It seems life as a Christian is filled with minor hills and valleys as I ascend and descend in altitude. To put it another way I know my spirit is strengthened from spending time with God, waiting to hear His voice, and obeying but even while doing this I can sense this notion that I am either about to go through a battle (usually with my own flesh) or I don’t quite understand the battle is already taking place but the decision to do right or wrong hasn’t taken place yet. Somehow my decision that is yet to come is being impacted by the things I believe or don’t believe right now so when that time comes the battle is either over very fast or I resist but feel the attack will only grow in strength. As an end result I feel weaker than I should be and a defeated attitude washes over me.
I know this, somehow victory is tied to rejoicing in the Lord for what He has done. Too often I find myself in a state of minor frustration because of surrounding circumstances or relationships with co-workers, family, and friends. This position wears on me spiritually until my resolve is broken and surprise that is when the battle (not necessarily the same issue) reveals itself and my spirit which had been strong from spending time in God’s Word is now weary and unprepared. I believe rejoicing as the Israelites did, even when they didn’t feel like it, was not only for God’s benefit but for theirs as well. In rejoicing your spirit reminds your flesh that God is in control regardless of what you see, hear, or feel. By letting circumstances impact the way you live makes you sensitive yes but I don’t want to be sensitive by means of my flesh but I want to live a life that is sensitive to the moving of God’s Holy Spirit. Being sensitive to the needs of my flesh only ends in defeat but being sensitive to the desire of God’s Holy Spirit leads me into His victory!
So God thanks for this revelation, thanks for loving me even when I cannot love myself, and thanks for caring enough to bring about change in my life so that I may live according to your will. Please help me not to be tied down by my needy flesh but strengthen my spirit so that it constantly reminds me that you are a loving God and my whole life and every situation and every relationship that involves me fits in the palm of your hand. It is not my place to control but to obey, please take this offering and be glorified as I lay it at your feet. Help me to change O’ God for I cannot be who I was made to be without you in my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.
