18. Resolved, to live so at all times, as I think is best in my devout frames, and when I have clearest notions of things of the gospel, and another world.

Commentary:

As believers, we all have times where it seems we're enjoying a closer intimacy with the Lord. We seem to be more spiritually minded, we pray more often, we hate our sin more, we love others and serve others more. There is a gospel-clarity to our lives. Then there are other times we feel distant from the Lord- foggy minded, prone to commit those sins we hate, and reclusive. To top it all off we are tired and this contributes to a distracted prayer life.

Is there a way to change our mindset from foggy to clear? Is there a way to grab hold of gospel-clarity in moments we're susceptible to sin?

Edwards seemed resolved to at least try. I am not quite sure how he tangibly sought to achieve this, but my guess would be that Edwards carefully documented those seasons of clarity and reviewed them in the midst of his foggy seasons. This may be a good exercise to try especially for those of us who feel more foggy than clear headed. Journal those intimate moments with the Lord and review them often. Journal those spiritual disciplines present in your life during those sweet, tender seasons of intimacy with God and be sure to remind yourself of them frequently.

Edwards seemed to think it was helpful and I tend to agree.