Journal Entry ~ 12/12/19

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. - Galatians 5:16 

Many of us struggle through our days because we do not feel the presence of the Spirit, but He is there - He is with us at all times. We don't always recognize the Spirit because sometimes we forfeit His presence with our actions. We choose to quiet the Spirit when we act in accordance with the world or the way our flesh desires. 

What are those things that forfeit the Spirit? Scripture tells us we will not be filled with the Holy Spirit if we grieve it. We grieve the Spirit when we do things the spirit doesn't want us to do. In other words we grieve the Spirit when we commit a sin. When we consciously choose to sin, we quiet the Spirit because it is grieving our choice. Think about grief for a moment - it is deep pain or sorrow. When I ponder that I bring deep pain or sorrow to the Spirit of God, I am filled with sadness. But the reality is that I do it every time I sin. 

When I place myself over others, or my agenda over His, when my idols take precedence over Him, like my children or my job, when I covet or do not honor Him with my words, when refuse to forgive, when I am consumed with anxiety, when I use harsh words, when I do anything I know that is disobedient to Him, I grieve the Spirit. He's always there, but when He is grieving, it is more difficult to hear His voice. When it’s difficult to hear His voice, you will see less and less fruit of the Spirit - less love, less joy, less peace. If you are feeling less peace and joy in your life, pause a moment and ask yourself where you are grieving the Spirit. 

I want to live a life for Christ. I want the people who know me to see His beauty and His light shine from me, especially those who don't know Him yet. When I recognize my sin, I must confess it in order to restore the Spirit in me. Only then will I demonstrate His love, His joy, and His peace to those in my life. 


Press on ~ you are loved 💗

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