4 Biblical Cures for a Languishing Spirit
- Amanda Idleman Contributing Writer
- Published Aug 25, 2022
In our post-pandemic world, many of us find ourselves stuck. We aren't depressed, but we aren't flourishing either. Languishing, as defined by the psychoanalyst Masud Raza Khan, is a sense of apathy, lack of purpose and direction is not a vacuum or psychological downturn, but the necessary "fallow space" interval we need to rest within ourselves before we plow, seed and harvest new crops in our lives. It is also described as a sense of stagnation or emptiness.
Sometimes being stuck in the middle can be the most challenging place to move from. Nonetheless, we serve a God who came so we could have an abundant life (John 10:10). We were not designed to be stuck just getting by; we were created to create, live joyfully, and have a divine purpose.
Over the past three years, we have all faced loss, crisis, fear, disappointments, and unexpected changes. We have all lost something. A character from the Bible also faced terror, loss, and uncertainty; his name was David. In 1 Samuel 30, David and his army of men were on the run from Saul. When he and his men returned home, he found that all their families had been carried off by their enemies. They wept until they had no more strength to weep (v.4).
David could have found him stuck in a place of apathy and unending grief, but he led his men forward with grace and wisdom. We can learn from his response and apply them to our own lives to gain some forward motion despite trying circumstances.
1. David Found Strength in God's Presence
1 Samuel 30:6 says, "David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God." David was not only facing loss but also the potential betrayal of his men. His circumstances were bleak!
When he found himself in a scary predicament, He paused and spent time in the presence of the Lord. He knew that even when his flesh and his heart failed, God was the strength of his heart and his portion forever (Psalm 73:26). We can find supernatural encouragement in the presence of God. Somehow a moment of prayer and worship can shift our eyes from being focused on what feels impossible to us to the endless possibility we have through Christ.
If you find yourself unable to envision a thriving life, then it's time to spend time in a place of worship. Don't neglect creating space to be with the Lord. He gives young men dreams and old men visions (Acts 2:17). This just means that God inspires us!
2. David was Encouraged by God's People
1 Samuel 30:7-8 says, "Then David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelek, "Bring me the ephod." Abiathar brought it to him, and David inquired of the Lord, "Shall I pursue this raiding party? Will I overtake them? "Pursue them," he answered. "You will certainly overtake them and succeed in the rescue." David went to the priest and then to the Lord. To find wisdom, we need the input of other believers as well as the wisdom God gives through answered prayer.
The past three years have isolated us more than ever. Churches have struggled, families are under stress, and we need each other more than ever! It's time to get plugged back into your local faith community, serve your local nonprofits, and it's time to find renewed purpose through community and by serving others. If you're stuck, you need other believers to speak hope, joy, and the promises of God into your life. We are called to encourage and build each other up (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
3. David Knew the Voice of the Lord
In 1 Samuel 30:8, God answers David's question. David had immediate clarity for his difficult situation because he knew the voice of the Lord. Do we know what God's voice sounds like in our lives?
It's hard to find purpose, joy, and passion when we are living chaotic lives! It's tempting to follow every new fad, advice, or trend. It's important to care about what is going on in our world, but we can start to drown if we are moved by everything that is put in front of our faces. We need to hear from the Lord to find a place to move forward passionately.
My husband and I spend a season of time asking God, what does it look like for our family to live in light of eternity? We had no clue what to expect, but God is faithful to answer! He guided us to become foster parents and ignited a passion in our family's lives for those involved in foster care and adoption.
We care about many other issues, but in this season, God has given us one very clear mission, and we can be confident in the steps we take in this world because we know that God is the one that called us to it. He is our provider when we are lacking in some way. His grace is sufficient to meet our needs on this journey.
David was able to be confident in a scary moment because he knew the voice of his Father.
4. Offer Worship to the Lord
The Psalms show us that David takes time to praise the Lord, whether in a season of joy or lament. Psalm 145:16 says, "My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever." Praising God helps to lift our spirits. It reminds us that there is more to behold than just the circumstances in our lives; there is a whole creation that is working to glorify the name of the Lord. Worship reminds us that we serve a big worthy God that is engaged with his creation. He cares about the story of your life.
One of the reasons David is such a powerful character from the Bible is because he was so real. David wrote many of the Psalms, and we can read how he freely laments before the Lord as well as rejoices before the Lord. This is a reminder to us that we can be honest with God. If we find ourselves in a season of languishing, we can be honest with our Father and begin to pray that he brings a renewed sense of purpose and passion to our lives.
