uneasiness or troubling about a person, place, event, or situation that doesn’t want to go away (from the OG [Old Guy] Spiritual Dictionary).
We’ve all had the feeling of something not being right, perhaps convincing ourselves to proceed, and wishing later that we had fled the situation. If we have a “troubled” spirit, it’s important to know the symptoms and not ignore them.
Symptom #1: Sleeplessness
Most sleeplessness is caused by years of accumulating detritus of sin. But sometimes, even with soul clutter, we can’t sleep; something is wrong. Don’t go back to sleep; get up and pray.
Symptom #2: Fear
We all fight fear as it’s the temptation of this age. But a troubled spirit brings a different type of fear — not worry — but caution, even a warning to stop, not to go further. I’ve talked to many saints who hear this often soft voice and were glad afterward that they listened.
Symptom #3: The Multiple Friends Warning
When sharing a potential decision, I’ve had several friends be honest and bold to explain that they didn’t feel comfortable with my ideas. Learn to listen to friends.
Symptom #4: A Scriptural Rebuke
Nathan, the prophet, rebuked King David for his sin with Bathsheba. Since the Spirit inspires Scripture, like a prophet, a verse may slam us upside our obstinate heads. Don’t become stiff-necked or too red in the face from embarrassment.
Obey God’s voice through His Word!
Symptom #5: Closed Doors
We need to pray against demonic obstacles to our plans, but often, those hindrances protect us from trouble. Learn to discern the difference. The easiest way is to ask God for insight.
Claim the James 1:5-7 promise of asking for wisdom in faith.
That’s it, five symptoms of a troubled Spirit.
God, give us your peace in all our actions and attitudes!