Dealing with the Problem of a Backsliding Spirit
How to Overcome and Deal with a Backsliding Spirit:
- Identification and Recognition: Backsliding may be recognized or identified by numerous signs which it may manifest through, including:
- Half-heartedness in prayer and worship
It is an abstinence from reading and studying the Word of God, fellowship. - Compromise on values and beliefs
Gradual abandonment of spiritual practices or activities. - Failures should be acknowledged and accepted, and responsibility taken for the same.
2. Repent and Return:
- – Sins to be confessed and forgiven 1 John 1:9
Psalm 51:10-12 speaks to restoration to proper relationship to God. - Re-established spiritual disciplines, Acts 2:42-47
Take responsibility yet know how and when to ask for help.
3. Renew your mind by:
- Setting one’s mind on God’s word -Romans 12:2
Practice thankfulness; give lavish thanks just as it is modeled in Psalm 100.
• Replace negative thoughts with the truth of the Bible
More aware of the self and aware
- Rest in God’s Strength:
- Admit your weakness; 2 Corinthian 12:9-10
- Depend on God’s enabling Ephesians 6:10-18
- Be led by the Holy Spirit: John 16:13
Instead, lean on nothing but the changeless faithfulness of God’s limitless love.
PRAYER:
O Omnipotent and eternal heavenly Father, that reignest over all things:
We are grateful for the night’s rest and morning hours to take our morning dose.
We come into your presence fully conscious of our struggles with the backsliding spirit. Change us, O Lord, take away from us this spirit of complacency and compromise.
Give us now profound insight into how to live effectively in our world, yet being true to the biblical perspective and conviction which undergirds our lives. Fill us anew with Your Holy Spirit, that we may walk in obedient conformance to all Your teachings and laws.
Still more overwhelming and deeper longing for Your word A deep-seated love to pray and worship. Bravery in standing up for what is right and fair. – Strength to bear the trials We pray for Your divine guidance, that which would give us the required empowerment to surmount these forces of retrogression, that would always try to hold hostage. We pray in the all-powerful name of Jesus Christ.
