Have you ever been confused about an assignment? You have read the instructions over and over again, but it just isn’t clear and you need help to figure it out. In his letters to the first century Christians, the apostle Paul gave a lot of instructions about the Christian life. I find hope in the verse above, that the key to our life as followers of Jesus is in the power of the Holy Spirit, who lives in us.
I don’t know if it’s just me, but sometimes I have trouble telling the difference between the Holy Spirit’s leading and my own feelings. Because I struggle with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), sometimes I feel like I should or should not do things that have nothing to do with obedience to God. I need the Holy Spirit’s guidance, not only to guide me in listening to him, but to help me not listen to my own voice about trivial things that will just keep me in bondage.
I love the first verse of Romans 8, which reminds us that we are not condemned if we are abiding in Christ. I can have hope that, even when I am confused, God understands and does not condemn me for having OCD and struggling with those compulsions. His instructions are clear and simple, and I can rest in that.
Dear Father, thank you for your precious Holy Spirit and the promise that this power that raised Jesus from the dead is in me. Help me listen to you daily, and not my own confusion. Help me pass along the hope you have given me to others, especially those who don’t know you. Help me trade compulsions for your power and peace. In Jesus name, amen.
Throughout this day: Have you ever been confused about the voice of God? How does the assurance of God’s power within you help you overcome?
Photo Credit: Polina Kovaleva