Dear Rev. I have been born again for a long time and I recently decided that I wanted to give myself up for Jesus. Just the other night something came over me and told me that I don’t believe in him and that I don’t love him. I’ve been on this spiritual high and now it’s gone and I feel empty. Can you help me Rev? I’ve been rebuking the devil and using God’s word and I feel a little better, but I feel kinda empty. I know we walk by faith and not feeling, but I don’t know what to do. Please help. I’m a 16 year old boy.

What you are experiencing is normal for a Christian. We get on spiritual highs and want it to be like this every day. Who wouldn’t? However, each day has its own problems, some more serious than others. Sometimes we can get pretty down. Just read the Psalms and see how up and down David was. Here’s an example from Psalm 30: (note the extremes)

“Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning. When I was prosperous, I said, “Nothing can stop me now!” Your favor, O LORD, made me as secure as a mountain. Then you turned away from me, and I was shattered. I cried out to you, O LORD. I begged the Lord for mercy, saying, “What will you gain if I die, if I sink into the grave? Can my dust praise you? Can it tell of your faithfulness? Hear me, LORD, and have mercy on me.  Help me, O LORD.” You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent.” – Psalm 30:5-12.

There wasn’t anything wrong with David’s emotions. In fact, he was called a man after God’s own heart! (Acts 13:22) When bad days come, pray to the Lord and ask Him for help. Then wait on Him. Go on with your day and take care of what needs to be done. Continue resisting the devil which is the right thing to do. (Seems like he didn’t like your deeper commitment!) Congratulations for your desire to go “all the way” with the Lord at your age!