The Backslider's Burden: Lessons from Psalm 137 for Today's Faithful

Dear readers, in a world where spiritual complacency creeps in like a thief in the night, it's crucial for us as believers—especially those who cling to the fundamentals of the Christian faith—to heed the warnings of Scripture. Today, I want to share a reflection drawn from Psalm 137:1-4, a passage that paints a vivid picture of exile and longing. Titled "The Backslider's Burden," this post is inspired by timeless biblical truths and the profound insights of Charles Spurgeon, the Prince of Preachers. Whether you're a longtime fundamentalist or someone sensing a drift in your walk with Christ, let's dive into this exhortation together. As we explore, remember: God's Word is inerrant, His call to holiness unchanging, and His mercy ever-available for the repentant.

The Cry of Exile: Remembering Zion in a Foreign Land

"By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion. We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof. For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion. How shall we sing the Lord's song in a strange land?" (Psalm 137:1-4, KJV).

Imagine the scene: God's chosen people, far from the promised land, sitting by alien waters with hearts heavy and harps silent. Their captivity in Babylon wasn't random—it stemmed from idolatry and rebellion, as detailed in 2 Kings 24. They had chased after false gods and worldly alliances, leading to this sorrowful exile. The mocking demands of their captors to "sing one of the songs of Zion" only amplified their grief. How could they worship in such a "strange land"?

This isn't just ancient history; it's a mirror for us today. As faithful fundamentalists who uphold the authority of Scripture, we must recognize the peril of backsliding—a spiritual drift that pulls us away from close fellowship with Christ. Charles Spurgeon, in his sermon on Hosea 14:4, described backsliding as a "spiritual disease" that starts subtly in the heart and thoughts, leading to laxity in prayer, diminished delight in the Bible, and stunted growth in grace. He wisely noted, "Nine times out of ten, declension from God begins in the neglect of private prayer," a tiny compromise that snowballs into greater wanderings. Scripture echoes this: "Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings" (Jeremiah 3:22), and "My people are bent to backsliding from me" (Hosea 11:7). Backsliding is that willful turn from the narrow path, compromising the faith once delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3).

The Subtle Slippery Slope: How Backsliding Begins

For the Israelites, small compromises led to full-blown captivity. Similarly, in our lives, it might start with skipping church gatherings (Hebrews 10:25), neglecting daily devotions, or indulging in worldly entertainments. Before you know it, you're immersed in the "rivers of Babylon"—the currents of secularism—where the world mocks your faith and demands conformity. Unsavory coworkers, godless media, and fleshly temptations all cry, "Sing us one of the songs of Zion!" But in this strange land of compromise, true worship falters.

Spurgeon, in his exposition of Hosea 2:6-7, explained how God mercifully "hedges up" the backslider's way with thorns—afflictions and disappointments—to halt the pursuit of sinful "lovers" and prompt a return. "She shall follow after her lovers, but she shall not overtake them," he quoted, showing how divine providence turns sin's path into frustration for our ultimate good. If you're sensing this hedge in your life—perhaps through unrest or unfulfilled desires—it could be God's loving call to turn back.

The Heavy Weight: What Backsliding Costs Us

The burden is real and crushing. It's the loss of salvation's joy, as David pleaded after his sin: "Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation" (Psalm 51:12). It's the quenching of the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19), leaving your spiritual harp unused and praise silenced. It's a divided heart—knowing truth but living a lie. Spurgeon called this a gradual decline, defiling righteousness and grieving the Holy Spirit. And the warnings are dire: "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment..." (Hebrews 10:26-27). In his sermon "Return! Return!" on Jeremiah 3, Spurgeon labeled backsliding a "horrible, shameful sin" for those who've tasted God's mercies—a treason that astonishes heaven. Unrepented, it leads to eternal peril.

Hope in the Valley: God's Path to Restoration

But here's the good news—praise God, there's hope! Scripture doesn't abandon us in despair. Think of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32), who squandered everything in the "far country" until his burden drove him home to a welcoming Father. Likewise, Revelation 3:19 urges the lukewarm: "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent." Confess your sins—He's faithful to forgive (1 John 1:9).

Spurgeon's "The Backslider's Door of Hope" from Hosea 2:15 offers comfort: Even the valley of Achor—trouble and sin's exposure—becomes a door of hope, where God restores blessings and revives youthful songs. "Return, ye backsliding children, come back, come home to your God," he implored, for true rest is only in Him. God's promise in Hosea 14:4—"I will heal their backsliding"—is sovereign, involving full forgiveness and restoration through Christ's blood. As Spurgeon reminded, though sins be scarlet, they become white as snow for the humble confessor who returns by faith.

A Call to Self-Examination: Are You Drifting?

Fellow believers, let's examine ourselves (2 Corinthians 13:5). Is your heart far from Zion while you go through the motions? Spurgeon exhorted, "Be watchful, be vigilant," for dangers lurk even in security. Return to the fundamentals: Christ's blood atonement, Scripture's authority, separation from the world. Shake off Babylon's dust, take up your harp, and worship anew.

As Psalm 137 hints, God promises full restoration for the faithful. May we not be found wanting. If this resonates, share your thoughts in the comments—how has God hedged your path or restored your joy? Let's encourage one another in the faith.

In Jesus' name,

DMMC 

10-31-25