How to Follow the Spirit
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit
Galatians 5:25
The Word tells to live by the Spirit and to keep in step with the Spirit, plus there are numerous scriptures telling us that the Spirit teaches, brings scripture to memory, convicts us when we sin, and prays for us. What is our part in recognizing the Spirit in our lives? How do we hear the Spirit guiding our choices?
But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. (John 16:13). The Spirit speaks only what he hears from the Lord, and to hear the Spirit we must know the language of the Lord. We will then recognize thoughts from the Spirit because they are given in the language of the Bible. This is one reason God gave us the Bible, so we can recognize the Lord’s voice in our conscience, because it comes from understanding the Word. The more we know the Word, the more obedient we are to the Word, the more our conscience is in tune to hear the Spirit.
Necessary to hear the Spirit is the ability to be still inside. If cannot be still inside, or we make choices by our emotion, it will be extremely difficult to be guided by the Spirit. If our emotions drive our words and actions, then we bypass listening to the Spirit, because listening to the Spirit takes mental concentration. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. (1 Corinthians 7:5) Satan desires that we live strictly out of our emotions, so we will not seek the Spirit’s guidance.
We can train ourselves to walk in the Spirit by reading the Word, praying, and communing with the Lord. If we commune with the Lord as we go through our day, with thankfulness, praise, and asking for his help and guidance, it helps to be still inside with our thoughts, enabling us to seek Godly choices. The purpose of the Spirit is to help us make Godly choices in our thoughts, in our words, and in our actions.
Life through the Spirit enables us to have control over our emotions and over our thoughts. We soon experience the power of making Godly choices over our feelings, and reaping the positive benefits. Besides the Spirit guiding us, the Spirit fills our mind and heart with God’s love, peace, and joy. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)
Today seek to make Godly choices as you commune with the Lord. Pray that he keeps Satan away from your emotions so you can be still and maintain Godly wisdom in all circumstances. This is victory over the world when we instinctively seek Godly wisdom. This is truly the freedom of being in control through the power of the Holy Spirit. It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1)
Prayer: Lord, help me to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit today, making wise choices according to your will. Keep Satan away and keep my emotions under control as I seek your divine wisdom in every situation I encounter today. Lord, give me victory in Christ today. In Jesus name, Amen