Though I’ve been in churches all my life, and heard teachings on the Holy Spirit, I don’t think I’ve ever truly understood how he works. Maybe that’s because I grew up in a faith tradition that didn’t emphasize that. Maybe I rarely saw other believers live in the power of the Holy Spirit. Or maybe I never really stopped to consider how the Spirit works in my life.
My personality tends to bend toward planning. My tendency is to avoid situations where I don’t feel in control. Those characteristics do not lend themselves to giving in to a God I cannot see. Yet to live in God’s will, I must trust his Spirit to guide me and not be afraid.
In my recent search of scripture to discover more about God’s Spirit, one Old Testament passage that I learned in Sunday school continues to come to mind. As I meditate on it, I find a simple recipe for living in the Spirit-filled life.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding… Don’t give in to fear, and stop trusting in your own ability to figure out the right plan.
In all your ways submit to him… Pause and pray and seek God’s direction.
and he will make your paths straight… The Spirit will actively and continually guide your steps in the way that he has planned for you.
Some days, it’s just that simple.
Father, God of Hosts, as I pause to pray and read your Word, reveal more of the truth of your Spirit.
For Today: Meditate on Proverbs 3:5-6. Journal about which part of the passage may be hard for you to put into practice. Pray for God to show you how to live it out.