Get Through Hard Times: Live in the Spirit

Let the Spirit Guide you

[Life by the Spirit] “So I say, live by the spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.”
Galatians 5:16 (NIV)

Talk it! Living “by the spirit” should be a daily undertaking by Christians. We should be in touch with Him and focus on His guidance, direction and correction daily. When we do this, we do not “gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” We, as sinners are transformed when we are under the control of the Holy Spirit. Our success in overcoming our sinful selves depends on how much we are willing to “live by the spirit.” This involves many decisions throughout your day.

Live it! During difficult times do you seek God’s direction for your life? Are you as willing to “live by the spirit” during the difficult times as you are in the good times? Check your life. Do you need to remove things in your life that are taking you in a direction God doesn’t want you to go? Have you developed attitudes that negatively affect your life, your relationships with family and friends, and your sense of hope? Draw close to God through prayer, reading, and studying His Word each day. Make time with God more important than anything else everyday during difficult times. Take action to assure you are following the Spirit’s leading and direction in your attitudes, choices, and decisions.

Pray it! Thank God for His blessings and His continued presence in your life. Ask Him to strengthen your faith, to help you grow in relying on Him to provide what you need when you feel overwhelmed and uncertain. Pray that your attitudes, words and actions show your gratitude for what Jesus did for you on the cross! Ask Him to help you forgive others as you have been forgiven. Pray for a life lived in faith, hope and love; a heart that desires to live under the control of the Spirit within you whatever your circumstances.

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