Pastor’s Corner: “Spirit Lead Me”
Psalm 37:23 (NLT) – 23 The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Romans 8:14 (NLT) – 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. Galatians 5:25 (NLT) – 25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.
I am a planner. I like to be prepared for what is coming and when I am prepared it gives me peace and joy. As a chef, often times I would spend much more time in planning and preparing for an event (example: wedding reception) than I would on the day of the event. Sometimes I would do this to a fault because it gave me a false sense of security and a sense of control. In my faith walk, I have seen this skill as both a blessing and a struggle. The blessing is that I can use this skill to bring organization to a chaotic environment. The struggle is that in my faith walk, I am encouraged to give up control and relinquish it over to God.
Today’s verses remind me of the importance of reading and obeying God’s Word and trusting His Spirit to lead me in the way that I should go. It has been a learning process for me to truly surrender to God’s plan for my life and not pick back up what I’ve already laid down to Him. If you are a planner like me and struggle with not having complete control, I want to encourage you to trust that He knows far better than us the steps we need to take to bring glory to His name.
There are so many other voices trying to lead us—other people, the devil, or even our own flesh (our body, mind, will, or emotions)—and often several are talking at the same time. In order to live in close relationship with God, it’s crucial that we choose to be led by the Holy Spirit instead of those other voices. Only He knows the will of God, and He’s been sent to live in each of us, to help us become all God has designed us to be, and to fulfill all He wants us to do.
As believers, we’ve been given the Holy Spirit as a Helper, Teacher, Friend, and seal for the promised inheritance of eternal life with God. His presence, guidance, and wisdom in our lives are our greatest gifts while here on earth. Through him we have access to direct connection with our heavenly Father. Through him we receive spiritual gifts to empower us. And through him we are able to bear the incredible fruit of abundant life.
The Holy Spirit is a person (as the third Person of the Godhead). He intercedes for us and through us. He hears, speaks, teaches, and guides us into truth. He glorifies Christ, reveals Christ to us, and brings all of Christ’s words to our remembrance. He shows us the things to come, knows the deep things of God, searches all things, and reveals all things. Where He is, there is freedom. He inspired the writers of the Bible. He reveals the Son to us. We are convicted by Him, born again by Him, led by Him, filled by Him, and sealed by Him. The Spirit brings wisdom when we consider ways that are unwise. The Spirit brings conviction when we begin to drift from our convictions. The Spirit brings comfort when we struggle with discomfort. The Spirit leads us into God’s will when we are tempted to follow our own will. The Holy Spirit is heaven’s secret to spiritual living.
The Holy Spirit fuels spiritual living. This is where freedom resides and where fruit bearing takes place. Spiritual living submits to Christ. Spirit led living thrives as we daily surrender our will (flesh) to Jesus daily. When we’re following the voice of the Holy Spirit, He leads us by peace, by wisdom, and by God’s Word. He also speaks through a still, small voice in our hearts as we seek to live for God. The more we follow His leading, the more we will be victorious in life.
In His Grace,
Pastor Hamilton