Spiritual Stability

12-27-2011 by Boyd Bailey

Spiritual Stability


“But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.” James 1:6-8

Spiritual stability comes from thinking properly about the things of God. His ways are like the secure moorings of a ship that is docked safely and secure in its harbor. And His Spirit is like the wind that propels the billowy sail of a boat in need of movement in the right direction. However, doubt can creep in like a selfish bandit and steal away thoughts of security. It is at this testing point of trust that a calm child of God relies on Christ’s character.

Jesus is all knowing, all-powerful and ever present. He is a rock of stability, a fortress of protection and a cleft of comfort. The Lord’s love is everlasting; His peace reaches beyond comprehension and His wisdom is liberal in its doses. Regardless of a disciple’s storm—sickness, loneliness, sadness, debt or rejection—there is a hopeful option. Pride is like a hard grape that requires circumstances to crush the fruit, so it can become fine wine.

“Say to the Levites: ‘When you present the best part, it will be reckoned to you as the product of the threshing floor or the winepress.” Numbers 18:23

Do you feel fearful of your job security? Do you feel abandoned by your boss, who left you exposed to be the scapegoat? It is during these intense times of career instability that you can have spiritual stability. Outwardly relationships and finances may be swirling out of control, but inwardly you can submit to the control of Christ. Stand firm in your faith, because He who has called you is faithful. Jesus is trustworthy, so trust without wavering.

The winds of adversity will try to veer you off Christ’s course, but stay the course. On sunny days it’s much easier to see a clear destination up ahead, but with raging storms, the human eye is severely limited. Thus, the Lord gives you an eternal instrument panel that is interpreted through intimacy with Him. Trust that what He says is true and where He says to go is good. Jesus gives spiritual stability when doubt assaults your faith.

“He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.” Proverbs 17:27, NKJV

What doubts can I give over to Christ and in turn receive His spiritual stability?

Related Readings: Psalm 107:30; 131:2; Isaiah 7:4; 1 Corinthians 1:9; 2 Peter 3:16