In Perplexity

It has fallen to our lot recently to come in contact with several perplexed and perplexing cases among Christians, mostly young Christians. They have lost all the enjoyment of communion with God, lost even peace with God. They were quite sure they were sincere and in earnest when they confessed Christ, but what they experienced at that time has gone from them and they stand in doubt about themselves. They find no delight in the Word of God and prayer any more, and they mourn the indifference they find within them. Complaints run on in these lines, and they are perplexed. They are not aware of having committed any great wrong to mark the beginning of a downward course, and yet they are conscious of being on such a course. What are they to do to recover themselves ? One feels the need of wisdom from above in seeking to help such.

First of all, there may have been undue pressure brought upon them to have them confess Christ and the possession of salvation before their state of soul justified such a confession. A confession made apart from the state of soul which belongs to it is most dangerous. An intellectual peace will not stand when Satan fires his darts, and no confessor of Christ can escape encountering Satan. Sin is an awful reality. It was so to Christ when He bore it on the cross. It brought Him fearful distress. It must also be real to us if we would enjoy divine peace without a break. When a wise man plants a tree he is most concerned about its root, for there lies the secret of its progress. Spiritual things demand no less care and wisdom. Pressing souls beyond their spiritual state can but bring disaster later on. But there is more. The believer, no matter how young, is by his or her faith separated to God, and no longer his own. They are Christ's, redeemed at great cost-by His precious blood. If in their daily life – in their pleasures, choice of friends, choice of books, etc.-they neglect private intercourse with God by means of His word and prayer, thus denying His claim over them, they may be sure the results of it will come with sorrow and loss to them.

But when that sad day comes what is to be done ? Is there no remedy ? Such is the grace of God that there is no evil place into which we may have brought ourselves but He has a way for us out of it. Let there be honest confession to God of all we know, of all we can say against ourselves. Let there be no excuses made, no letting ourselves down in an easy way, no trying to lay blame upon others, but, conscious that God knows already, that we can tell Him nothing new, nothing that can surprise Him, let us unbosom ourselves in the utmost confidence, for Jesus who first washed us quite clean for God's presence is ready now to wash our feet, as is shown in John 13, and enable us to walk aright before God again.

Fear not therefore, beloved ones who are now in perplexity . Only judge yourselves before Him unsparingly for whatever is laid on your conscience, and wait for Him. It may be some time before you experience the same former joy, for the Lord must have His way with us for our greatest good, but He will not leave you in your perplexity. While it lasts, however, do not take yourself away from the company of God's people. Abide among them, even though your misery be the greater by it. By withdrawing, you will be inclined to brood over the evil and continue under its power, instead of confessing it to God and in due time being restored. Do not be discouraged if at first you see but little sorrow in your heart for the evil you confess. God, who alone is the author of what is good, will produce this in you as you go on.
Above all, refuse Satan's suggestions that God loves you no more. He does love you. He never ceases to love you, not because you are worthy, but because His grace has linked you with Christ on whom His love rests, with His own, eternally.