My heart goes out (metaphor) to skeptics.
Sometimes doubt can be a stoppage of the life force (faith and hope) that flows to and from the heart. Perhaps, like cholesterol, stuff jams up the flow and keeps the heart from being refreshed with life-giving nutrients. It hurts to be cut off from hope.
One example could be looking at a 'word from the Lord' that someone writes or shares and deeming it to be of little to no value or a "fakery," something someone tries to pass off as the very words of God for someone, a fluffy feel-good and simplistic declaration that things will be alright. A little skepticism is good, because it can keep us from being duped. Too much, though, might stifle emotion. Just like love, faith is not a feeling, but faith without any feelings is ... (I would say "sad," but sadness is an emotion, he he) ... missing something.
If we assume that "God doesn't work this way" or "that way," then we might miss God doing something cool in that particular avenue. Sometimes, when I read a "prophetic email" or something with that kind of angle, I judge it to be not much more than an encouraging word with biblical principles. I don't apply it to my life as if it's God's specific message to me for such and such a situation. If I did ever hope to apply such a "word" to my life, it would be after passing through several layers of skepticism and questions. I don't dismiss, however, that God could sometimes operate in this way.
It's kind of a "head gets in the way of the heart" thing. This can happen on so many levels, but it effectively (maybe) keeps God at arm's length away from the doubting heart. I am convinced that God can sufficiently satisfy the intellectual questions that a sincere heart has -- concerning His existence and His presence in the world.
I don't live in the "Feelings Department," but I'd hate to permanently leave never to return to emotions again. I am very thankful that man is a balanced creature -- with mind, body, and spirit -- or emotions, will, and logic.
Anyway, a possible way to touch that part of your being with a God imprint is to do works of service: to help someone else. Whether that's meeting a physical need (feeding someone or repairing their kitchen sink) or an emotional one (like listening to someone's problems). Biblically speaking, this is one way to be in God's will and to do what He wants to be done on earth. Perhaps this will allow your emotions to flow. It's not about you, and in giving yourself outside of yourself, you might actually enjoy a benefit that could be labelled "giver's joy."
Posted by Doug Van Pelt at November 28, 2008 09:56 AMGreat comment. For a long time I wondered and wandered around about such things. I've seen many prophetic "word(s)" of God, most of them never coming true. The greatest tool we have in deciphering whether some one IS speaking the word of God, is the Word of God. He never changes. He would never contradict himself. So when some one speaks the word of God, I strain it through the skepticism of His word, to find the truth.
Posted by: Robert Wilson at November 28, 2008 01:08 PMDear Doug,
What you have written here touches a deep chord. I am heartened and enthused that you have so much empathy and care for anyone in need. Your
whole life has been geared to this ever since you began HM Magazine over a quarter of a century ago. This magazine is like many magazines all in one. God love, bless and prosper it for many years to come. And you and yours very especially!
I agree. I think we are encouraged and exhorted to "test prophecies," and seeing if a "word" lines up with the "Word" is the best way. Another test, underneath that one, is whether or not the "word" lines up with God's character. Having people one can trust around that allows us to "bounce off" a "word" is another good test.
Posted by: Doug at December 2, 2008 01:07 PM