When the Inspiration of God Fades

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” – 2 Corinthians 5:7 NKJV

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There’s a moment in time when we stand on the proverbial mountaintop knowing God is right by our side. When our prayers connect, our vision is cleared, and his presence is felt.

 

It may last a day, a season, or just for a moment, but the time always comes when the royal curtain closes, the lights dim, and the holy inspiration of God fades.

 

We long to relive our glorious moments with him; pleading for him to lift us back to that high place of revelation and keep us there.

 

But for our sake he will not, and that’s when OUR  faithfulness tends to fade.

 

I remember the first time God cast me onto my own two feet after a time of closeness with him. I felt like a toddler taking her first steps – completely unsure of where and how to go, but wanting to try with my fresh fill of faith. Then hard times came, and storm waters rose, and I forgot about my faithful God, as the waves of turmoil rolled over my head.

 

I tried swimming the raging seas on my own, only to fail and fall into despair. I cried out to God like King David once did:

“How long, Lord? Will you hide yourself forever?
…Lord, where is your former great love?” (Psalm 89:46,49)

 

Over the years, I’ve learned we are not to want the high places with God so much we forget that the low places are where faithfulness and holiness truly grow.

 

God tells us we can move mountains with a mustard seed faith – NOTHING will be impossible for us! (Matthew 17:20)

 

But what kind of faith is required to stand on the mountaintop with God, where the full assurance of his power and perfection are easy to see, and easy to believe?

 

None, I think.

 

The real courage is to thank him for who he is, and the intimate time we’ve had with him. To turn away, climb down the mountain, and live out our days in the valley remembering always who is on high – the great I AM.

 

But how do we remember his sovereignty when fear, pain, and tears cloud every day?

 

I believe a mindset of praise will keep the flame of our faith burning bright.

 

Praise causes humility and dependence. It chases nobel and lovely thoughts, and establishes a firm foundation for our faith to endure while we cannot see God’s face.

 

So while we live in the down low, let us look up and marvel at the whispers of his presence in Creation. Let us look down and wonder at the treasures he has hidden here on the earth, and let us look around at the beauty of the faces and places he has rested around us.

 

And may we know our faith isn’t about size or sight, but about tiny steps wrapped in faithful praise as we slowly return to the high place where God will meet us at the end of our days.

 

Verses to ponder…

 

That my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever. (Psalm 30:12)

 

He will guard the feet of his faithful servants, but the wicked will be silenced in the place of darkness. “It is not by strength that one prevails.” (1 Samuel 2:9)

 

I have chosen the way of faithfulness. (Psalm 119:30)