Continually draw

God gave us a life changing gift that steadies emotions.

Emotions are also a gift, but emotions can cause you to live a roller coaster life if not controlled. Thankfully, God gives His followers a gift to control our emotions.

As Scripture says in Galatians, there are two spirits that are active in the world.

In Galatians 5:16, Paul tells us to “walk by the Spirit.” Some translations say to “let the Holy Spirit guide your life.” This language tells us that it is a choice. One can choose to walk by the Spirit or not.

The evidence of not walking by the spirit is clear in Galatians – division, jealousy, anger, envy, rivalries, and “other things like these.”

The evidence of walking with the Holy Spirit is also very evident – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Continually draw on the gift that steadies the storm.

The Holy Spirit is present. The Holy Spirit is active. The Holy Spirit will give words. The Holy Spirit will settle fear, give you wisdom, power, and love when you don’t feel like loving.

Jesus told the Samaritan woman at the well that “everyone who drinks of the well water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

Ever see a spring of water? A spring of water never spots bubbling, but continually releases water. 

Nicollet Creek, a spring of water in Minnesota about an inch deep, forms the giant Mississippi River from Minnesota to Mississippi finally emptying into the Gulf of Mexico. The small spring of water turns into the powerful River.

This is true of the Holy Spirit. The river of life that is within us is from the Holy Spirit. But, daily, we must continually draw on the water.

To draw on the Holy Spirit, stay connected to His Word. This is all around us. Find your daily sources. Personally read the Bible, listen to music, podcasts, friends that follow Christ that will point you to Him, small groups, and, of course, a Bible-believing church. Time spent in any of these areas will continually allow the Spirit to guide your life.

The opposite is also true. A complete disregard for His Word leaves one open, susceptible to being guided by raw emotions, never settled, drama, no peace.

Remember, the Holy Spirit is always with you. The most immediate, impactful direct way to draw on the Spirit, to let Him guide your life, is to pray. Talk to Him with His words. Pray scripture to Him. Say it in your mind.

In one of my most difficult moments, when I did not have the words to pray, I simply recited a piece of Matthew 28:20, “God, I know nothing else, but I know that You are with me right now and until the end of the world.” I found peace in the moment. Pray for the Spirit to manifest himself in you with joy and peace. He will.

So, as you do battle this week, do not forsake the greatest gift that God has given you.

Live with confidence knowing that the Holy Spirit is you.

Draw on His water continually.

Impact others. Live generously.