By REV JOHN HATCHER
Religion Columnist

A malaise seems to have a hold on spiritual affairs among Christians and the church, at least on the south side of Atlanta. I shudder in using such a word for it is the very word verbalized by Jimmy Carter in describing the nation in the late seventies. Ronald Reagan responded by championing the greatness of America and won the election .

This spiritual malaise sees us trying for revival and renewal through special conferences that promise heaven on earth, but hardly ever deliver. The malaise sees us taking a stand against certain businesses locating in our community, but all the time deeply believing our cause is not about what we are against, but whom we worship.

The malaise sees us showing up at football stadiums where there are crowds and people planning to shout. We ask the believers to say the Lord's Prayer. They do. Nevertheless, what happens for the sake of the Kingdom of God?

When there is a general blah holding the church, we will do just about anything to get something stirred up. Anything but the main thing! Personally, I believe the malaise represents the calm before the storm of great revival. God has yet to change his formula for genuine, community-changing, hell-rattling, saint-shouting, sin-eliminating, lovemaking revival.

God's formula can be found in 2 Chronicles 7:14"If my people who are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sins, and heal their land."

To humble ourselves, we must admit that Christian renewal is beyond us and beyond our ability to organize. We are incapable in and of ourselves to bring in a new day for the church, much less our own individual lives. You and I are incapable of changing the environment of our home, church, community, and nation.

To pray simply means that we start calling on God individually and collectively. We talk a good game about prayer; however, we do not do it. There are no more than 30 minutes of prayer in the average church during an average week (add it up; I did) and that is including Sundays. Revival will not come without prayer. No ifs, ands, or buts.

To seek the face of God means that we go after what excites God. We seek his holiness and learn just what is not holy in our lives. We seek after his righteousness and discover the unrighteous places in our lives. We worship him and realize how pitiful are the other gods we worship, i.e., money, fame, status, power.

To turn from our wicked ways tips God off that we are dead serious about wanting more of him and less of ourselves. Turning from sin opens the way for God to bless, provide, give, love and restore. Good question: what sin have you turned from lately?

So, yes, there is a spiritual malaise. Nevertheless, it can only be broken through spiritual strategy: a humbling, a praying, a seeking, and a turning! Then, watch out for an awakening as never before!

Rev. Dr. John Hatcher is pastor of River's Edge Community Church in Fayetteville.

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