by John Leese

Some years ago I was in Hospital in Luxembourg recovering from surgery when I heard a
very excited voice in the corridor outside my room: “Where is he? Where is he? The man
from from Stoke-on-Trent?” I was born in Stoke-on-Trent, a not very well known City in the
UK. I was surprised by the sudden interest in my birthplace!.

The excited young lady, a Nurse, came into my room saying, “You come from where he
comes from!” “Who?” I said. “Robbie Williams” she replied. Unfortunately, I’d never heard
of this world famous English singer and songwriter! The Nurses’ enthusiasm was not
dampened. Next day she brought me several books about her favorite singer, which I
read, thinking there may be a test later!

I learned that not only was Robbie Williams born the same City as I was, but we both lived
in the same street, though not at the same time. I found the story of Robbie Williams
interesting, but sad. I got the feeling that he was searching for something that fame and
fortune had not given him. In his song, Feel, Robbie Williams sings: “I just want to feel real
love,There’s a hole in my soul, You can see it in my face. It’s a real big place.”

There is a ‘hole in everyone’s soul’ that neither celebrity nor wealth can fill. The problem
is, as Pascal said, “There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of every man which cannot
be filled by any created thing, but only by God the Creator, made known through Jesus
Christ.” – Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John
10:10 NIV). It is God who ‘makes known to us the path of life…’ It is God who fills us with
joy in His presence …” (Ps 16:11)

The Feelings Are Gone?

But what about the Christian who was once rejoicing in God, eager to serve the Lord, but
who now feels dissatisfied, empty, even a bit bored by ‘church’? … How can the ‘joy of
salvation’ be restored? Allow me to suggest 3 things:

First, “Be filled with the Spirit…” says Ephesians 5:18 (NIV). The Greek present tense
suggests that the filling of the Spirit is not a once-for-all experience, but something that can
and should be repeated regularly. How? Start by asking the Lord to do it … to fill you with
His Holy Spirit. Ask every day, be persistent until the light shines and the Holy Spirits fills
you once again!

Then second, stay ‘filled with the Spirit’ by “speaking to one another with psalms, hymns,
and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving
thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians
5:19-20 NIV).

We need a varied selection of worship songs to keep us ‘filled with the Spirit’ – Songs that
are based on the Psalms, that are focused on God and honour Him. Hymns that have a
depth of meaning, filled with the great truths of the Bible. ‘Songs from the Spirit’ – songs
that are inspired by, influenced by the Holy Spirit, that glorify the Son. Make you own
spiritual playlist – sing ‘from your heart to the Lord’ at home, in the car, wherever you can!

Last, be thankful: “Always giving thanks to Goad the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” says Ephesians 5:20 (NIV). Nicky Gumbel, of the Alpha Cours, said
that while sitting on a bench in a park in London he started to thank God for His blessings.
Within a short time he had mentioned 100 things! I thought ‘I’ll try that’ … I soon reached
100 and was greatly encouraged.

So, let’s take responsibility for our spiritual well being. Let’s do all we can to stay ‘filled with
the Spirit!’