A slump can refer to a period of decline or deterioration in various areas of life, such as spiritual or financial. It is essential to acknowledge that it is natural to experience a slump. Take time for personal reflection to discover the possible reasons behind it. The Bible is an excellent resource for guidance. For instance, the book of Psalms offers valuable advice. In Psalm 42, the authors, the sons of Korah, share their distress as worship leaders and question why they cannot put their trust in God. This gives us our next step: look to God! Once we discover the basis for our slump, I recommend finding what God has to say. Another way to approach the third step is to appreciate the good things around you: the blessings you already have. The final step is to look for an opportunity to serve or help others. This is a crucial step, mainly if your slump is self-deprecation.

Remember, it’s a natural part of life.  Take time to identify the reason, look to the Author of all life for advice and pause to appreciate the positive things in your life and help others!

– Captain Denesia Polusca, Chicago, IL

I don’t want to go to church. Does that make me a bad Christian?

As we get older, it is important that we shift from doing things just because we are told to do them because we understand why they are important. Many people are not fans of going to the doctor or the dentist, but we go because our parents tell us we need to, and they take us. There comes a point in time when we go, not because we are told we need to, but because we understand it is for our good. Going to church is similar but much more important.   

Scripture tells us in Hebrews that we should not “neglect meeting together” (Hebrews 10:25). Just as going to the dentist isn’t always fun but it is for our good, the same can be said about going to church. There may be parts of going to church that you don’t like but going is for your good. Not only is gathering together for worship with others for our good and benefit, but attending worship will be good for someone else. Christ’s followers are members of His body. Each believer is a brick in God’s house built together. The church is where the Lord meets us and brings support, encouragement, blessing and fellowship to us and through us. While there may be things about going to church that you don’t like, just remember that’s what the Lord has in store for you!

– Major Michael Laro, Hartford, CT