Jesus came to revive hearts, renew minds, and restore life. And He came to do that here, now, on earth — not just when we get to heaven.

I woke up from a dream this morning where I uttered the phrase “emotionally dead” in the context of preaching. I don’t remember any other details, but that bit stuck with me this morning. I remembered that there was a time earlier in my life where I was increasingly becoming emotionally dead. The childlike innocence was all but gone, I was dabbling in hidden sin, I was confused and angry about where my life was headed, and I felt alone and friendless. And all the while I was a Christian in the context of a Christian home with a loving family!

Never let anyone tell you “going to church” and being a “good Christian” will change you. It doesn’t. You can take that from me. Only the all-revealing, all-consuming fire of the holy God can turn dead men into living beings once again. And while this can happen in church, praise the Maker, it can also happen in your bedroom or in the town square.

Are you feeling emotionally dead? Are you tired of trying to find the next high that will make your “life” a little bit less of a living hell for a short while? Are you sick of the guilt and shame that you’ve suppressed all these years because “doing it” just helped to deaden the pain? Do you wish you could start over again with a clean slate and feel truly young once again, feel alive?

According to the writings of John the Apostle, Jesus said this:

“I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

Pray this with me today:

Oh God, I am desperate to find rest in your pasture. I love you, honor you, and praise your name because you are indeed the good shepherd. Thank you for being the door through which I can be saved. Thank you for bringing abundant life to my spirit, renewal to my soul, and healing to my body. Lord, forgive me of all my sin, my guilt, and my shame, and wash my heart clean by the blood that you shed on the cross. Jesus, I pray you will be one with me just as you are one with your Father in heaven. I pray that I will no longer be emotionally dead, feeling nothing but numb heartache and loss, but that I will be overflowing with love, joy, peace, strength, and faith as I praise and worship you on earth and in heaven. Amen! Glory to God in the Highest!