My pastor preached an interesting sermon today. The theme was “Refilling our Faith,” and the thrust was one we don't like to face: life with Jesus doesn’t always get ‘sweeter as the days go by’ in the words of an old hymn. Actually, at times, despite our best efforts to be pious and devout, if we were truly honest with ourselves and with others, we would have to acknowledge that sometimes our faith just dwindles. Often in day-to-day life, we just feel a sense of emptiness. Isn’t this true?

Perhaps the reason comes from sickness, relationship problems, financial troubles, loss of job, rising gas prices or a thousand other stressors which combat us from every angle every day. But the bottom line is, more often than we care to admit, we feel empty. Our faith, which is supposed to carry us on wings like eagles, doesn’t seem to even be able to lift us off the ground. (Isaiah 40:31)

How do we deal with it? We can deny it. Wear a false smile on our faces and walk around saying, “I’m fine, thank you.” We can memorize more bible verses in hopes that a dogmatic approach will relieve the creeping emptiness. We can turn to medication for depression or join a support group, both of which have their appropriate place in health and healing. But I would like to suggest that adding worship into our daily devotion, seeking healing through music that is found in the bible can bring about spiritual peace and hope.

More than two millenia ago, the psalmist David found that music ushered in real interaction, even intimacy, with Almighty God. Psalm 42; Psalm 62-63. As Psalm 33:18 states, the One who created our hearts truly understands our every need and emotion.

So, when we feel lonely, empty, depressed, we can acknowledge our feelings, confess our fears, cry our tears in the presence of the only One who truly understands. This, in fact, is the only solution which can set us on the road to wellness and stillness.

During those times that we notice an emptiness in our soul, those are the the times we most need to draw near to God in an attitude of worship. When our faith in Jesus seems to have lost power to move us, not to mention move mountains, we can still run to our Saviour as a refuge and a hiding place. I have found in my own journey of faith that in these seasons of emptiness, if I can just pushing deeper into Jesus instead of turning away, I find not only comfort and rest, but a deep sense of safety and serenity.

There are two ways that I have personally learned how to push in even when I feel unmotivated, unworthy, unspiritual. The first is to just continue reading and studying the Word of God. When I cannot muster up desire for an intense (or even a simple) Bible study, I open my Bible to a favorite passage, a psalm perhaps, and I read just a few words. Then I allow those words to wash over my spirit, and I pray for faith, for peace, for hope, for whatever I need. Never does the Lord disappoint. It’s something the Lord has promised – when we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us. (James 4:8)

But mostly, the biggest way that I have learned to press into the Lord, to experience a spiritual connection even when my total being is depleted of energy and life, is through music. I believe that music is one of God’s most precious creations; and our ability to appreciate it – or create it – can be a direct pathway into His presence.

I have been a pianist and a singer most of my life, and music has become a personal prayer language for me. It has become the quickest way for me to enter into an attitude of worship, and the Lord has used music in my life as a method of renewing and healing.

So, the next time you are feeling empty or are needing emotional stability, allow the word of God to speak to you and the presence of God to be in you and around you. Try listening to (or creating if you want) music that is based in scripture.

Jesus offers us an unending well of living water. (John 4:14) When we need to “refill our faith” we can go back to the well again and again and say, “I need more!” Jesus answers, “Come!” Worship through music can be an avenue through which we come to that well.

Sheila Lloyd

Some expressions and ideas taken from sermon “Refilling Our Faith” by Pastor Brad Selan of Windhaven Church, www.windhavenchurch.com