do you have a "spiritual deficit"?

An Irish proverb says, "A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures for anything." Many times, when I have been overly upset, my mother has told me to go to sleep; things will look better in the morning. God made our bodies to require a good night's rest. Sleep is a time of renewal for the body. It is when tissue is repaired, growth takes place, the immune system is boosted, and energy builds up for the next day.

Just as the "outward man" (the body) needs daily renewal, "the inward man" also needs to be renewed "day by day." Not getting enough sleep dulls judgment, hinders memory, weakens immunity, and makes us moody and short-tempered. Likewise, consider the spiritual dangers of failing to experience daily renewal. It affects spiritual judgment, memory, immunity (to temptations), and temper.

A "sleep debt" builds when we do not get enough sleep. Just 30-60 minutes less sleep than needed, over time, create this deficit. Research has shown that while people seem to adapt, not feeling this lack, it affects us physically and mentally.

When we fail to give enough time to our spiritual renewal (Bible reading and study, prayer, meditation), a "spiritual deficit" begins building up. We might not notice this lack and begin to "adapt" to less time with God. A five-minute prayer and a Scripture or two seem to be enough; yet the inward man needs much more.

Is your "inward man" renewed, refreshed, and strengthened, or are you experiencing a "spiritual deficit"? Each day God has a plan for the renewing of your inner man. Just as God fed Israel in the wilderness with daily "manna," He has everything your "inward man" needs for whatever is facing you today.

The Lord's mercies . . . are new every morning:
​great is thy faithfulness.
— Lamentations 3:22-23