“Behold, You desire truth in the inner being; make me therefore to know wisdom in my inmost heart.“ Psalm 51:6 (AMP)
How often have you allowed a few days, weeks, or months to pass before reading the Bible?
How often have you pursued your own desires and the pleasures of this world?
How often do you bring your thoughts under control by the Holy Spirit?
Does your life reflect the will of your Heavenly Father?
I am sure many of you have cringed as you read each question, but I am not here to condemn you but to encourage you to use this moment as a point of self-reflection. There are times in our lives that we have to be honest with ourselves about where we are. We must face the ugly truth and make a choice to move forward.
The Lord longs to help us in our times of need, but we must first surrender ourselves to Him. For us to live a life controlled by the Holy Spirit we must learn to control our thought lives. When our mind has been conditioned through prayer and meditation upon scripture it is not as easy for demonic attacks to succeed against us. We war with our flesh every day, but the point is not to give up. Turn your attention to the Word of God and receive the strength you need to live a spirit-filled life. I have provided a few go-to scriptures that have helped me along the way.
‘Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now Your word do I keep‘ [hearing, receiving, loving, and obeying it]. Psalm 119:67 (AMP)
‘Do not love or cherish the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him.’ 1 John 2:15 (AMP)
That means you must not give sin a vote in the way you conduct your lives. Don’t give it the time of day. Don’t even run little errands that are connected with that old way of life. Throw yourselves wholeheartedly and full-time— remember, you’ve been raised from the dead! —into God’s way of doing things. Sin can’t tell you how to live. After all, you’re not living under that old tyranny any longer. You’re living in the freedom of God. Romans 6:12-14 (MSG)
[Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight.’ Philippians 2:13 (AMP)
Father, forgive us for picking up your Word only after our ways fail us. Forgive us for not remaining focused and intent on doing your will. Too often, we get caught up in our everyday routine and lose sight of your will for our lives. Forgive us for giving ourselves over to every thought, craving, and desire, for Your Word says we should not give any part of our body over to sin. Help us Lord to get ourselves back on track fully committed to you and your plans for our lives. Help us to submit to your good will and pleasure. Help us to rely on your Strength and not our own. Help us to surrender our will to yours. We know that you have our best interest at heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
By Mary Pinckney
Used by Permission
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