Do you often ignore that still small voice and then later regret it? Are you sensitive to the vibes you get when you meet someone new or enter a restaurant? Do you trust your intuition? Many of us have been told "Oh, you're too sensitive" or "Oh, get a tougher skin". Can you relate? Our feelings and our sensitivity to that still small voice are gifts we have been given to help us navigate through life, avoid danger, and make good choices. Let's face it we live in a rough and tough world and people who are "sensitive" are often criticized. Well, this week I am writing to encourage all of us to tune out those folks who criticize and get back in touch with the Holy Spirit and her gentle guiding. So, how do we live by the Spirit in this loud and fast-paced world?
Find Time to Get Quiet
We live in a noisy world. From the constant rings, dings, and beeps of our phones to the loud blasts of construction everywhere to the steady barrage of news and information coming at us. All this noise separates us from ourselves and from the Holy Spirit who is often trying to communicate to us. When we make time to get quiet, we allow our spirit to connect with the Holy Spirit. God is always speaking to us, the question is "Are we listening?"
Distractions abound and it is up to us to make the decision to find stillness so we can hear that still small voice. Being still goes against our 'get it done now" culture, but the Bible clearly exhorts us to "Be still and know that I am God" (Ps. 46:10). Did Jesus ever hurry? I don't think so. He made time daily to be still before God and if he made it a priority, so should we, don't you think?
Listen to Your Body
Our bodies are also vehicles through which the Holy Spirit can communicate to us. I notice that my stomach churns when I am having a difficult conversation. Migraines - as horrible as they are - also have messages and it is up to us to discern what that message is. Just this past weekend, I had a terrible one. After figuring out the physiologial cause, the deeper spiritual message to me was to spend less energy on other people's problems and focus more on my health and my problems. Yes, I am a recovering codependent with an elderly mother.
Read the Bible
I cannot stress this enough. People have stopped going to church and many have lost their connection with God. A good way to reconnect is to spend time reading the Bible, the most copied manuscript of all time. It is the inspired word of God. In it, we can learn more about the Holy Spirit and how God wants us to live.
There are nine fruits of the Spirit which means behaviors that show we are living not according to our flesh (ego), but more like Jesus. Do you know what they are?
1. Love
2. Joy
3. Peace
4. Patience
5. Kindness
6. Goodness
7. Faithfulness
8. Gentleness
9. Self control
The more we exhibit these characteristics, the more loving person we become. We will be more tolerant of others. Have more joy, and find the peace we all seek.
For Reflection
Do you make time to get quiet on a daily basis? It is one of the steps to building our spiritual muscle and one way to grow spiritually. Which of the fruits of the Spirit could you need help with? If you have accepted Jesus as your Savior, the next step is to ask for the Holy Spirit to fill you and then focus on one of the fruits to practice in your daily life. Sticky notes around the house are a good reminder.
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Thanks for reading, and stay tuned as we learn more on how to ignite the power within so you can take back your life and discover YOUR destiny!
Until next time, keep looking up!
Ariel Paz
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